Disclaimer: If you still need a disclaimer to tell you that these characters belong to Jo and not me... then you probably need a nice stay in a mental hospital as well. Kthankxbye.
A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed! And I am SO sorry that this took so long to get done! Life has been CRAZY lately.. complete drama in every sense of the word, and I've been working on my jewelry a lot, and also have been extremely sick. But here it is! The final chapter of the story! Thanks to Nikki for her awesome beta work, and thanks to Amie for all her terrific ideas! And thanks to Alex for all her help and inspiration!
Chapter 11
The last days of their life at Hogwarts had seemed to drone on forever. The rest of the students were still a little unsure of what to think, though Dumbledore had assured them everything would be fine numerous times. The Weasley family was, to say the least, not thrilled with Harry. But as the came to believe and understand Ron's story about Ginny going mad and Harry having to kill her or let others be murdered.. they began to get it. But of course, one can never really get over something like that. Their daughter was dead, and at the hand of their youngest son's best friend.
Harry and Draco tried to put these ill feelings behind them, all the trauma of the past couple months... all of the heartache, all of the pain. They were in love, and with love there is always obstacles to overcome. They had a big one, yes, but they overcame it and as far as Harry was concerned.. their love had stood the test.
The Ministry of Magic had held a trial a few days after Ginny had died. After a very gut-wrenching testimony from Ron Weasley, and Dumbledore's words of wisdom the charges had been dropped against Harry. He was free, and he had Draco. Things could not have turned out better, or so he thought.
The day of their graduation Draco seemed distant, Harry was worried that he had suddenly changed his mind, that his love for Harry was not what it had been. "Draco..." he asked, as they walked the halls one last time before the graduation ceremony. Draco looked up at him. "Is something wrong? You just seem.. well.. not like yourself."
Draco looked back at his feet, he didn't know what to say. He just nodded and gulped. He tried to force a smile, Harry would understand soon enough.
'It's over. He's going to break up with me.' Harry thought to himself. He couldn't stand the thought of not being in Draco's arms, not holding him and not kissing him. They silently walked back to the prepared area on the grounds where their graduation from Hogwarts would take place in just a few moments.
"Great friends, families, students... we are gathered here today to share with this wonderful class's achievement of completing their term here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Dumbledore said with a smile. A chorus of students began a lovely song in honor the graduating class. All the through the ceremony Harry could not stop thinking of Draco. He looked so nervous, he seemed so perplexed. 'At least he's upset about breaking it off.' Harry thought to himself. He tried to keep himself calm and enjoy his graduation.
One by one the students were called by Professor McGonnagal and presented by Headmaster Dumbledore with their diploma. They shook hands and smiled while a picture was taken then it moved onto the next student. As each student stepped off the stage in the beautiful garden filled with floating ribbon and flowers sparks of silver fluttered around the stage for them.
"Harry Potter" McGonnagal called, Harry stepped up with a deep breath and took his turn. When he returned to his seat, he watched and waited for Draco to be called. He wasn't. The final student, Blaise Zabini was called and awarded his diploma and it seemed as if everything was about to end. Harry was so confused.
"And finally, Draco Malfoy." McGonnagal said at last, a huge grin spreading across her face. Draco took a deep breath and walked up to the stage. Harry could see him shaking. 'What in the bloody hell is going on?' He asked. The rest of the student body seemed as confused as he.
Draco went through the motions and received his diploma, but instead of stepping off stage and returning to his seat he walked over and took the Headmaster's place at the microphone.
He cleared his throat and began, "As most of you now know, we have had a lot of drama here this year, particularly involving myself and Harry Potter."
Harry was astounded... 'That bastard! He is going to do this in front of everyone!!"
"Well..." Draco continued. "I am truly sorry for all the pain these matters have caused all of you, but I must beg you to please not blame Harry for this. He was only protecting me, he loves me..." Tears were beginning to fill Draco's eyes as he spoke, "and I love him. I love him more than I ever imagined I could love anyone. He is such a beautiful person and he fills me with love and joy, a side of myself that most of you didn't know existed , I should think." The students laughed, Harry was beginning to cry. "Harry, could you come up here a moment please?" Draco asked, extending his hand in Harry's direction.
Harry gulped and made his way through the small sea of chairs to where Draco was standing on the center of the stage. Draco took his hand, and looked deeply into his eyes "I love you." He said. Harry could not speak, he was frozen.. motionless. His heart felt as it were going to burst, he was so happy that surely he would die any moment.
Draco continued, "You have shown me what it means to be alive, you have shown me grace and love and self sacrifice. I know, with all of my heart, that I will never meet another person like you and you are my soul mate." Hot, salty tears were running down Harry's cheeks but he was too much in awe to be embarrassed.
Draco lowered himself, kneeling in front of Harry, still holding his hand. He slipped a small silver box from his pocket and opened it as a gesture to Harry. "There is nothing in this universe that would make me happier than marrying you, so I am asking if you will forever join your life with me and make me the happiest man that ever lived?" Harry could not think, he could not see, his brain was fogged by the look in Draco's shining eyes. All he could manage was a nod, he pulled Draco up and embraced him, their lips met and parted in a kiss. The crowd broke into a roar and silver and gold sparks flew all around them.
Happiness, Harry had now discovered, could be found in the most unlikely place. The stones had foretold the truth, Draco was the love of his life, his perfect match and they were to be wed. He could imagine nothing more perfect than this moment, and he knew there would be a million more with the love of his life at his side. Those who suffer the most find the most divine happiness when they are finally given their chance, he was the perfect example of this.
A/N: OK! DONE! The original plan was to show the wedding but this just seemed the right place to stop. Yes, I know my ending was very cliche and fluffy.. but sometimes a little goo does the heart good. Please, please, please, please, PLEASE review and let me know what you think! I will be eternally grateful and Draco will love you.
