A/N: Okay, first, I know it's been, oh 8 months since I have updated…I apologize deeply! I guess you can call it a long case of writers block. On top of that, work has changed drastically with a new boss coming in and well, writing has been hard. But, I found myself back at the sight and reading this story, I just couldn't not finish it! So, with a refreshed mind, I give you Chapter 8!

Chapter 8

Ron was sitting next to Hermione's bed, his hand on hers as she slept. His thoughts were running wild. He knew that Hermione wasn't in love with him. Draco was, and always will be the man she loves. This thought just kept turning his stomach in knots. He had loved Hermione as long as he could remember. Was he being selfish when he asked her to marry him? She was weak and vulnerable. She had lost Draco, and all he could do, was be a selfish prat and tell her, "It's the best for you, it will help you move on."

Ron scoffed at himself. The good angel on his shoulder seemed to be giving him a nasty look. But, the devil seemed to be smiling greedily. He wanted Hermione to be happy, and in order for that to happen, he couldn't marry her.

"Draco," Ron came to from his thoughts to see Hermione's eyes flutter open.

"N-no, Hermione, it's Ron," he forced a smile.

Hermione rubbed her eyes and stretched, "How long have I been asleep?" she asked looking around, seeing Harry and Ginny asleep on cots next to her bed.

"A few hours, it's late. You should go back to sleep," whispered Ron.

Hermione sat up, "Ron, you look exhausted. Go home, get some sleep," she whispered, following Ron's suit in not waking their two friends.

Ron shook his head, "No, I'm fine. Besides, I wanted to talk to you about, well, us."

Hermione closed her eyes and nodded in understanding, "you want to know if I am still going to marry you, now that Draco is proved innocent?"

Ron took in a deep breath, "Hermione, I was selfish. I should have never asked you to marry me. I have been up thinking all night. I just want you to be happy, I kn-" Ron choked on the next few words, "I know Draco makes you happy. I know that you are both in love."

"We are, very much. I know that hurts you, Ron"

"Well, it certainly doesn't feel good, but, truth is, I've known that for six months now. I was selfish to think that I would make it better by proposing. You were in a bad state and I took advantage.

"Ro-"

Ron put his hand on her shoulder, "Would it make it easier if I said I don't want to marry you, and the very thought of you makes me nauseous?" he smirked.

Hermione chuckled, recognizing his joking manner, "It would, it really would. Ron, you mean so much to me. But, I should have never accepted the proposal. It was horrible of me to lead you on in anyway."

"You didn't Hermione, I knew all along, but it's okay, I promise."

There was silence for a few minutes, apart from the small snores coming from Harry.

"I love you Hermione, you are and Harry are the best friends a bloke like me can have. We've been through so much, whether it be Krum or Voldemort, and I wouldn't want to change anything, not one thing that we have been through together…well, apart from me puking slugs."

Hermione laughed, "Me too, Ron. Me too."

They immediately hugged.

"Now," Ron wiped the wetness from his eyes and stood up, and stuck out his chest, "I think it's about time for you to go back to sleep. I'm gonna go crash in one of the dorms."

Hermione smiled, "Goodnight, Ron. And thank you."

Ron kissed her on her head, "Goodnight."

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Draco awoke suddenly to the sound of footsteps. He grabbed his wand quickly and pointed it toward the noise. He heard a familiar voice shouting his name, "Malfoy? Draco Malfoy, are you in there?"

Draco looked around startled, he had been found. He was about to apparate, when the voice came again.

"Draco Malfoy, you are now a free man. You have been proven innocent beyond reasonable doubt. Please, do not be afraid. It is safe to come out."

Was it a trap? It was clear as day that it was the voice of Arthur Weasley. Were there Arors waiting by to grab him and take him back to Azkaban?

The Minister spoke again, "We have had a meeting with Ms. Granger. We now know the circumstances of the night that Roger Davies was killed."

Draco's heart raced. Hermione had outed herself as Davies killer.

"The Ministry has come to the final agreement, that is was Ms. Granger who in fact killed Mr. Davies…"

Draco shut his eyes and listened.

"…in self defense."

Silence, Draco's heart lifted. At that moment, he apparated to the gates at Hogsmeade.

A/N: SORRY! I know it's short. But work is picking up. But no worries. I will update very soon! I promise! Please R&R