Chapter 14 - Graduation

One day, Hermione went to visit Severus and as usual, he was lying on the bed not moving. She took a seat in the chair placed near his bed.

"Don't worry Hermione," said Ginny who was in the bed next to Severus, "he'll be okay."

"I'm scared he won't survive. Even Madam Pomfrey said he had a slim chance of living." Hermione burst into tears. She reached out to take his hand in hers. "Pleas Severus, don't die. Stay strong."

She stroked the back of his hand lightly with her thumb. Then, she felt his hand moving slightly. Hermione looked up to see his face and saw that his eyes were half-open.

"Severus!" she cried before she threw her arms around him. Severus returned the hug.

"Hermione, I can't breathe," he said.

Hermione got off him and returned to her seat. "I'm just glad that you're okay. I thought you wouldn't make it."

Hermione now had more tears in her eyes, but they were tears of happiness.

"Don't cry," said Severus wiping the tears away.

"I thought make it. Madam Pomfrey said you had little chance of surviving."

"Shhh, don't cry. I'm alright now," said Severus who started to have tears of his own

In the bed next to Severus' Ginny Weasley was smiling at the couple.

It was finally graduation day. Most of the seventh years spent their last day roaming the halls of Hogwarts before the graduation ceremony while the Head Boy and Head Girl were getting ready for the ceremony.

"Hurry up Draco, we're going to be late if you keep taking forever to fix your hair."

"I have to look good for everyone and that takes time you know."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'll start without you if you don't finish in one minute."

"Alright, I'm done. Are you happy now?"

"Yes."

"Women," Draco muttered.

"What's that?"

"I said let's go."

"Mmhmm I'm sure that's what you said."

"Forget what I said, let's just go before we really are late."

The two made their way to the Great Hall. When they arrived outside the entrance, they saw Dumbledore waiting for them.

"Sorry we're late Professor, but someone was taking forever to get ready."

"It's alright Ms. Simmons we don't start until another two minutes. For now, just prepare your speech and we'll get everyone settled in."

"Thank you Professor," said Hermione.

"Then I'll leave you two and let you prepare."

"I told you we weren't going to be late," Draco said when Dumbledore was out of sight.

"I'm not going to bother arguing with you. Let's just prepare our speech."

A few minutes later, Hermione and Draco were standing behind a podium. They just finished their speech and everyone was getting off the stage to meet up with their parents and saying goodbye to their friends.

Hermione and Draco walked off the stage together and met up with Narcissa and Hermione's parents who were together.

"I can't believe you're already graduating. I didn't even get to see you grow up," said Monica bursting into tears.

Hermione gave her mother a hug. "Don't worry mom, you had your reasons."

Hermione felt someone tap her shoulder. She turned around and saw Dumbledore.

"Is there something wrong Professor?"

"There's some people here to see you."

Dumbledore pointed near the entrance and Hermione saw Mr. and Mrs. Granger talking to McGonagall. (A/N – I bet you thought I forgot about them) McGonagall saw Dumbledore and led Mr. and Mrs. Granger over to where they were.

"Hermione congratulations on graduating Hogwarts!" said Mrs. Granger.

She enveloped Hermione into a hug and Hermione gladly returned it.

"Thanks you Mrs. Granger."

"Don't forget to visit us in the future. You're always welcome at our house."

"I will try to visit you guys whenever I have free time."

While talking to The Grangers, Hermione didn't notice someone walking up to them.

"Can I borrow Hermione for a minute?" Severus asked.

"No problem," said Mr. Granger.

"Excuse me for a minute."

Severus walked out of the Great Hall with Hermione behind him.

"Is there something wrong Severus?"

"Hermione, we may have not been together for a long time, but I feel like I've been with you my whole life. I know I was mean and cruel to you for your first six years here at Hogwarts and I truly regret treating you like that everyday."

"Severus what are you trying to say?"

"What I'm trying to say is-" He pulled out a box from his robe pocket and got down on one knee.

"Hermione, will you marry me?"

Hermione started to get tears in her eyes.

"Hermione?"

"Yes Severus, I'll marry you."

Severus got up and slipped the ring on Hermione's finger.

"Thank you Hermione," Severus whispered while giving Hermione a hug.

"For what?"

"For seeing through my façade and for agreeing to marry me."

"You're welcome Severus and I'm never going to leave you."

"Me neither."

A/N – Yay finally it's the last chapter. I'm kind of disappointed I only got two reviews for the last chapter but I guess that's what I get for not updating in a while. Epilogue will be up on Monday and there won't be a delay or anything I promise lol.