A/N: I can't believe that we've reached the end of this journey! Honestly, I didn't want to end it because I had so much fun writing it, but alas! All good things must come to an end.

Now, as I've told some of you in private messages, I won't be making a sequel although I have tons of ideas to keep the story going. I loved this story just the way it is and making a sequel would risk in making it cliche. There are only so much you could write about Draco and Hermione that there are probably dozens of fanfics out there with the same plot. And I don't want to ruin this fic that way. On the bright side, you can make up your own conclusions to how they ended up together.

I do apologize for taking so long to update. I really did want to just write this story, but my life just got in the way. Work, classes, more work...the list goes on. I also published another dramione, but it may take me a little longer to update since I'm actually studying for an exam. And of course, work would always take my time.

Anyway, I can't thank you enough for sticking it out with me. We've reached the end and I'm so glad that you guys are still reading. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews and the favorites. I really appreciate that :)

I still don't own anything. I hope this chapter was worth the wait. Happy reading!

The wind was knocked out of her as she apparated right in front of Malfoy Manor's expansive doors. She always hated apparating and it always left her a wee bit disoriented, but she didn't have time to get her bearings straight. She rushed inside, not knowing where to go but kept on anyway.

Malfoy Manor's interior was very impressive, at least what she gathered as she hurriedly passed by the halls. It was more beautiful than what she had remembered the last time she was here. How could she ever forget the dark and eerie walls and ambience of darkness when that was all she could look at as Bellatrix cast the Cruciatus on her? But this version of the manor was much more beautiful. It seems like the whole house was repainted into bright and friendly colors. No longer was every corner tainted with the dark, but a whole new feeling that was somewhat welcoming.

She came into a sunroom that was kind of like a greenhouse with all sorts of plants and flowers everywhere. There was even a stone fountain at the corner and a tea table near what she thought was the floor-to-ceiling windows. But upon closer inspection, the walls were actually made of glass so as to accommodate the sunlight, hence the greenhouse-like sunroom.

Hermione spotted sliding doors at the far end of the room. Of course it would be a garden wedding! Malfoy Manor was believed to have beautiful acres of gardens or so she'd read.

She ran to the door, ready to stop the ceremony and not caring if she ends up embarrassing herself, but to her surprise, nobody was there. She could see the beautiful arrangements and all the flowers, but no one was there. It was already dark out since the sun had set a while ago. She had missed it. She was too late.

Hermione walked down the white aisle of petals and sat somewhere in the middle. She picked the white rose that adorned the side of the seat and ran her thumb softly on the flower. A single tear streamed down her cheek as regrets bombarded her mind. If only she was brave enough to have told him she loved him too, if only she had listened to Pansy, if only she hadn't moped around feeling sorry for herself…those were the never ending what ifs that made her feel stupid at the moment.

She stood up and turned to walk back the way she came from when she came face-to-face with the Malfoy matriarch. She had seen Narcissa in the Prophet many times before and she had always thought her beautiful, but this was the first time she'd seen her in person after the war. She was indeed very beautiful and elegant. And she didn't seem cold like she usually did in the papers.

"My dear, if you are here to witness the wedding then you are too late." Narcissa informed as Hermione wiped the tears off her face.

"Yes, it seems I am. I should just leave. I must be intruding." Hermione passed Narcissa and headed back to the door when the long, elegant fingers of Draco's mum caught her arm.

"Hermione Granger." She looked at the beautiful woman, surprised. How could she have possibly known her name? Sure, Hermione had her fair share of fame after the war, but that was years ago. Narcissa Malfoy couldn't possibly be concerned enough to remember a muggleborn's name.

"You know me?"

"Are you not the girl my Draco fell in love with in New Zealand?"

"I guess I am?" She said uncertainly. It was kind of intimidating for Narcissa to be asking her these kinds of questions.

"He's told me a lot about you in his letters. That's the first time I've ever seen him talk about someone like that other than himself. That was also the first time I've seen him so broken. Apparently he loves you very much."

"Yes, apparently so." Hermione felt inadequate at the moment, not the very best time to be talking to the mother of the love of her life.

"Do you love him?" Hermione was compelled to look her in the eye, kind of like Draco's, only bluer. She wanted to be honest, to be sincere in her answer. She didn't know why, but she wanted Narcissa to know that she did truly love him.

"Yes, I do. Although I guess it doesn't really matter now seeing as he's married. And I didn't even have the guts to tell him that I did love him, still do." She was really embarrassed now, having fat tears cascading down her face. She was crying loudly, breaking down.

Narcissa regarded her kindly and brought her arms around Hermione, trying to comfort the crying girl. They stayed that way for a while, with Narcissa running her hand up and down Hermione's back in a motherly way, until Hermione had slowed down to a sob. Being aware of the awkwardness once again, Hermione cleared her throat and moved back.

"Uh…I should just probably go. No point in staying here." She said, forcing a small smile.

"Walk with me, child. I want to show you something."

Draco was still in his fine tailored dress robes as he lay back, with his head resting on both his arms, on the grassy grounds, staring at the starry night sky. He didn't care if he was getting his robes dirty, he wouldn't be using them anymore anyway.

He sighed deeply as he continued to stare at the twinkling stars. Today had been a crazy day. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so many emotions all at the same time, probably never. He felt a sense of impending doom, afraid, loneliness, regrets and even though his heart was so heavy, he'd also felt acceptance, felt loved, but the best part would be feeling relief. At the end of the day, he had felt like he had finally released the breath that he'd been holding in, in anticipation of the events.

When he woke up that morning, all he had were regrets, regrets of not fighting for her, for giving up so easily. But in the end, he had convinced himself yet again that it was the best course of action. Hermione didn't want him and it seemed she was so eager to get rid of him. After that, he felt anger rise in his gut. He was angry at the fact that he was in this situation, angry that his life was laid out before him without him having any say in it. Then he remembered his mother's words, that his father couldn't control him anymore and he could just walk away from this. He did have a choice after all, but he had chosen to make his father proud. When he had calmed down, he was left with loneliness. He felt alone at the thought that he was marrying a girl he didn't even love and would probably spend the rest of his life wondering about the girl he did love. He didn't have a choice in that matter and just accepted the fact that he was fated to a lifetime of loneliness.

But things happened that were totally not expected. He had talked with his father and for the first time he felt loved and accepted by the man that was so important to him. It was a life changing moment for him. He'd actually felt, for the first time in days, that everything would turn out okay. Still Draco decided to go through with the wedding.

By the time Astoria started to walk down the aisle, he was totally panicking on the inside. This was it and he finally realized that he really didn't want to do this. He didn't want to get married. Why couldn't he just have walked away when his father gave him the chance? But it was too late to back out now, he had given his word. This was by far the stupidest thing he had ever done. Lucky for him, there was someone at the wedding with enough sense to stop him from ruining his life.

Astoria was by his side now and the official started to speak. He was talking about love, devotion and the everlasting union that will bind witch and wizard together, but Draco didn't hear anything. His mind had already shut down.

The next thing he knew, they were about to perform the binding ceremony. But before that, the ministry official addressed the crowd. He looked at the girl by his side, expecting to see her smug look of victory, but the expression she wore was something he couldn't understand. She looked like she didn't want to be standing here beside him either.

"If there is anyone in attendance who does not conform to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Draco looked back at the people seated comfortably behind him. Everyone had gone still and silent. In the few seconds that he was looking at the crowd felt like hours to him as he searched for someone, someone to save him. There was nobody.

He faced the official as he placed Draco's hand on top of Astoria's. Draco closed his eyes in defeat. Nobody was speaking for him. No one would dare interrupt this wedding.

The official said the words to start the binding when suddenly…

"Wait!" Draco let out the breath that he was holding in as gasps could be heard from the crowd. He looked back again to see his father walk regally walk up to the gazebo.

"Draco, I cannot sit idly by and watch this, this train wreck unfold! I—" Lucius never got to finish what he wanted to say as Draco bolted to hug him. He was taken aback at first; this was the first time he ever had such contact with his son and it was a wonderful feeling. He suddenly felt all warm and fatherly inside. He knew it was the right thing to do, traditions be damned! He knew his son was meant for better things. He deserved a better life.

"Thank you, father." The father-son moment was cut short when Fabian Greengrass, Astoria's father appeared behind them.

"Lucius, what is the meaning of this?"

"Come, let us talk inside my study." He led the elder Greengrass back to the house, but not before informing the guests of the new plans. "There will be no wedding today, but please feel free to enjoy the festivities in the ballroom."

Draco was so relieved by the end of the day that this ordeal had finally ended. His father had saved him from a life he didn't want to live. Old Pureblood traditions were very important to Lucius. He was raised to live by them no matter what, like any other Malfoy before him, yet he was the first one to break free from the said traditions. Lucius Malfoy didn't care about traditions anymore. He realized that his son was so much important and he was going to make it up to Draco for missing all those years in his son's life.

Draco was finally alone with Astoria after seeing his mother retreat into the house with the other guests. They were still at their place on the gazebo. Astoria was leaning to the railing on the right while Draco jumped on the left side to sit down.

"You don't look depressed. I thought you wanted to marry me?"

"Who ever said I wanted that?"

"Well, all the girls want to marry me. I'm quite the catch, don't you think? I'm young, rich, brilliant, talented—among others."

"You are so conceited! I'm glad that were not getting married." Astoria smiled at him. It was a surprise that they had talked and teased like old friends now that they weren't forced to marry each other.

"But seriously, I never really wanted this arrangement. But since it was inevitable, I just accepted the fact that at least I get the most sought after wizard, the best among the lot. Now don't get that ego bigger than it already is." Draco laughed. He was very comfortable talking with her. If only he'd given her a chance before, they would've been friends.

"I'm really sorry about how I behaved back then, for hurting you. It was immature of me to treat you like that. Especially after all you wanted was just for us to get to know each other."

"Don't worry about it, Draco Malfoy. That was the past and I forgive you. I knew you were in love with someone else that time and the truth is I was jealous. I could feel how much you loved her even though I didn't know who she was. That night, I did want to sleep with you, just because I wanted to feel how it was to be loved the way you loved her. I provoked you, knowing you had been drinking."

"But still, it isn't any excuse to treat you that way."

"Let's just leave it in the past. Friends?" Astoria offered her hand which Draco happily accepted.

"Friends."

"Oh, about the other night…" Draco stiffened slightly as he remembered what she was referring to. He had forgotten all about it with all the crazy stuff going on. But this was a problem that wasn't going away no matter how much he forgot it. What if she got—?

"Relax. Nothing happened."

"What?"

"I was being a bitch ever since you came back hopping that you would change your mind into marrying me and to fight that stupid arranged marriage. I tried to be as unbearable as I could be. I'm too young to get married, not that you're old or anything, but I want to do something worthwhile in my life before I settle down. Sorry for messing with your head like that."

Astoria's confession was another heavy burden lifted off his shoulders. He was actually very afraid. What if he had gotten her pregnant? He wasn't ready for a child yet! Well actually, he did want a child, just not with her. Kudos to her cunningness, she just proved to him why she belonged in Slytherin.

With all the good luck that was happening with him that day, he couldn't help but feel that the scales of his fate were finally tilting towards something better. Now, if only Hermione was here beside him—No! He had to stop doing that! She was never coming back! He had to get that through his thick head.

Draco closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind. He could hear the calmness of the night and the steady rhythm of the night insects' song. He could hear the wind as it blows through the weeping willow's leaves. And then he heard someone walking towards him to the center of the maze. Probably his mother checking up on him. She was the only one who knew (minus the house elves, of course) that he was most at peace when he was in this garden. He could tell that his mum was close. Her steps had gotten louder and suddenly it stopped. Draco didn't look up, but he knew she was there. She didn't say anything, probably vexed at him for lying in the dirt and getting his dress robes dirty. He didn't really feel like talking right now so he just continued to pretend that he was unaware of her presence.

"Draco?"

He sat up suddenly, thinking he had heard her voice. He was probably dreaming again, but when he looked to the entrance of the garden, he saw this beautiful girl, the girl he thought he'd never see again, standing there. And she looked like she was about to cry.

"Walk with me, child. I want to show you something."

Hermione walked beside Lady Malfoy, although she didn't really feel up to it. What could Narcissa possibly show her that could make her feel better? All she wanted to do was go home and sleep it off. Hermione was suddenly tired and defeated, the week of sleepless nights catching up to her and her mind flooded with regrets. She was too preoccupied to really think of the responses she was giving to the trivial things Narcissa talked about.

Little did she know that the Lady of the Manor was sizing her up and in a good way too. Narcissa already knew how much Draco loved her, but she wanted to know if this little Gryffindor felt the same for her son. She smiled inwardly as she observed the girl beside her. Hermione was honest and she could tell that this girl loved her son, not his name nor his money. She loved him because he was Draco.

They walked further away from the manor until they reached the opening of a tall hedge with fiery red flowers Hermione had never seen before. She looked questioningly at Narcissa as they stopped at the entrance. Narcissa smiled at her and gave her a hug. She was taken aback at first, not expecting to receive comfort from the most unlikely person. She hugged back, taking all the comfort Narcissa was giving her.

They didn't say anything as they let go of each other, but Hermione had felt closer to Draco's mother in their brief encounter. Narcissa picked the very rare flower and transfigured it into a beautiful butterfly of the flower's color. She turned to face Hermione and offered her the butterfly

"This butterfly will lead you to happiness."

Narcissa walked away, leaving a confused Hermione looking at the butterfly on her hand. This was absurd! What could possibly be in this end of this maze that would hold her happiness? She thought of leaving; it was all so silly, but the tempting offer of happiness piqued her curiosity.

"Lead me to happiness." She threw caution to the wind and walked behind the butterfly without question.

She walked into the maze with nothing but the full moon for light. She didn't even bother using her wand since the moonlight was bright enough to light her way. She continued to follow the butterfly when she realized that she had been walking for a while now, yet she didn't see any sign of an exit. She thought of just going back, but then again she would probably get lost on her own. Her only option would be to follow to the end. And truthfully, she was kind of curious to see where that leads her.

It was a couple more minutes of walking when suddenly the butterfly burst into flames and ashes fell to the ground. She looked ahead and saw the iridescent light at the end of the path. She had made it to the center of the maze.

Hermione walked forward, her heart beating wildly in anticipation. She didn't know what to expect; she was nervous, yet she was excited to see what awaited her at the end.

She stood awe-struck at the entrance. Narcissa showed her the vast gardens of Malfoy Manor, but this was by far the best one she had seen. The first thing that caught her attention was the enormous tiered fountain at the middle of the garden that emitted an eerie blue light. But it was the fairies flying around the garden that gave the beautiful iridescent rainbow colors. Everything about it was perfect. She felt peaceful and content being in this place, but happiness? She didn't think so. She was disappointed to find nothing.

Hermione was about to turn back and make her way through the maze when she saw a glimmer of platinum blonde under the weeping willow as a fairy flew by. She didn't notice him before, but he was definitely there, lying on the ground.

She could feel her heartbeat accelerate once again and her throat closing up. She was so overwhelmed, knowing that he was just meters away from her that she didn't know what to feel. She started to tear up knowing that he was so near yet so far. She didn't want to deny it anymore…she wanted to tell him, tell him that he was her happiness, that she loved him more than anything else, but she was too late. He was married now.

This was her chance to tell him, if only for the last time. She needed closure and she needed to let him know how she actually felt.

"Draco?"

They were standing in front of each other, three arm's length apart, but nobody said a word. They were looking at each other, trying to memorize this moment. Hermione looked at him, wanting to absorb everything, the way his hair fell on his face, the way he looked at her and the way everything else seemed so perfect. She wanted to remember him in this moment because this could be the last time she would ever see him this way. All she wanted to do was run to him and hold him and never let go, but she couldn't. She had missed her chance for that. She came here tonight to tell him how she actually felt, to tell him she loved him and to tell him goodbye.

It took every ounce of Draco's control not to ravish her right there. He had missed her so much and he didn't want to waste any more precious time with her than he already did. But he wanted to hear her say it first.

"Her—Granger, what are you doing here?" He tried to be blunt, but Hermione could see the yearning in his expressive gray eyes.

"Draco…I'm sorry—there's so much I want to tell you—I was stupid—I'm sorry for pushing—I never told you—I'm sorry—"

Hermione tried her very best not to cry, but she couldn't hold it in anymore. Just the thought of never having another moment with Draco made her future seem bleak. She was so distraught that she couldn't even put together a proper sentence. She knew that this was the way it was going to end, but she just didn't want to accept it. She felt like she was dying all over again.

This was the first time Draco had ever seen Hermione cry—no, scratch that, breakdown. As a child, he'd thrown every insult at her and made her life a living hell, yet she stood her ground, never even flinching. She never backed down from a fight, but seeing her reduced to this showed him how fragile she actually was and it was just breaking his heart.

He couldn't stand seeing her like this. He had to hold her in his arms. And that was exactly what he did. In one swift move, he had pulled her to his chest, holding her as if she'd float away from him. Hermione cried harder into his chest as he tightened his grip on her.

"It's okay…it's okay…" Draco repeated it like a mantra, hoping to calm her down. He had never comforted anyone before so he didn't exactly know what to do. But he must be doing something right since she stopped a few minutes later. He didn't even notice that she too, wrapped her arms around his waist. She was saying something, but he couldn't quite understand since it was muffled by his chest.

Draco moved a step back and tilted her chin up so they were looking eye-to-eye. He wiped her tears away with his thumb and waited for her to say something.

"Draco…I love you. I never told you before, but I do. I really do. I'm sorry—"

He didn't care that she didn't finish her apology. He wanted to taste her, feel her, kiss her. But instead of rushing into the kiss like a starved man, he kissed her slowly, gently, passionately. His hands were cradling her face as her hands found themselves tangled in his hair. He tried to pour out his feelings for her in that one kiss and he could tell that she was doing the same.

They reluctantly let go for air, both panting as they looked at each other. It was Draco who broke the silence first.

"I love you too, Hermione."

"What about Astoria? You know, your wife?" He smiled at her and took her hand in his. He led her to his spot under the willow and conjured a blanket where they both sat down face-to-face.

"How can I marry someone when I've loved you for so long?"

"Since when?"

"Since Hogwarts."

"I—I don't understand…Why did you never tell me that you did?"

"I did, but the way you reacted to me told me that you didn't want to have anything to do with me. Remember the Yule ball?"

Her night was ruined. She and Ron had gotten into a fight over her going to the ball with Viktor, something about fraternizing with the enemy, as Ron had said. She had walked out into the black lake and sat at her favorite spot under the oak tree. She cried silently, hating Ron for being so obtuse.

She was still crying when someone had walked toward her and stopped right in front of her. She didn't look up, embarrassed to be seen in this state. The person offered her a white handkerchief, but she didn't take it. He moved to sit beside her and wiped away her tears. She was surprised to find that Draco Malfoy was capable of such gentle actions. But what he did afterwards surprised her even more. He stood up and offered his hand.

"Dance with me, Granger."

Surprisingly, she did. She took his offered hand as he helped her up. He put her arms around his neck and positioned his on her waist. There were no spoken words between them as they swayed to the silent music, holding each other close.

That night, they weren't enemies. He wasn't a pureblood and she wasn't a muggleborn. That night they were just two people who found each other.

000

Hermione woke up to a very peculiar dream about Malfoy, but she didn't really put some thought into it since she had a splitting headache. Someone must've spiked the drinks last night! Good thing it was a weekend.

After having breakfast and seeing her classmates nursing a hangover, she opted for the fresh air by the black lake rather than stay in the dusty library on this lovely Saturday morning.

She found her favorite spot on under the oak tree and opened her copy of Hogwarts: A History. She was starting to relax with her favorite book, the refreshing air and the lovely view of the lake when she felt a presence beside her. She shielded her eyes from the sun and looked up to the person standing over her.

"Granger, I—"

"Ugh! What do you want now, Malfoy? I'm not in the mood to play with you. Why don't you go torture someone else today? Shove off."

She turned to her book, hoping that he'd give her this day. She really wasn't in the mood to verbal spar with him today. Her head hurt too much. They could fight again tomorrow, but today, she just wanted some peace.

If she'd only bothered to look at him, she'd see the crestfallen look on his face. He walked away from her that day knowing that she'd never reciprocate his growing feelings for her.

"That wasn't a dream, wasn't it?" She asked as realization dawned in on her.

"No, it wasn't. We did dance that night at the lake, but you fell asleep a couple of minutes after. I couldn't leave you there so I took you back to Gryffindor tower. I waited until someone came and said the password. I sneaked in and left you on the couch. Someone must've probably moved you to your room."

"Oh…" was all she could say. "What made you stop hating me?"

"Although I didn't like you and your friends, I never really hated you…I just had to keep pretenses for my father. He expected a lot from me. The truth was, I was impressed with you. You were the only one who ever stood up to me and that punch on third year? That made me look up to you in a whole new different way. Seeing you at the Yule Ball just took my breath away.

Before, I teased you because I was pretending to be my father's son, but later on I just teased you to get your attention. It seemed like the only way for you to notice me. After Hogwarts, I did everything I could for you to notice me, but you never did. And every day, I just kept on falling in love with you.

Two years ago, I faked my disappearance because I didn't want to live that life anymore. Pansy helped me get settled in. She taught me about the muggles since she'd lived with them and knew all about their culture.

I never expected to run into you there, of all places. And when I did, I thought that it was my chance for you to get to know me without the past getting in the way. I didn't want you to be partial to me because of what I did when we were children. That was why I lied and pretended to lose my memory. I didn't really think about it backfiring on me. I did want to tell you a couple of times, but I was just too afraid that you'd hate me all over again."

Draco looked away, ashamed of what he had done. He didn't even think of the consequences of his actions. He just wanted her so bad that he would do anything just to get her attention.

"We both wasted a lot of time then." Hermione whispered, keeping her eyes on his face.

"What?"

"What you didn't know was, I did notice you. I did notice you for your efforts during and after the war, especially that donation you gave for the orphans in St. Mungo's. I did notice the kindness of your heart. I did notice that you are a good person that was led astray as a child. I also noticed that I was feeling something for you. I tried to deny it, but it just wouldn't go away. You could say I was watching you from afar too.

I forced my relationship with Ron even though we were both unhappy then, hopping that it was just a passing fancy with you. I was thinking about how you could possibly love a me when I'm just this girl, a muggleborn you had hated for a part of your life, when much prettier girls, purebloods throw themselves at you.

This past week, I realized how much I really love you. I was dying without you."

"That's where you're wrong, Hermione. You're the only girl I've ever loved. And you are not just some girl to me."

They had talked about thier past and thier feelings for each other like they were trying to piece together a very big puzzle. They had wasted so much time because they were both too afraid to face rejection from the other. But those wasted time wasn't for nothing. It only told them how much they mean to each other.

They were both settled into a comfortable silence, each in their own thoughts, thoughts of regrets and wasted time, but they had been given another chance and it was up to them to put it to good use.

Hermione looked at Draco when she felt him stand up. He smiled down on her and offered his hand to her. She smiled back.

"Draco, what are you doing?"

"Dance with me, Granger."

And just like she did ten years ago, she took his hand and once again found herself in his embrace. He waved his wand once and the fairies flew around them. She treasured this moment because they finally found each other. The emptiness and the dread she felt just hours ago was now replaced with happiness, one that she thought she would never have.

"You saved my life, Hermione Granger." She lifted her head from his chest and looked at his face. She didn't say anything as she waited for him to continue.

"You saved me from the darkness that was swallowing me because when I look at you, you make me want to be a better man. It was because of you that I had the courage to turn to the light even though it put my life on the line. You don't know how much you mean to me, but I intend to show you for all the lifetimes we have. I'm never letting you go again, Hermione."

"Good. Because I don't intend on ever leaving you again."

He captured her lips in a gentle, soulful kiss that Hermione had learned to love. Of all the types of kisses she had shared with Draco, this was by far her favorite. It was simple, yet it told her how much he loved her.

"Well, what now?" She asked as Draco planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Now we take it one day at a time. We couldn't turn back to all those years we wasted, but we do have the rest of our lives to make up for it. What do you say?"

"I think that it's a wonderful plan."

A/N: So I kind of think that this chapter was sonewhat redundant. And I didn't really like the last scene. I somehow pictured it differently in my mind, but came out this way. Well, it doesn't matter what I think, what matters is what you guys think. So for the last time, please review! It would make me really, really happy :)

REVIEW! pretty please? :)