Hermione woke the next morning, sprawled across Draco's bed, alone. She vaguely remembered what had happened the night before. Playing with the ring on her right hand, Hermione looked around the room and noticed that she wasn't entirely alone. Demon, Draco's black owl, was perched in a cage in the corner. Upon seeing Hermione awake, Demon flew over and placed a note in Hermione's lap.

Hermione-

Out. Be back for lunch. Meet me in the library around noon.

-D.M.

Hermione smiled, folding the letter up and getting out of bed. After showering and dressing, she walked to the Gryffindor common room. Finding it empty, she turned to leave, but was abruptly stopped by Ron, who had entered behind her. Out of breath, his eyes wild, he grabbed Hermione's wrist and dragged her to a chair.

"Ron," Hermione asked, a little worried by his behavior. His hair was tousled and his freckled face was pale. "What's going on?"

"I had a dream…" Ron whispered, drawing Hermione closer. "You have to find Malfoy. Now. And we have to find Dumbledore."

"What? Why? Draco's gone until noon…" Hermione glanced up at the clock and saw that it was already 12:30.

"No time to explain. We have to hurry." Ron grabbed Hermione's wrist roughly and pulled her down the corridor. "Where are you meeting Malfoy?"

"How did you know? The library…" Hermione said, confused beyond all reasoning.

"Okay, you go to Dumbledore's office, I'll get Malfoy. Hurry!" Ron said, pushing her a bit in the right direction. "I'll explain there!" Ron ran off down the stairs, leaving Hermione to walk alone to Dumbledore's office. She reached he gargoyle statue, and sighed. Hermione didn't know the password and had no way to get inside. She started to turn to walk away, but the wall opened and Dumbledore and Snape stepped out.

"Hermione," Dumbledore said gravely. "We've been expecting you."

P

"What?" Draco yelled at Ron. They were in the library, behind the herbology books. "You mean to tell me that you're down here because Hermione and I are in danger? Of what? And how do you know? Where's Hermione goddamnit!" Draco was yelling, causing frantic shushing noises from the Librarian.

"Malfoy, calm down. The last thing we need to be doing is drawing attention to ourselves. Now, I'll explain everything when we meet Hermione is Dumbledore's office. Come on!" Ron whispered, running. Draco reluctantly followed all the way to the gargoyle statue. It moved aside without a password. Snape had instructed it to do so for just these two boys and Potter, if he were to show up. Ron and Draco pounded up the stairs, taking them three at a time. Bursting through the door to the office, Snape turned to look at them, drawing Draco to one side and shoving him lightly into a chair next to Hermione.

"Ahh, finally, we are all here. Except for Mr. Potter and Minerva…but we will tell them later, I suppose. Mr. Weasley, I believe that you have to explain a few things to Draco and Hermione?" Dumbledore said calmly, sitting back in his chair.

Ron, still out of breath, nodded. "Well, I don't know if they've told you," Ron said to Draco. "But I'm a clairvoyant and last night I had this dream. It was about V-er…You-Know-Who and you two and me and Harry and…" Ron took a deep breath, pausing only slightly, but Hermione jumped right in.

"What about us?" Hermione said, her voice higher than normal. She reached out instinctively to grasp Draco's hand, bring a surprised, yet knowing look to Snape's face.

"Just let me finish Hermione. Well, it was kind of blurry but basically You-Know-Who's forces are rising…he's getting more and more powerful…and I think he's after you Hermione!" Ron collapsed in a chair, reliving his horrible dream. The painful picture flashed through his mind; Hermione running, clasping a blanket to her chest, three figures standing up to a legion of Death Eaters and Voldemort himself coming after the tallest, blinding flashes of light, screams…Harry and Ron's bodies collapsed on the ground, Draco facing off against Lucius… Ron closed his eyes, drawing in his breath, slow and ragged. Draco also shut his eyes, trying to picture what Ron had seen. He knew that the red-haired boy was a clairvoyant, and that what he had seen would indeed come to pass. Hermione finally did speak, breaking the tense silence that filled the room.

"Professor Dumbledore?" She whispered, still grasping Draco's hand. "What do we do?" Dumbledore looked up, seeing the girl he had watched grow into the remarkable woman who sat before him. He knew all about Lucius' plans for Hermione, and also that she had agreed, potentially binding herself to Draco. Sighing, the wizened professor spoke.

"Well, Hermione, you have a few options. You can run from Hogwarts, and live in exile for the rest of your life, or you can choose to follow your pre-determined path, and stay with Mr. Malfoy." Ron looked up, seeing the pain and resolve in Hermione's face and decided not to remark about what was going on with her and Malfoy.

"Professor, if you don't mind, how much time do we have before Voldemort comes after us?" Hermione had learned long ago that fear only multiplied if you did not acknowledge it directly.

"I would believe a few years or so before what Ron has seen will happen. But we need to take direct action. Severus, if you do not mind speaking with Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger about what they need to do, Mr. Weasley and I will find Mr. Potter and Minerva." Snape nodded, indicating to the two students to follow him into another room. They ended up in a study, not unlike Dumbledore's office. Snape directed them towards two chairs.

"Draco, I believe that you and Miss Granger have been keeping a secret from me for quite sometime. No matter, Dumbledore has informed me of everything, down to your agreement, Miss Granger." Hermione blushed at Snape's words, but he continued. "You do know that if you choose to stay with Mr. Malfoy that your life and his, as well as your child's life, will be in danger. It will not be an easy course, but one that could lead to a victory over Voldemort." Snape realized the intense pressure he was placing on Hermione's shoulders. Her breathing was shallow and soft, and her face had drained of all color.

"I choose to stay with Draco." She said softly, daring to meet Draco's ice-blue gaze. His eyes were filled with amazement. Surely she had not just agreed to endanger her life to be with him? But Draco saw the truth all there reflected in her amber eyes. She did love him, more than anything. Hermione needed to be with him, as much as he needed to be with her. Draco had never expected Hermione to sacrifice herself for him, but he had never imagined a lot of things that now seemed possible.

"Professor," Draco said at last. "Could I ask you something?"

"Certainly, Mr. Malfoy. Anything at all." Snape replied, a little curious.

"Is it possible for me to marry Hermione?" Draco continued, not breaking the gaze between himself and Hermione. She drew her breath in fast and deep. "With her consent, of course." Draco added slyly.

"I believe that if Miss Granger wants to stay with you, that marrying her would indeed be the best choice." Snape said, in awe at the young man's words.

"Hermione?" Draco whispered to her, not noticing that Snape had silently left the room to let them share such a passionate moment. "Will you marry me?"

The tears that had threatened to spill from Hermione's eyes flowed freely down her cheeks, streaking her creamy white skin with salt. "Oh Draco…" She sobbed, grasping his hands in her own. Feeling their rings touch, a warm sensation traveled through her body, silencing her tears. "Yes." Hermione whispered finally. "I will." Before the words had fully left her mouth, Draco's lips had crushed down upon her own, claiming them as his. Hermione tangled her fingers in his short blond hair, breathing in his scent as his lips moved gently down her neck, biting and licking in places that were especially sensitive. Moving down to kiss along her shirt's bust line, Draco grabbed Hermione's wrists. She had been trying to pull his shirt off, eager to feel every inch of his warm, pale skin against her own.

"Not now," Draco growled softly, making Hermione shiver. "Later." A thin finger dragged down her cheek, and he stood up, leading her out of the room. Closing the study's door, Draco laced his fingers with Hermione's. Snape was looking out the open window, and turned to acknowledge them.

"Has Miss Granger agreed, Malfoy?" Snape said, his tone warming slightly to the two students. Snape had always been partial to Malfoy, favoring him over all other students in any house. Hermione was a different story. Just seeing her reminded Severus of a love he had once found, but lost. Shaking the thoughts of past days away, he looked at the two students before him. They're fingers were linked and Severus almost smiled at how much the two were in love.

"Yes, sir, she did." Draco said softly. Severus did smile, causing a surprised look from Hermione. She had never seen Snape smile, and the foreign gesture made his face look young and bright. His normally dark eyes sparkled with a bit of enthusiasm, also an unknown emotion to either student.

"Now," Snape said, sitting and motioning Hermione and Draco to sit too. "There are many matters we need to discuss. Draco, I understand that this summer you will be returning to your father's house?" Draco nodded grimly. "Has Miss Granger-"

"Hermione." She said, interrupting. It seemed so strange for Snape to be calling her by a formal name, considering he knew so much about her. Not to mention that she was a seventh year student, who in a few short months would be leaving Hogwarts.

"Has Hermione been instructed to come with you?" Snape asked, stressing Hermione's name.

"Only if she wants to sir." Draco said, looking at Hermione. "My father said that we would stay in the south wing, separate from the main living quarters. Lucius also said that Voldemort had plans for me, so I am to presume the Dark Lord will be at the manor sometime while I am there." Turning back to Snape, Draco saw the glimmer of warning in his eyes.

"Very well, it may not be best for Hermione to accompany you, for reasons of hers and your own safety. But I will leave the decision up to her. Now, I will discuss the information and decisions you have made with Dumbledore. I would advise you both to keep a low profile, don't let other students know your are to be married, or even involved with one another." Snape said.

"Yes, sir." Hermione said squeakily as Snape stood to leave. Draco followed him, still grasping Hermione's hand. They broke apart from the teacher and went to their common room.

"Hermione," Draco said seriously, "We have to talk." Hermione sat, nodding. The past year had whipped by her, bring to her a love she might never had found. There was still that bit of amazement that she was in love with Draco Malfoy, and now she was going to marry him. The coming discussion didn't hope to be light and full of loving whispers, and the solemnity that Draco had spoken with, the fierce determination in his eyes…she knew it wouldn't be a blithe conversation.

"You can't come back to the manor with me. It's too dangerous. Lucius has been known to do some pretty sick things, and if Voldemort wants anything with me, I can promise you it won't be pleasant." Draco said grimly.

"But, Lucius wouldn't kill you. You're his only son, the last Malfoy…" Hermione said desperately.

"No, he wouldn't. But it's not me I'm concerned about. Lucius could easily find some Slytherin to take your place if you didn't suit him. He wouldn't have any troubles killing you, Hermione." Draco pulled her closer to him, feeling her shoulders shaking. "I know," he whispered, "I don't know when we'll be able to see each other after school ends. It may be months, or even days. But Hermione…" Draco lifted her chin up, and wiped the remnants of her tears away. "Remember that ring. Every time you see it, what do you think of?"

"All those times we spent together, everything that happened this year…last night, when you gave me the ring…" Hermione's eyes sparkled as she recalled all of her memories.

"Exactly. Every time you see that ring, you'll remember this year. It's part of the spell." Draco smiled, his eyes still dark. "I'll never forget you, Hermione Granger."

"Or I you." Hermione whispered, and leaned up to kiss him, adding to the many memories their rings would forever encase in their minds.

P

The months before summer vacation passed quickly, too fast for Draco and Hermione. The mere thought of having to part for any amount of time almost brought Hermione to tears. They had planned their wedding for August 13, which happened to be a Friday. It was also one year after Draco had gotten the scar across his stomach. The bruises and minor scratches had healed, but the gash across his stomach still left its remnants. A thin, white line stretched across his stomach, almost blending with the color of his skin. The wedding was to be at midnight, under the apple trees by the lake. The blossoms had died, and turned to fruit, but since they had to have the protection of Dumbledore and Hogwarts, it seemed the most appropriate place. Only a few people were invited; namely Harry, Ron, Lavender, all the Hogwarts teachers, Hermione's parents, and Narcissa. Draco hadn't requested any Slytherins come, but was fine with his mother being his only witness. Snape would be his best man, and Lavender was to be Hermione's maid of honor. All of this had been carefully planned prior to summer break, with much help from Dumbledore, McGonnagall, and (to everyone's surprise) Snape. Severus proved to be a true romantic, but a little saddened from the whole affair, hinting that his past passions hadn't been favorable. The last day of school, July 7, dawned hot and wet. The sky was dark, and heavy, wet raindrops splattered from the sky onto the students as they filed into the train. Draco and Hermione, no longer concerned about keeping their relationship secret, sat together in a back compartment, sharing their last moments together.

"Hermione, don't cry. It's only a month…just 36 days." Draco tried to console the weeping Hermione as they pulled into Platform 9 ¾.

"I know, but what if something happens to you? I can't lose you, Draco, I just can't…" Hermione tried to take a few deep breaths, but it had little effect. Her sobbing had stopped, but the tears kept streaming down her cheeks.

"Nothing will happen. Here," Draco reached his hand out and took Hermione's right hand. He twisted the emerald in her ring, and a faint shadow emanated from the surrounding sapphires, casting a flickering picture between the two. There was a green outline of Draco, and a red one of Hermione. It showed their first kiss; Draco pushing Hermione against the wall in the dungeon, crushing his lips down upon hers.

"Oh, Draco…it's…" Hermione stuttered as the picture faded and disappeared.

"Our first kiss." Draco finished for her. The train stopped, and the students started to leave the train and gather their trunks. Draco briefly kissed Hermione and left, collecting his bags. A small house-elf was wringing his hands was waiting, and when Draco smiled at him, the house-elf shrieked and ran off. Draco tilted his head back and laughed, following the house-elf. Hermione smiled sadly, preserving the image of Draco laughing in her mind. She sighed, and left the train. Her parents rushed up to her and hugged her tight. They still had not been told about their daughter's engagement, and Hermione was sort of worried. With less than 40 days before her wedding, she had to make a lot of preparations.

"Mum, Dad…" Hermione said when they got home and were sitting in their living room. "I have some…er…important news to tell you. Do you remember me talking about Draco Malfoy?"

"Oh, that boy who you keep talking about in your letters? Your boyfriend, right?" Hermione's mother, Margaret, smiled.

"Well, yeah…you see, his father, um…works for Voldemort, and Draco was told to find a wife to produce an heir for Lucius and Voldemort…" Hermione kept stopping, and a lump rose in her throat.

"Oh no, Hermione, he didn't break up with you for some Slytherin girl, did he? Oh, sweetheart…" Hermione's mother stood up to hug Hermione, but she turned away.

"No, Mum, it's quite the opposite. You see, we're getting married." Hermione shut her eyes against the torrent of questions and reprimands she knew was coming.

"WHAT?!?!" Her father, Samuel, yelled at them, and jumped up from his chair. "You're only 17! How can you be marrying someone already? And someone on the other side!"

"Dad! Please…listen. In the wizarding world, I'm actually quite old enough to get married. And Draco's not on Voldemort's side. His father may be, but Draco isn't. Please, Dad…don't be so angry." Hermione's eyes were tearing, and Margaret kneeled next to her chair.

"Oh, my little girl. So grown up. I can't believe this. Are you sure you love him enough?" Hermione nodded at her mother's comforting words. "Well, it is your decision." Margaret smiled, causing Hermione to smile too.

"How can you be letting our daughter get married? She's 17, for god's sake!" Samuel yelled.

"Sam, stop. Can't you except that she feels that she's ready to get married? I was only 16 when you proposed." Margaret stood, as Sam sat down.

"I guess." He sighed. "But she's just so young…" Getting a sharp look from Margaret, Sam forced a smile. "When's the wedding dear?" he asked.

"August 13. We have to do a lot before then. It's at Hogwarts. Both of you are invited." Hermione said, cheering up a little.

"Goodness!" Hermione's mother said. "We have so much to do!" Linking elbows with Hermione, Margaret dragged her daughter up the stairs. Sam sighed, hearing the giggles of his daughter and the babbling of his wife.

P

Draco entered Malfoy Manor from the east entrance, closest to his mother's study. Knocking lightly on her door, he walked in. "Mother?" He whispered, not seeing her.

"Draco! Oh darling, it's so nice to see you!" Narcissa emerged from behind a stack of boxes. "How was school?" She stood on tiptoes and kissed her son's cheek.

"It was fine. Mother, do you remember Hermione? The one in my letters?" Draco said, as his mother dragged him to sit on an old blue couch on the room.

"Yes, I do. Actually, I was hoping for some news about her. Did you two break up? And am I ever going to meet this woman of yours?" Narcissa smiled.

"Actually, you are. Those rings you gave me, I gave her the other." Draco said, indicating his hand. "And on August 13, you will meet her."

"Oh Draco! I knew those would come in handy! Is she coming to the manor then?" Narcissa said excitedly.

"Well, no. She won't be. But you and I will be traveling to Hogwarts. You see, I'm getting married to Hermione then." Draco smiled at his mother's thrill and all around bliss.

"Draco! I'm so happy! We have so much to do! Wait, why isn't Lucius coming?" Narcissa's face grew solemn. She didn't much like her husband, but couldn't see why Draco wouldn't invite his own father to his wedding.

"Mother, Lucius and I…well, he is asking a few things of me, and I find it will be safer to Hermione if he doesn't know about us. Please, don't tell him. I will explain his requests at the right time. But now, we have a lot of things to do before August." Draco said, his blue eyes darkening at his father's demands.

"Oh, right! Yes, come on…we can't be unprepared!" Narcissa smiled, and was off again on her normal rush of activity. Draco laughed at his mother's frivolous manner, and stood up to help her with his wedding plans.

P

**A/N** wow….i know that I took a really long time to update…and that this chapter SUCKS, but hey…at least they're getting married! Whee..!!!!!!!!!!!!! wouldn't it be great if we could get married at 17? Man, I would be in Vegas with nick right now! Can you imagine how long my name would be? Pacific Star Aquila Lyness…man, that is a whole bunch of syllabels! Fun fun……….REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please? I'm begging here! Oh! And when she finally writes and updates,….read Maziky's FF….she's one of my 2 beta-ers….she's so great! 3!! ILU girly! *Choke* get the spoon… THANK YOU MARAGET! I absolutely love you…. You are soo awesome!! *hug* and the name thing, to let y'all know, is totally coincidence.