Finally, I finished! Thank you for your wonderful and enduring patience with me and this story. I felt terrible about not being able to complete it. I almost deleted it without the last two chapters because of the guilt gnawing away at my soul. Now, wha-la- finished!

Thank you so much for following and reading. It has been so much fun writing this couple!

Ciao bellas ;)

Chapter 14: Malfoy+Granger= Happily Ever After

Convincing the healers at the hospital to allow him permission to stay with Hermione was incredibly difficult. It didn't help that chaos broke out upon arriving as word got out to the healers and staff that Hermione Granger was there. It wasn't every day that a celebrity arrived on one's doorstep. Draco insisted, as well as Hermione, that he stay with her. But it fell on deaf ears. Draco had to resist the urge to hex every healer in his path to get back to Hermione.

One healer didn't believe that Hermione Granger would associate herself with a Malfoy, the other healer said family only. It wasn't until Harry Potter showed up that Draco was granted access to Hermione. He begrudgingly thanked Harry and they went in to check on Hermione together.

"What happened?" Harry asked the second they were alone, walking down the corridor to the back of the hospital wing.

"Casanova was there when I arrived…" Draco hesitated. A flash of Hermione pinned beneath the murderer, helpless—powerless, nearly crippled him. The guilt ate him. He should've been there sooner. He should've known…! He should've never left her alone, not for an instant. Draco cleared his throat roughly, the emotion of witnessing that violence against her would haunt him the rest of his life. "Thaddeus… he… resolved the matter."

Harry sighed, "A polite euphemism for murder."

"If Thaddeus hadn't killed him, I would've. And to quote Thaddeus, he got what was coming."

Harry grew silent for a moment. The only sounds were of the busy hospital wing behind them and their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Finally, he said, "I think if Ginny had been the one… I would've… I would've lost my mind. And then done the same. Don't tell Hermione I said that."

Draco merely nodded.

Harry's footsteps stilled suddenly, and his sharp and yet stern gaze caught with Draco's.

"We are not children anymore, Malfoy." Harry stated. Draco arched an eyebrow at this but let the man speak. "I know that you and Hermione have something going on. That is obvious at this point. And out of respect for her, I will not give you the lecture on hurting her. As you well know, Hermione doesn't have family, except for me and Ginny, and the rest of the gang from school. She's rather alone to be honest. Not unlike you I suppose," Harry said thoughtfully before continuing. "Be careful, Malfoy. She's an incredible woman and deserves nothing less than that."

Draco inhaled sharply. He knew Harry and Hermione were close. Family. He was protecting her because there was no one else in her life to do so. A deep respect grew within Draco for his former enemy.

"I love her. I will protect her until the day I die." Draco confessed easily to the wizard before him.

Harry's brows lifted in surprise. "Feels rather quick."

Draco chuckled but the laugh felt hollow, filled with a stinging ache. "I've loved her for years."

This confession made Harry's eyebrows lower in confusion, "Years? Since Hogwarts?"

It was then a cool smile pulled at his lips, "that's none of your business, Mr. Potter." He drawled sardonically.

Harry gaped, "That explains a lot." He shook his head and began to return to their walk towards the private wing of the hospital. "I never imagined you two."

"Well, maybe you lack imagination."

"Yeah, clearly." He snorted, "Too be honest, I always just saw her and Ron. But over time, the more they grew—the more they grew apart. They weren't happy. And when Hermione wasn't happy, I felt that deeply."

"Are you about to give another 'don't hurt my family' speech?" Draco asked lightly.

Harry shook his head, "Actually, I was about to tell you that I haven't seen Hermione this happy in years."

Draco was absorbing Harry's words as they entered the wing. White curtains hid some of the beds from view that wanted to be private, and a few people lingered with healers attending to them. His eyes hunted for her and landed on the golden brown, curly haired beauty. He frowned. She was not in bed, resting as she should be, but in fact, standing with her arm around an unfamiliar young woman, who was weeping softly over Thaddeus, who was still unconscious.

Hermione seemed to sense him, and her eyes locked on to him from across the room. The tension in his body eased only a little when she smiled warmly at him. It was when she finally left the woman's side, and walked towards him, without a limp or any indication of pain on her face, the tension unfurled more. Harry stepped aside and instead patted Hermione's shoulder as he past and walked to Thaddeus and to what Draco deduced, was Cordelia.

It was Draco who reached for her first, needing the comfort of her against him, to feel her strong again in his arms. She let out a weak, sighing laugh as she embraced him in a hug.

"Apparently the Malfoy name isn't as powerful as the Potter name when attempting to gain access to the Hermione Granger." He growled.

He felt her press a warm kiss on the side of his neck before resting the side of her head against his chest. "How come that doesn't surprise me?"

"We may need to change that." He surprised himself by the words and she too sent him a shocked look.

"And what exactly does that mean?"

Draco tried to shrug off the sudden emotion washing over him. He meant changing her name—to his. And they both knew it. His heart raced like a wild stallion, kicking at his ribcage at the mere thought of her being his, forever.

"Another time, perhaps, love." He whispered, kissing her forehead. "Was that your sister you were standing next to?" He teased.

She smirked knowingly up at him. Her intelligence and wit would not forget this moment, and she too saw his attempt at divergence. She allowed it though as she replied, "Right? It's insane. I've never had a doppelganger."

"What's a doppelganger?"

She waved a dismissive hand, "Muggle legend."

"You seemed healed," he commented, unable to stop his hand from tracing the outline of her side. She wore her green peacoat now, as the shirt she had on earlier was damaged by the blade and had to be removed when she arrived at the hospital.

She nodded, "I am. Fantastic healers here, really the best. It's why I'm not worried for Thaddeus. The healers were a little unsure of the muggle narcotic, but once they figured out it's properties, they were able to heal him."

"Cordelia, I assume?" He asked, indicating with his gaze to the woman now sitting besides Thaddeus, while Harry consulted with one of the healers.

"Yes, she saved my life."

"Then she also saved mine, I will be sure to thank her."

Hermione smiled brilliantly at this.

"So, darling, can I jail break you now?" He asked.

"Yes, please."

Before they left, Draco introduced himself to Cordelia and thanked her for her bravery and courage. Harry walked with them out to the lobby of the hospital, Draco agreeing to check in on his personal wizard guard within a few hours. Cordelia said she would send an owl if he woke before then. Hermione slipped her hand into Draco's and they walked into the hospital lobby and both instantly stilled in their tracks as an army of reporters, snapping photos were waiting for them.

Harry instantly moved forward, arms out, attempting to catch the attention of the reporters first. Draco attempted to remove his hand from Hermione's, knowing full well she had already been through enough, let alone having to deal with the scrutiny of her love life plastered all over the papers in the morning.

He felt her fingers squeeze around his and refuse to break her grip. He shot her a hard look. She returned his gaze with her own fierce, unwavering one. He read the expression on her face clearly, 'I'm not afraid, nor ashamed'. His heart twisted in a painful knot and he returned her grip. She may not be afraid, but he was for her. He couldn't help it. His own damning experience with the Malfoy name being splattered across the headlines had been devastating. The world did not look favorably on him, or his family. He was associated with Lord Voldemort in the eyes of many.

He did not wish the ridicule or humiliation on fall upon her. But he couldn't stop her, nor would he. He could only defend and protect her choices. Afterall, he was one of her choices.

"Is that Draco Malfoy?!" A female reporter's high pitch voice echoed above the noise of the camera flashes. "And Hermione Granger?"

More flashes. Hermione held resolute. Harry's voice erupted over the noise, "I thank you all for coming here and showing Hermione support in this hour. She's been incredibly brave, along with those who were injured in the attack."

"Who attacked you Granger?! Was it Malfoy?!" Another reporter shouted.

"No, it wasn't Malfoy. Hermione was working a case for the Ministry. Tracking down missing witches who were taken and ultimately murdered." Harry said coolly. "She unfortunately was taken by this murderer, who called himself Casanova and was held captive by him. She managed to escape only a few days ago and was once more thwarted by this murderer earlier this morning."

"Casanova? A serial murderer in the wizarding community?" A reporter asked, astonished.

Hermione stepped forward now, her hand still locked with Draco's. She was confident and at ease, taking command of the room instantly. To say he was impressed by this, was an understatement. Hermione had a way of continuously astounding him. He had the distinct feeling that she always would.

His top favorite moments of her astonishing him were: punching him in the face back at Hogwarts, apologizing to him when she was being difficult during their detention together, then of course their fiery kisses in a potions closet, followed by the most sensuously sexy night of his life. Years later, it was her sheer audacity in walking into his club and demanding his help. Followed by jumping madly off a cliff to save her life, making brilliant incredible love to her again after all these years, and then hearing her confess her love for him. Oh, and of course, bringing down the most powerful dark wizard the world had ever seen. His life would never dull with her around. Hermione herself was an astonishing person to behold. Like a brilliant, shining star that he would never tire gazing upon.

Draco returned his attention back to her now.

"Yes." Hermione said sternly, "He killed several women. Today, during the attack, Draco Malfoy saved my life, and his assistant was the one who stopped Casanova once in for all."

Whispers and more flashes erupted once more. Draco felt ill at ease with this, yet he knew this was the life of Hermione Granger. If he wanted to share his life with hers, he would have to get used to the public display of it all.

"Are you two an item then?" Another voice asked behind the cameras and quills.

Hermione's face chilled instantly. "If that's what you choose to focus on, rather than the heroic actions taken today against a serial killer, then I am ashamed of our wizarding community."

A harsh silence fell over the clicks and scribbling quills.

"Well said," Harry said with a reassuring nod and turned back to the crowd of reporters. "If you don't mind, it's been a busy day. We could all use some much-needed rest and tea."

Draco arched his eyebrow at the tea comment. The reporters parted as Harry, Hermione and Draco walked past them and out the door.

Draco returned with Hermione to her home. She showered and changed, wanting to get the dried blood off her skin and whatever fowl lingering touches from Casanova scrubbed clean from her. He ordered food for them and opened a bottle of wine while he waited. He heard her footsteps as she walked down her hallway, a towel in her hand as she rubbed the dampness from her thick hair. She wore faded blue jeans and a white sweater shirt with long-sleeves that she had pulled up around her elbows. Her face was pink from the shower still and she smelled like sweet lilies as she neared him. He handed her a glass of red wine and she took it was a deep, grateful sigh.

"So much better than tea," she said, taking a sip.

"I ordered food too."

She hummed happily, "I think I just fell a little more in love with you, Malfoy."

He smirked, wrapping his arm around her waist, carefully setting down her wine glass. "I believe the return owl said thirty minutes."

"That doesn't sound like enough time to me," she teased as he bent and took her seductive, hot lips into his. He kissed her deeply, opening her mouth with his tongue and savoring her sweet taste.

"No, you're right," he growled darkly. Her eyes were glazed in a heady passion as he thumbed her lower lip. "I guess should just stop kissing you and wait patiently to devour you until the food arrives."

Hermione's glazed eyes cleared. "Not a chance!"

He chuckled as she nearly flung herself at him. He grabbed her, hauled her up into his arms and took her back into the bedroom.

They made love all night, stopping only once to finally eat the food that had been delivered and forgotten at her front door. Both had waited years to return to this moment. The whole world forgotten but just them and their passions. That night under the moonlight they had tapped into a powerful, almost magical bond between them. But it wasn't until this moment that the bond sealed and branded them. Their love for one another shared, their bodies connected, and their hearts entwined. Neither of them believed much for the fairy tales and the happily ever afters.

Until now.

Epilogue

A few years later…

Hermione stood patiently outside the classroom door. Nervously, she adjusted her dress robes that she wore as a professor. She had been a professor for almost a year now at Hogwarts. The position for A History of Magic class needed filling after the ancient ghost finally retired due to one too many complaints about the number of students falling asleep in his class. McGonagall reached out to Hermione immediately and she accepted it, her dream of being a full-time professor at Hogwarts finally coming to life. She too was ready to retire from the political drama that was the Ministry of Magic.

The next surprise came when McGonagall reached out to Draco and asked if he would be interested in the ever hailed and infamous position of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Draco, over the year had become a pillar in the magical community. His business had become more successful than ever before once he included not just one type of wizard or witch into his establishment. Their relationship had defied the wizarding community and also pulled it together. As though healing a deep wound between dark and light witches and wizards. Allowing couples, that once were shamed into hiding, to come out of the shadows for the first time in centuries. Dark and light witches and wizards joining and feeling safe to do so because of their example.

Hermione had never been a fan of her celebrity status, yet that all changed because of Draco—because their relationship became a beacon to those who loved but were afraid. Now, they didn't have to fear as much, since Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy, once mortal enemies, turned lovers and couple, were still going strong after two years together.

She bit nervously on her lower lip and tapped her healed toe on the stone floor. Two years. He still hadn't asked the big question yet, and that somewhat bothered her, yet they both knew neither of them were leaving one another. But with all things considered, her news for him today, she would like to marry him and bare his name. Her news would change everything. She swallowed and let out a startled breath as the door swung open and a dozen first year students came flooding out. Their faces young and fresh, all grinning and talking excitedly about their lesson on cursed objects.

A few students noticed her and politely greeted her as they were too some of her students. Everyone knew that Professor Malfoy and Professor Granger were a couple. They shared a home in Hogsmeade that on occasion had a noisy reporter or even curious student milling about. It was also a home known to host people like Harry and Ginny Potter, along with other characters in the take down of the infamous Lord Voldemort.

Once the last student left the classroom, Hermione headed inside and closed the large door behind her.

Draco was collecting papers off some of the desks and looked up to the noise of the door. He smiled warmly at the sight of her. "Well, Miss Granger—forget something?"

She grinned and pretended to think, "Actually… I did." She strode over to him and slipped a hand over his green tie, pulling him down for a scorching kiss. He moaned immediately, his hands coming around her and drawing her into him.

She felt his arousal press into her. They both had an odd fetish to recreate their first night together in their classrooms and it didn't take much for either of them to light that fire once it was lit. Hermione felt her body flush and instantly give in, kissing him furiously back, her hands trembling with a rushing excitement as she ran a hand through his hair.

He moaned again, but this time in frustration. "I have another bloody class," he cursed angrily against her lips. Draco never liked being sexually frustrated. "Didn't I give you my schedule?"

She chuckled and let out her own sigh, smiling up at him. "I know your schedule. I just couldn't wait."

His silver blue eyes stared curiously down at her, "Wait? For what? Did you get the keys for the potion's lab finally? Bloody 'ell that would be fun."

Hermione shook her head in exasperation. "No, I didn't."

He sat back on one of the desks behind him and stood her between his outstretched legs, his hands on her hips. "What's the news, love?"

Hermione swallowed nervously again, suddenly feeling light-headed. His soft features hardened instantly, reading her like an open book, "What's wrong, Granger?"

"I want to marry you," she suddenly blurted out.

Draco blinked in surprise. Her face reddened and she slapped a hand over her hot cheeks, "Oh that came out wrong."

"Are you proposing to me, Hermione?" He asked teasingly.

"Sort of," she mumbled.

Draco's teasing smile turned curious, "I was hoping to be the one that proposed, I guess I'm a little old fashioned and slow." He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. "You beat me to it."

Hermione's heart galloped uncontrollably in her chest and she gasped. "Draco? Are you serious?"

Draco laughed, "Yes, I've always been serious. Especially when it comes to you."

"But I wasn't!"

"You don't want to marry me?"

"No! No, that's not what I meant—I didn't mean to propose or tell you to propose. I just wanted to be married to you before we had…" she fumbled at her words. Her heart beating too fast now as she clutched her chest and took a deep, gasping breath. "I'm pregnant."

His sharp eyes searched her face and found the truth without asking for it. Surprising her, Draco dropped to one knee and flipped open the box to reveal a beautiful, rose gold band with a brilliant diamond ring in the center. It was stunning. And she was stunned. Tears creased her eyes.

"Granger, marry me?" He grinned up at her, taking her trembling hand into his strong, sure grasp and slid the ring onto her finger. "Let me be your husband, your partner on this journey through this world—let me be your other half. I already am, and always will be, but sometimes it's nice to make it official though. And I selfishly want you to be a Malfoy."

She giggled through her tears. "Are you okay with a baby?"

Tears sprang to his eyes now, emotion clouding his face. "Of course, love. I just want you to know I'd marry you, pregnant or not."

"Me too," she whispered through her tears. "Yes, my dear and beautiful Malfoy, I will marry you."

He jumped to his feet and hauled her into his arms. They laughed and they cried. Their happiness was infectious as students began to enter his class and grin at their professors.

Draco set her down and kissed her achingly slow. The students erupted into whistles and groans. Hermione pulled back laughing, wiping the tears from her eyes.

He turned to his class, beaming. "I am proud to announce that today—Professor Granger and I intend to wed!"

Cheers and applause broke out in his class.

On the topmost astonishing moments for Hermione when it came to her fiancé, and soon to be husband, Draco Malfoy—this was on at the very top.

End

Ps... Thaddeus and Cordelia also lived happily ever after ;)