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Draco took deep, steadying breaths as he got ready for the date. He was dressed in his best, and knew Astoria would be as well. He checked his pockets once more to ensure he had the ring. It was his grandmother's a perfect diamond surrounded by perfect emeralds sit in platinum. Only the best for a Malfoy. He left Malfoy Mansion (it had been presented to him on his seventeenth birthday) and Apparated to Greengrass Manor.
A house elf announced him to the occupants in the sitting room: Mr. and Mrs. Greengrass.
"Astoria is still getting ready, Draco, dear. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not, Mrs. Greengrass. Astoria is always worth the wait." She smiled at him, and even Mr. Greengrass looked less stern. Draco recalled the meeting he had had with the gentleman about a week ago.
**Flashback**
The house elf led him to Mr. Greengrass' study. Mr. Greengrass had gestured him to sit, which he had done.
"How may I help you, Mr. Malfoy?" Draco mentally rolled his eyes. As if he didn't know. This courtship had gone by the books. He had gone on his first date with Astoria exactly one year ago, after asking her father for permission to court her. They had first held hands on the third date. Their first kiss had been on the fifth date. Astoria had officially met Draco's parents after the second month.
"I wish to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage, sir, and I would like your permission to do so." Mr. Greengrass nodded.
"Whose ring will you present?"
"My grandmother's. Its original owner was my great, great, great, great grandmother, Lady Alyssa Malfoy." Mr. Greengrass nodded again pleased. The ring was clearly a family heirloom.
"And where will you live if I give my permission?"
"Malfoy Mansion. It houses fifteen house elves and is protected by numerous wards of all types. It has never been breached in the three hundred years it has been Malfoy property. There are ten suites, twenty bedrooms, fifteen separate bathrooms, a large dining hall, a smaller dining room, a large library, a ballroom, separate studies and sitting rooms..." As expected, Mr. Greengrass held up a hand to silence Draco.
"It sounds very acceptable. Very well, Mr. Malfoy, I grant you permission. However, I expect you to do it correctly, and to take care of my girl."
"Yes, of course, sir."
**End Flashback**
Astoria entered the room, pulling Draco out of his reverie. He stood and reached for her hand to kiss.
"You look resplendent, dearest." She laughed.
"Thank you, Draco. You look wonderful, too." Draco nodded then turned to Mr. Greengrass and bowed.
"As ever, I will guard her with my life."
"See that you do." Astoria hugged her mother, who gave Draco a win, and kissed her father good-bye.
A short while later, they were being shown to their table at the Stately Witch. Draco ordered them the best of everything. When their meal was done, the violinists arrived. Astoria was enchanted. When they had completed the first song, Draco stood and asked Astoria to dance. After a couple of songs, he led her back to the table and helped her sit then kneeled at her feet. The restaurant instantly fell silent. He took a good look at Astoria's surprised face before pulled the ring box out.
"Astoria Greengrass, I love you, and it would make me extremely happy if you would consent to be my wife. Will you marry me?" Astoria squealed in delight then composed herself and answered formally, as expected. Draco was happy to see her true delight.
"Draco Malfoy, I would be honored to become your wife." The restaurant burst into applause as Draco slid the ring onto Astoria's finger. It was charmed to instantly resize to fit, and would not leave her hand until she died. Draco quickly requested the bill and paid, and led his fiancée out of the restaurant. As soon as they had Apparated back to Greengrass Manor, Astoria threw her arms around Draco and kissed him.
"You have made me truly happy, Draco. I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together." Draco smiled one of his rare, true smiles.
"I'm very happy, my love. I hope to keep you happy for the rest of our lives. Let's go tell your parents the good news." As they entered the sitting room, Astoria dropped all pretenses of formality and ran to her mother, squealing with delight.
"Mummy! I'm engaaaaaaged!"
"Astoria, dearest, really! I'm happy for you, but where is your decorum?"
"Mum, let me be happy, please just this once." She had obviously hit her mother's weak, as she nodded and smiled. Astoria turned to her father. "Thank you, Daddy!" Draco watcher Astoria indulgently as she let her emotions show. However, when she moved on to talk of wedding planning, he knew he should leave before she kept him there all night. He politely excused himself and bid his fiancée good-bye for the night. He knew the next six months would be intense, he hoped he would survive the planning.