Ok, here's the latest installment of this sordid affair. I hope you all are enjoying this fic. As you already know it's my first and I think it is shaping up quite nicely. But enough talk, just read and review!

Chapter 12

Draco and Hermione went up to their new Head Boy/Girl dorm when they arrived back at Hogwarts that evening. Neither were too excited about the upcoming year, but were happy they had each other and got their own dorm and common room. Draco went into his room and sat down on his bed. It was larger than last year, but the dressings were very similar. The bedding was a deep velvety green, and there seemed to be twice as many pillows. It was fit for a Malfoy. He reached his hand into his robes and pulled out the little black box his mother had given him only a couple months prior. He took out the ring and studied it carefully. He held it in his hands and stared at it. It would be soon. He was going to ask her soon. He couldn't wait any longer.
That night Hermione went on a walk alone. She roamed the halls of the school without fear of punishment, although her life seemed punishment enough. Nothing seemed to be going right for her. It had to turn around soon. . . she hoped. Her footsteps echoed in the cold damp halls making her feel even more alone than she was. She walked closer to Gryffindor tower almost hoping to see some of her old friends. She turned a corner and saw two people up ahead. Neither had noticed her. One of them, a boy, was down on one knee.
"Ginny Weasley, will you marry me?"
"Oh Harry! Of course! I love you!" Hermione's heart shattered. She had no idea they were so serious. It wasn't jealousy, but feelings that she had been missing out on her friend's lives. Immediately she turned to walk away, not wanting to be seen and ruin the moment.
"Hermione? Is that you?" Ginny called out.
"Sorry, I was just out walking. I'm leaving now." She was sure her face was beet red by now. She hadn't meant to be seen.
"No Herm, stay". This time it was Harry's voice. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Herm, we've missed you."
"Oh Harry, does this mean you forgive me?" she asked hopefully.
"Herm" he said as he pushed her away to look into her eyes "Do you love him? I mean really love him?"
"Yes Harry. With all my heart. He's changed, you have to believe me."
"I will give him a chance to prove it. I have missed you so much. I started to realize that as a friend I should have tried harder to work through this rather than let you slip away. If you really love him then we are here for you. I see now that you didn't do this to hurt anyone. But good luck with Ron." he added with a laugh.
"Oh Harry, you have no idea what this means to me. It's a huge relief having my friends back".
"You still have Ron to deal with. But don't worry, I will be here for you. I really owe you an apology for how we treated you." He hugged her one more time and kissed her on the cheek. "Now, it's great to have you back and all, but we have some big news to tell Ron and Lav. Goodnight Mione".
"Goodnight. . . and Congratulations!" she yelled with excitement. There was nothing to match this feeling. She finally had friends again. She headed back to her dorm to tell Draco the news.
"Draco!" he wasn't in the common room. "Draco!" he was still in bed. She jumped on top of him and woke him up. She couldn't hold it in.
"Draco, Harry. . .Ginny. . .they forgive me! I have friends again!"
"Great. Goodnight."
"No really! This is fantastic"
"I'm happy for you. It's just that I wish the Slytherins felt the same. Not that I care, but Pansy looks murderous sometimes. Now lay down and sleep here tonight" he said with a smile. She had a feeling he had more on his mind than sleep. . . and he certainly did.
The next day went very quickly. Hermione still avoided her friends. She had to get Ron straightened out first. She sat in the library instead. Preparing for her N.E.W.T.s kept her extremely busy. She and Draco sat at their respective tables for dinner that night. Draco told her he would meet her in her room after dinner. She ate quickly and was soon gone. As soon as he noticed he made his move.
Draco made his way over to the Gryffindor territory. He was going to clear up this mess once and for all.
"Malfoy, I think you have lost your way" Ron said smugly.
"Excuse me, but I have come to have words with Potter. . in private. That means you aren't invited. Sorry". Ron had a death glare in his eyes. Why couldn't he ever think of a good comeback?
"Lead the way Malfoy" and Harry followed right behind him. He led him to a corner of the hall. He would be quick and to the point. He had to get up to Hermione soon.
"All I am going to say is be out by the lake in fifteen minutes. Stay out of sight, but be able to hear us. You will know what I mean when you get out there. I think this should clear this all up. I know what you said to Hermione by the way. All I have to say about that is thank you. I mean that. It means a lot to me whether you know it or not".
"You still need to prove yourself. Especially to Ron. We will be out there. This better be worth it".
"I think it will be" and they separated. Draco headed up the stone steps to collect Hermione. He found her on the couch in the common room with books of various subjects strewn about the floor.
"Herm, let's go on a walk tonight. It's a beautiful night.
"Drake I really need to study". But he flashed her a smile. "but maybe a small break would do me some good. I could use some fresh air."
"That's my girl" and he took her hand. He led her through the halls and out by the lake. They sat down by a large tree and talked for a bit. Finally Draco saw four figures moving towards the lake. ~*~~**~*~**~*~*~*~*

"Harry what are we-Is that Malfoy? And Hermione? Ya know I hope she realizes he is using her. Just wants her in bed. Too bad she wouldn't do that. You know-"
"Ron, shut up and fucking watch. I brought you out here for a reason." Harry yelled as much as he could in a whisper.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Bout time" Draco muttered.
"What did you say?"
"Oh nothing." Suddenly he was very nervous. He prayed to God this would work out. He waited until the four were close enough to hear before turning to face Hermione.
"Hermione, we have had a long history of anger and insults, but it has all changed. For a year now you have really been in my life. You are one of the very few who have really gotten to know the person I am, and you have looked into me to see the person I can be. You have always been honest and loyal sticking by me when you knew your friends didn't exactly approve. I can't tell you how much that means to me. Everyday I look at you and realize that I really am the luckiest man alive. You show nothing but true love, honesty, and generosity. You are a wonderful and beautiful person. You are my princess and I love you. Hermione Granger, I want to grow old with you. I want to have a family with you. I want to wake up to see your beautiful face every morning, and I want you to be the last thing I think about every night. Will you marry me?" as he continued his nerves backed off. He was confident as he gave her a big smile.
"Oh Draco! Of course I will. I love you so much."
"I love you more." He replied simply. Always the same reply. Which is why he had 'I love you more' inscribed in the ring he slipped on her left hand.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Now do you get it?" Ginny asked Ron.
"He really loves her. He actually wants to marry her. She said yes. I can't believe what jerks we have been." he said simply.
"Yeah I know." Harry replied.
"Let's go inside and leave them alone. We have some apologies to make in the morning." Ron said sheepishly.

A/N: ok there was the part you were all waiting for. Finally! Happiness! Yay! Sad to say it but this story will be ending soon, but I think there will be a sequel. Hmmm I don't know yet. Anyway REVIEW! Or I won't finish the story. Uhoh! I'm not bluffing. I would like to thank all those that have reviewed so far. It's so helpful and it puts a big smile on my face when I read them. It makes me so happy that people actually love my writing. Especially since in school they told me I'm not a good writer. So read and review and enjoy. I'll be back later for the next episode. Later!