"No more keepin' score now
I just keep you warm
No more tug of war now
I just know there's more
No more keepin' score now
I just keep you warm
And my waves meet your shore
Ever and evermore"
-Taylor Swift "Long Story Short"
Harry paced back and forth in the sitting room, thinking about what he had discussed with Draco and what Narcissa had said to him. He was going to marry Draco and spend the rest of his life with the man he loved. All he could think about was finding the perfect engagement ring. Something caught his eye as he continued to pace but he couldn't focus. Hermione was suddenly in front of him looking worried.
Hermione frowned. "Harry? Are you okay? What is wrong? How can I help?" She pleaded.
Harry finally acknowledged her presence. "Oh Hermione! Thank Merlin you're here! I need your help." He gave her a panicked look.
Hermione just stared at him dumbfounded. "Of course I will help you but I do not understand what has gotten you into this frenzy. Please explain."
Harry hugged her. "Bloody hell Hermione! I need to buy an engagement ring. Narcissa and I chatted and she thinks of me as another son. Then I talked to Draco and we talked about our future and becoming husbands." He rambled.
Hermione's eyes went wide. "Bloody hell is right! Harry, are you sure? It is a huge step and you have not been with Draco long."
Harry looked at her. "Of course I'm sure! This is the first time in my life that I've ever been this sure of something. I love him, Hermione. I can't see myself without anyone else but Draco. And if that's the case, why wait? I don't see the point in waiting after everything we've been through. I want my life to finally start on my own terms and Draco is everything I never thought I could have. Not too long ago I thought I wasn't going to survive the war and I did. After Ginny, I thought I was destined to never find love and actually keep it. Then that fateful day I visited the Manor happened and all of my doubts fell away. And it was all because of Draco. I know I sound like a mad man but this is literally the first time I've felt truly happy." He continued rambling.
Hermione had tears in her eyes. "Ohhh Harry! You deserve everything good in life and I am incredibly happy that Draco is that for you. I did not realise how deeply in love with Draco you were. I mean I knew that you were in love but not this invested in it. I saw you getting married but not this soon. With that being said though, I support you and of course I will assist you with getting an engagement ring." She smiled widely.
Harry looked at her nervously. "Would it be stupid to ask Ron to come along? I know we've had some rough times but this is such an important moment and it just doesn't feel right without him."
Hermione sighed. "It is not stupid at all. I completely understand why you want him here. I will owl him."
Harry shook his head. "No, I'll go to the Burrow really quick. You stay here. I'll be right back." He walked to the Floo and vanished as he said "the Burrow".
Harry landed in the Burrow and took Molly by surprise. "Oh! Harry you gave a fright!" She hugged him. "What brings to the Burrow, dear?"
Harry hugged her back. "I actually wanted to talk to Ron. Is he here? There's something I want to run by him."
Molly nodded. "Yes he's here. I'll go fetch him. Sit, sit."
Harry sat at the table and nervously waited for Ron. He got up once again and paced.
Ron appeared. "Hey mate! What's so urgent? Mum looked a bit peaky. Is everything okay? Did something happen?"
Harry bit his lip. "I know we were odds about who I was with but I didn't feel right about not having you come with me and Hermione. The thing is that I'm planning to propose to Draco and I would like it if you and Hermione went with me to buy a ring. I understand if you don't feel comfortable going with us since you aren't a fan of Severus or Draco but I still wanted to ask you just in case." He continued to pace.
Ron's eyes bulged a bit. "Blimey! So soon! Are you sure about this? I'm not one to judge or interfere but you just got together with Malfoy."
Harry looked Ron. "I've never been more sure of something than Draco. So will you go?" He looked at floor nervously.
Ron smiled at him. "Sure, mate! I may not like the ferret but I do trust your judgement. Are you sure Hermione will be okay with me tagging along?"
Harry hugged him. "Thank you! I'm glad we're not at odd anymore. I've missed you. And as for Hermione, she's on board with my idea. She just wasn't sure you'd come."
Ron laughed. "Joke's on her I suppose. I've already made too many mistakes with our friendship. I let my prejudice get in the way. I'm no better than Lucius if I can't let go of the past. If the ferret makes you happy I suppose I can deal with him being around for the long haul. Bloody hell Harry you're getting engaged!" He grinned.
Harry hugged Ron once again. "Come on we shouldn't make Hermione wait any longer."
Harry and Ron said their goodbyes to Molly as they vanished into the Floo.
Both were greeted by Hermione hugging them. "Merlin Harry! I thought you were not coming back. It has been nearly twenty minutes."
Harry looked at her sheepishly. "Sorry, we got caught up with talking to each other."
Hermione smiled at Ron. "Oh Ron! I am happy to see that you got your stubborn head out of your arse finally." All three laughed. "So where do you want to start shopping? Muggle or wizarding shops?"
Harry was silent for a moment. "As annoying as it will be, I think I should start looking in wizarding jewellery stores. I'm sure I'll be harassed to no end."
Hermione nodded. "Well, we could change your appearance or use Polyjuice. It is up to you."
Harry perked up a bit. "We don't have any Polyjuice on hand so I guess just change my appearance enough so no one recognises me."
Hermione smirked. "Actually, I do have Polyjuice on hand because of Severus. He tinkered with the potion so you do not end up looking like another person who already existed. Now it just alters your features. You are still you but unrecognisable. For example, it changes your eye colour, your hair, your mouth, your voice and nose. Just enough changes to your face to make it a fairly good disguise. Oh and it will correct your eye sight too if you wear glasses. It is quite brilliant!" She handed Harry a small bottle.
Harry smiled widely. "Absolutely brilliant!" He drank half of the bottle.
Hermione handed another bottle to Ron and she drank half of a bottle herself. "I thought we should all take it because we could all be recognised. And yes I have a bunch of bottles in my purse just in case I do not want to be bombarded by all our fans." She chuckled.
After they took the Polyjuice, they waited for the changes to occur. Once they had, the Golden Trio vanished into the Floo. After a moment, they arrived in Diagon Alley.
Hermione pulled Harry and Ron out in the open and it seemed like the Polyjuice worked. No one was rushing up to them for autographs.
The three of them walked to the new jewellery shop, Evermore Trinkets. As they entered the shop, the salesperson greeted them. "Welcome, how can I assist you today?"
Harry blushed a bit while Ron and Hermione stayed by his side. "Uhh, I'm looking to buy an engagement ring."
The salesperson smiled. "Male or female?"
Harry blushed even deeper. "Male. He prefers silver or white gold. Green is his favourite colour and he likes snakes." He fidgeted.
The salesperson chuckled softly. "I think I have the perfect collection that includes those things you said. Just give me a moment while I collect the items." She walked away.
The Golden Trio waited until the salesperson returned.
The salesperson emerged from the back with a tray of rings. "Here are all the high end engagement rings. I assume he's a Slytherin so prestige is everything." She smirked.
Harry stared at the tray. "Thank you. Yes he's a Slytherin and he loves expensive items." He nervously laughed.
Hermione looked at the rings as well. "You want me to help you?"
Harry nodded. "I see a few that seem perfect." He choose the ones he thought Draco would love.
Hermione carefully looked at each ring he selected. "I think this may be the one. Take a look."
Harry picked up the ring Hermione pointed to. The ring had two intertwined bands. One was all white gold and the other was reminiscent of a snake with some areas tinged green. It also had an emerald in the centre of the band. Harry smiled widely at Hermione.
Harry nudged Hermione. "It's perfect. I know he'd love it. How much is it?"
The salesperson smiled. "The one you selected is the most expensive and the price is thirty thousand galleons but it also includes two matching wedding bands with a similar theme to the engagement rings."
Harry's eye bulged a bit. "Wait you get four rings?" He looked confused.
The salesperson nodded. "Yes you do. If that's something you're interested in. You can buy everything separately but I can't guarantee this price later on. It's up to you, sir."
Hermione spoke up. "I think this is a great deal. Could we see the wedding bands?"
The salesperson nodded. "Yes. I'll be right back with the wedding bands." When she returned, she handed them over. "The wedding bands bond with engagement rings when they are both on your finger."
The wedding bands had just one band with swirls of green on it.
Ron finally piped in. "He's going to go crazy for the rings, mate. I'd say get them."
Harry nodded. "I'll take them. Can I pay in full here?"
The salesperson looked shocked. "Yes you can."
Harry handed her the thirty thousand galleons. "Thank you for your help." He smiled at her.
The salesperson nodded and smiled back. "You're very welcome, sir. And congratulations to you and your soon-to-be fiancé." She wrapped the rings up and handed them over.
Harry blushed again and smiled widely. "Thank you. I appreciate it. Take care."
The Golden Trio walked out of Evermore Trinkets and went back to the Floo. They arrived back at Grimmauld Place and sat down in the sitting room.
Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. "That was quicker than I had expected it to be. Thank Merlin for Hermione. I would've been agonising over what rings to get. And now I don't need to search for wedding bands. I'm all set." He smiled thoughtfully.
Kreacher popped in. "Master Harry, would you like some tea for you and your guests?"
Harry nodded. "Yes we would like that. Thank you." Kreacher popped back out.
Hermione smirked. "I am glad I was there to help. Oh, I know how helpless you would be without me." She teased. "So do you have a plan for the proposal?" Kreacher popped back in with the tea and left a moment later.
Harry blushed lightly. "Believe it or not, I do. I'm going to have Kreacher make Draco's favourite meal and dessert tonight. I'll propose after dessert. Does that sound okay?"
Hermione smiled softly. "Surprisingly it sounds perfect. You really did think about what to do. By the way you better owl me about how it goes, Harry."
Ron finally piped in. "Good plan, mate. I'm happy for you. Also, let me know how it goes tonight."
The Golden Trio finished their tea and chatted a bit more.
Hermione and Ron both got up and hugged Harry and smiled.
Harry hugged back. "Thank you for coming with me. Both of you. It meant the world to me to share this with you."
Hermione smiled at him. "Oh Harry! No matter what you can count on us. I am pleased that we got to share this with you as well." Ron nodded in agreement.
Harry walked them to the Floo and said their goodbyes as they vanished.
Harry was once again alone. "Kreacher, I need to speak with you."
Kreacher popped in. "Yes Master Harry? How can Kreacher assist you?"
Harry sighed nervously. "I plan to propose to Draco tonight. I was hoping you could make his favourite meal and dessert for tonight. Also, don't say anything to Draco."
Kreacher's eyes bulged a bit and nodded. "Oh yes Master Harry! Kreacher would be pleased to do that for you." He popped out again.
Harry thought about Draco and could not wait until he returned from visiting Severus and Narcissa. He thought of what he was going to say as he proposed to Draco. He felt like he was vibrating, that's how excited he was for tonight.
When Draco arrived back at Grimmauld Place, he found Harry staring off into space. He smiled at his boyfriend. "Love, how was your day?"
Harry looked up and smiled. "Productive. I had tea with Hermione and Ron."
Draco sat next to Harry. "How did Weasley behave? Respectful I hope."
Harry chuckled. "Yes he did. Much to Hermione's surprise as I'm sure you can imagine."
Draco pulled Harry closer to him. "I missed you today. And I am glad you had a good day with your friends."
Harry faced Draco and kissed him softly. "I missed you too, Dray. How did your visit go with your mother and Severus?"
Draco smiled softly. "It was lovely. Winky was so pleased to serve us." He chuckled.
Harry stood up. "I'll be right back." He kissed Draco and left the room. He went upstairs to hide the wedding bands but kept the engagement rings in his pocket.
Harry came back down and once again sat next to Draco. "Dray, want to cuddle a bit before dinner is ready?"
Draco nodded. "I would love that." He stood up so Harry could lay down.
Harry settled on the sofa. "I'm ready to cuddle."
Draco laid half on Harry and half not. He rested his head on his shoulder. Harry softly kissed the top of Draco's head. They laid that way for what it felt like hours. And it had been hours.
Kreacher popped in. "Masters, dinner is ready." He disappeared once again.
Harry and Draco got up and went to dining room.
Draco looked at the food on the table. "My favourite meal?" He looked at Harry as they settled in their seats. "What is going on?"
Harry shyly smiled. "Dray, I just wanted to do something nice."
Draco smiled widely. "Thank you. That was very thoughtful. Today has been amazing."
Harry and Draco continued to eat and chat about their day. When they were finished, Kreacher cleared the table and brought dessert out.
Draco looked at Harry curiously. "Potter, something is going on. My favourite meal and now my favourite dessert? I demand to know the meaning of this is." He was frustrated and curious.
Harry smirked. "Paranoid much, Dray? Everything is fine. I promise."
Both ate their dessert but Draco kept eyeing Harry curiously. When they finished, Kreacher cleared the table once again.
Draco got up and left the room. Harry followed. Both sat on the sofa again and stared at one another.
Harry nervously chuckled and stared into Draco's eyes. "I never felt like I belonged anywhere until I found out that I was a wizard. My relatives were abhorrent people and their house never felt like home. The moment I entered Hogwarts, I knew I was home. It's funny how you think nothing would feel right especially since you live with people who hate you with every fibre of their beings. But after meeting Hermione and Ron, I finally felt like myself and didn't feel like a freak. Then I met Ron's family and they took me like I was their own. I had a family and people who loved me and not for my fame." He paused for a moment and took Draco's hands in his own. "I always thought home was a place but it can also be people. The Weasleys are my family. Hogwarts is still my home but I now have another home and it's not a place. It's a person. It's you, Dray." He smiled. "When I first met you, you were such a prat and I just couldn't stand you. As the years went by our rivalry just escalated and we were always competing and keeping score. Then eventually we became enemies. By some miracle we both survived the war and the day I visited you was the beginning of everything." Harry got up and pulled Draco up with him. He knelt down on one knee and looked into Draco's glassy eyes. "It hasn't been easy for either of us. Before and after getting together. But I wouldn't change a second of what has happened. Everything that happened was always supposed to bring us to this very moment." He kissed the top of Draco's hand. "I never thought our tug of war with each other would become this but I couldn't be happier that it did. After Ginny, I didn't know I had it in me to love so fiercely but I'm so in love with you Draco it almost hurts. I can't imagine a future without you in it. I want to spend the rest of my days with you, Draco." He pulled out the ring box and opened it. "Draco Lucius Malfoy, will you do me the honour of one day becoming my husband?"
Draco had tears running down his cheek. "Yes, Harry James Potter, I would love to marry you and one day call you my husband."
Both Draco and Harry took the rings out of the box and slid them on each other's fingers. Both were crying happy tears as they kissed each other with more passion and love than they ever had before.
Draco pulled away slightly. "Bloody hell, Potter! You really are something else." He chuckled. "I am so in love with you it almost hurts too." He kissed Harry once again.
Harry chuckled softly. "Dray, you're something else as well you know? But I wouldn't want you any other way."
After a moment, Harry pushed Draco to sit on the sofa. He pushed him down until Draco was laying down. He laid on top of him and kissed him lovingly. They eventually stopped kissing and smiled at each other. Harry laid his head on Draco's chest. He listened to his heartbeat and cuddled even closer. Draco wrapped one arm around Harry's torso while the other softly caressed his face and played with his hair. Both had never been this content before. At peace in their happy silence.
