It was midnight. Hermione was sitting alone under the oak tree.

He's such a filthy liar, she thought to herself as 12:05 came around. Finally, as her watch read 12:07, Draco Malfoy appeared under the oak tree.

Hermione didn't know why she had waited for him. She shouldn't have come out at all.

"I'm sorry, Granger," Malfoy said softly, with an ashamed look on his face. He sat next to her. She stood up.

"I shouldn't have," he continued, "it was a really mean thing to do. I felt I needed to make it up to you. By giving you this necklace."

He stood up and walked behind her, slowly clasping a silver chain necklace around her slender neck. She felt awkward. Draco…this wasn't like him at all. He wasn't generous. Or thoughtful for that matter.

She examined the necklace. It was pure silver with a small heart dangling from the front. The heart was engraved, she noticed.

The heart read: My heart is now around your neck. Take care not to break it.

Hermione whispered the verse. Draco smiled.

"It's true, you know.", he said. He took Hermione's hand and smiled again.

"You know how I told you to try and look at me in a new light? This is what I meant. I really like you, Hermione, and I'm sorry for the way I've treated you and your family. Do you have the loveliness in your heart to forgive me? And be my girlfriend?"

Hermione was just stunned. No.

He didn't just ask me that.

He didn't just say that.

But you know you wanted him to ask that.

You know you like him.

Here's your shot.

Say yes.

But what if he's tricking me?

He's not.

But what if he is?

He's not.

For heaven's sake just say yes!

Ok then.

"Yes Draco. I accept your apology, and I will be your girlfriend. I really like you too."

Hand in hand, Granger and Malfoy, mud-blood and pure-blood, Cinderella and the Prince, walked back to the house.

The next morning, Hermione and Draco both awoke to owls at their windows.

Hermione's letter read:

Good morning, sunshine. I'm so happy you agreed to date me. Now I have the loveliest girl in Hogwarts, or all the world, to myself. Come downstairs, I have a surprise for you.

Love,

Draco Dragonias Maloy

Draco's read:

Good morning, sleepy. I cant wait to see you. I'm so glad I came down to see you last night. Love the necklace. I'll never break your heart as long as it's 'round my neck. Come downstairs with me. Hold my hand. Love me.

Love,

Hermione Kohl Granger