Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.
Epilogue
The train arrived at King's Cross on time.
Students flitted about excitedly, passing gossip from cluster to cluster—of how those Gryffindor troublemakers pulled a final prank, locking the students inside the compartments for the duration of the trip as they made a ruckus out in the corridors.
Nearly destroyed a compartment, too.
Hermione stood side-by-side with Draco as they gazed at the Hogwarts Express.
"As train rides go," Draco mused, "I've had better."
Her lips quirked up into a small grin. "Believe it or not, I've had worse."
He glanced at her sidelong, cocking an eyebrow.
"Dementors," she said by way of explanation.
"Ah. The perks of being Boy Lightning's friend." He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Off to see him and the Weasel, then?"
She poked him with her elbow as she faced him. "I'm due at my parents'. But I will be seeing them soon." Uneasiness settled on her shoulders, making her fidget. "Though, perhaps, you should come with me when I do."
He stilled, his face carefully blank.
She took a deep breath. "We should probably explain to them sooner rather than later that I'm your…" She glanced at the sky, trying to find the right word. Soulmate? Bonded? Those terms felt both overwhelming and inadequate at the same time.
He stared at her, unblinking.
"Yours," she said, the word feeling right on her tongue.
A shy smile bloomed on his face. He nodded. "Just tell me when, and I'll be there."
Her shoulders sagged with relief.
"Draco!" Near the entrance, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy waved to their son.
He nudged his chin towards them. "I guess I should go for now."
Hermione bit her lip, nodding once.
Draco stared at her a moment longer before taking a step backwards. "I'll see you, Granger."
She released her lip. "Yeah. See you."
With a nod farewell, he turned around and sauntered to where his parents waited. And as space grew between them, the invisible line connecting them stretched and stretched, familiar and agonizing in its own way. She watched him greet his parents—shared a warm embrace with his father and bent down to receive a tender kiss on the temple from his mother.
His carefree smile filled her heart with happiness. He glanced back at her as though he felt it, too.
Her bonded.
Her soulmate.
Hers. Forever.
She pressed a palm over her chest, where he tugged at her heart. "So it begins."
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