Hilo! I'm like, super tired today. I couldn't get to sleep till nearly 5 last night, for like, no apparent reason. I just love those nights, don't you? (note the sarcasm) Huh. Wow. This is the last chapter. I almost can't believe it. Ya know, I was really surprised at how many people said they related. I would have never of dreamed that people would like it so much. I'm so, so, so, so, so SORRY for taking so, so, so, so, so LONG to update. I think I was in denial and just didn't want it to end. Well, I think I've gone on long enough, right? And now it's my pleasure to introduce you to the last chapter of the story.

Chapter 21: Everything's Right

Hermione felt at peace with the world. She and Draco saw all the sights and met the people. They spent about two weeks in each country. Hermione and Draco regularly wrote Blaise and Ginny (who are still together) about their travels and adventures. Every month or so, Hermione would send Harry a short letter too, though never telling him anything of real importance. Hermione was practically collecting books and furniture (for the house.) Both her and Draco loved to learn all the little weird oddities of the countries and it's people.

However, Hermione was starting to feel tired. So was Draco. They just wanted to rest for a little while, then continue on. Traveling can be quite tiring, and the thought of a home with a sure to be comfortable bed was enough to make them want to take a break. So, Hermione addressed the issue in her letter to Ginny.

Gin,

Hey girl! How've you been? And what about Blaise? Are you excited about your seventh year? No doubt you'll have loads of fun. You're still at the Burrow, right? Well, India's been fabulous. I've gotten myself a Sari, the traditional dress for women here. And they make the most beautiful scarves here, too. I've gotten you a wonderful blue silk scarf that'll go perfectly with your eyes. Gin, they have the best colors here, I've never seen them elsewhere. I can't wait to give it to you. Draco and I have decided to come home for a while. We should arrive about two weeks before you leave for Hogwarts. I'll have to show you the house and everything once I get it organized. Tell Harry I said hi, but don't tell him I'm coming home. I want to surprise him with a visit. I'll see you soon Ginny!

Love, Hermione

Hermione sent the letter out the window and heard the shower start. Hmm…come to think of it, she needed a shower. And they could share, couldn't they? Of course they could.
Ginny was bouncing anxiously around the living room of the Burrow. Hermione was going to be there any minute to pick her up. Draco was already at Blaise's house, and the girls would meet them there. She couldn't wait! She heard the noise of the car before Hermione even shut off the engine and was out the door, flinging herself into Hermione's arms with a bone-crushing hug.

"Oh, Hermione! I missed you so much, I'm so glad you guys decided to take a little break and visit!"

"Well, I couldn't very well let my best friend go off to her seventh year without coming to see her, now could I? Oh Gin, I've missed you too!" They hugged again.

"So, when do I get to see this house of yours?"

"Right after we leave Blaise's. Unless of course you decide to stay the night or something…"

"Hermione! Come on, let's go. I'm simply dying to see Blaise and Draco and your house."

"Alright, alright already! Let's go then."

They climbed into the black Mini Cooper and drove off. Between Ginny's summer and Hermione's adventures, the hour and a half ride seemed like fifteen minutes to the girls. But alas, by the time they arrived at Blaise's house, they were starving. Honestly, have you ever seen two adult starving girls? It's scary, let me tell you. So, they had a massive lunch while they talked about everything under the sun. And the moon. And the stars. And basically the whole Milky Way. They probably could have gone on about all the other galaxies too, except for the fact that Ginny nearly fell asleep curled up with Blaise on the couch. And so they regretfully parted, promising to get together in two day's time. Hermione drove to their house, promising to show Ginny the whole thing tomorrow when she was actually conscious. After leading her to the guest bedroom, (composed of furniture and art from Japan) Hermione made her way to the master bedroom that she shared with…you guessed it! Draco.

The tour and questions from Ginny took up the whole morning, and so, after a quick lunch, they decided (well, Hermione really decided. The other two had no choice but to go along.) to visit Harry. So, Hermione sent Ginny to apparate quickly and ask if it was okay to bring a couple of friends over. She came back positive and they all piled into the car again and left for Harry's place. Once in the driveway, Hermione sat for a few minutes.

"Are you sure you want him to know?" Draco. Ugh, he could be so sweet sometimes!

"Yes. Remember, I'm trying to quit. WE'RE trying to quit. And after you, Ginny, and Blaise, Harry is my closest friend."

"Okay, okay. I'm just making sure." He smiled his most brilliant smile at her, and she just smiled back.

"Alright. Ginny's gonna knock on the door, then I'm gonna pop out from behind her, and then you just sit her and wait till I come and get you, alright?"

"No it's not alright. I was planning on bursting in his house and breaking out in song. How dare you ruin that for me!"

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Maybe next time, okay?" She smiled that sickeningly sweet smile again and he just smirked back.

"Okay, not to interrupt your little sarcastic moment…thingy, but we've been sitting the driveway for the past ten minutes and it's sorta strange that we're not getting out of the car."

"Your completely right Gin. Draco, just remember, stay here till I come and get you."

"Got it."

"Okay."

Hermione and Ginny got out of the car, Ginny ringing the doorbell. Harry answered almost immediately. He was out of breath and upon glancing in, Hermione saw that he must have just been 'tidying up'. I use that term loosely, just to let you know.

"Hey Gin. It's been forever, how ya been? You wanna come in?" Ginny stepped in, leaving Hermione on his front porch. He gaped at her.

"He…Hermione?"

"What? I don't even get a hug?"

"Of course you do! You just look so different." He hugged her, relishing in the fact that she still hugged the same. He stepped back to look at her. Hermione had grown an inch or two since he had last seen her. She didn't get her perm redone when it finally wore out this time, so her hair was smooth and straight, it not a bit on the thick side. She had more freckles than he remembered, and he assumed that it was because of the sun. He invited her in. After about ten or fifteen minutes, Harry just had to ask.

"So, Hermione, who's the lucky guy?" She put her butterbeer down.

"Um, actually, you know him."

"Really? I've been dying to know, ever since you wrote that letter."

"Well, yes, about that. I didn't really want to tell you then. You don't like him."

"What are you talking about? How could I not? After all, if he was good enough to win you over from right beneath my nose, he must be pretty damn good."

"Well, actually, he's sitting in the car right now."

"You left him in the car?" Harry couldn't believe it.

"Yes, but that's not the issue. I know he won't say anything, but I want you to promise you won't say anything either. He's the most important person in my life, and I love him. Alright?"

"Yeah, yeah, come on. Who is it?"

"Alright, I'll go get him." Hermione stood up and went out the door. The second it shut, Ginny was going a mile a minute about all his wonderful character traits. Hermione came back momentarily, forcing Ginny to stop her little triad about him. Hermione just stood in the door, her arm linked to Draco's. But Harry couldn't see that it was Draco yet.

"Harry, now remember, you promised."

"Okay, I got it Hermione. Jeez, you're acting like you married the spawn of Satan."

"Well...(Hermione yanked Draco into the house) Ta Da. Harry Potter, meet my husband, Draco Malfoy."

The house went into shocked silence. Ginny was biting her lip in anxiousness, Harry seemed frozen on the spot, Hermione was looking everywhere but Harry, and it was finally Draco who broke the silence.

"Hey Potter. Long time no see." This seemed to break Harry out of his shocked-ness. His eyes flew straight toward Hermione's.

"No…it can't be. You didn't marry HIM."

"Excuse me, but that HIM is right here." Draco didn't like to be ignored. I think we all know that about him.

"Hermione…how did this happen? How could you marry Draco Malfoy?"

"Because I loved him. I've loved him for so long Harry, you have no idea. From the first time I saw him, I just couldn't get him out of my head. Even before I made friends with you and Ron. It was all just…Pretending. And I'm sorry for never telling you, really, I am. But Harry, I was real with him when I couldn't be real with any one else." She waited with baited breath for Harry's response. He spoke after a slight hesitation.

"Huh. "It wouldn't have been real. And at that point in my life, I needed a relationship where I could be real." Wow. You were talking about him." Harry seemed truly amazed. Draco took this as his cue to talk.

"Look, if it makes you feel any better, I take care of her. We've got a house, you know. And we've been traveling all over the place. Hell, I waited till we go married to shag her senseless! (he got serious here) I know how special she is, I'm not gonna screw it up, Potter." Harry turned his attention to him.

"Yeah, I guess you're not, are you?"

All was silent. Until Ginny got the bright idea to go have drinks. Hermione, Draco, and Harry all readily agreed. And so, a great friendship started over three glasses of Firewhiskey (Hermione had butterbeer, as she was the designated driver. Always drink responsibly!). It's amazing how alcohol can loosen people up. Not too much later, Ginny called Blaise, who arrived to find Harry and Draco pretending to be boxers. All they really did was that nose thing that boxers always do and had their fists up by their faces. And better yet, they were back to back. As Hermione sat and watched them fight their imaginary opponents, and saw Ginny and Blaise grinning at each other foolishly, she knew all was right with the world for once. Everything was right. And that's when she jumped up from the stool and rounded everyone up to play some pool. After all, it wasn't every night she'd be able to beat the whole lot of them. She grinned evilly as Harry missed the ball completely and started laughing. She was winning and everything was right. She decided that maybe the world could wait just a bit longer for her. Right now she was here, and she was being real.

And that was enough for her.

Well? How was the last chapter? I bet none of y'all thought I was gonna bring back Harry, did you? I hope not, cause I like surprising you guys. I'm gonna miss it. Really, I am. And I want to say, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and THANK YOU to all of my reviewers. I love you all so much. I'm so glad you think my stories are original and well written. You really have no idea what it feels like to see those things when I read them. I just get all fluttery and happy, and it just makes me want to burst out with giggles. So THANK YOU for all of your encouragement and thoughtfulness. I've decided there will be no sequel. I'm happy leaving it here. But, to give you hope, I have yet more story ideas! I won't be writing any more until I read the sixth book though. I don't want to start another story cause I don't want to be writing it when the book comes out. Who knows? Maybe you'll see another one-shot or two from me before then. Once again, THANK YOU, and goodnight. Really, it's like 2:14 in the morning right now and I'm writing this. Insomnia is fun! (sarcasm, yet again. Isn't it great? I love it!)

DizzyDawn007

AKA

Sarah