January 1st 2001 6:00 Pm
Gods, it felt so good. Kissing Draco I mean. We had just apparated from Malfoy Manor and into my flat and had been kissing madly for the last few minutes—I never wanted to stop but we had to—breathing was necessary.
"Oh how I missed that. And you." I murmured.
"Same here,my love. Same here." He replied with a contented sigh.
We were standing close together, arms wrapped around one another—my head resting on his chest and his resting on my shoulder. He was mine again and I never wanted this moment to end. It was prefect. I was back where I belonged.
"I love you." He said, burying his face into my neck and planting small kisses there.
"I love you." I breathed.
His kisses were making me lose myself. It was just like old times and I knew exactly where it would lead.
It was now nighttime and we were in bed—naked bodies tangled and sweaty from exertion. We had made hot,burning love for hours. I was insatiable after waiting so long to have him again.
"How on earth could I have survived a year without this, without you? Draco asked in fascination.
He hadn't been with anyone since me—he had told me so earlier—not even Astoria. Neither had I . It had been a long wait but boy was it worth it.
"Merlin knows." I chuckled.
"Not even he knows." Draco said with a chuckle of his own.
"It doesn't matter anymore. You have me now—all of me—forever and always." I told him, my voice ringing with truth.
"As you have all of me." He replied in the same manner.
"I told you we would find our way back to one another if we were really meant to be. I didn't expect it to happen quite so dramatically but I couldn't be more grateful to have you back." I said, smiling broadly.
"I remembered you saying that and wished for it to be true so many times. Especially on the really bad days. I would just sit and hope that you would walk back into my life. Now you have—in the most dramatic fashion possible as you said but here all the same."
"I really made a mess of things didn't I? I should never have let you go in the first place. Things might have been difficult in the beginning but it would have all worked out in the end—just like it has now. You'll never know how sorry I am for all the pain that I put you through." I said glumly.
"It's okay love. You have nothing to be sorry about. I was at fault too—I shouldn't have left no matter what you said. My parents shouldn't have put us in the situation either by forcing me into an unwanted marriage. There's plenty of blame to go around so don't beat yourself up please, I can't bear to see you upset." He reassured me.
"So you're not mad at me—even a little bit? After I hurt you so much too..."
"Of course not. I could never be mad at you. I know you did what you thought was best, I can't hold that against you." He replied.
"Thank you. It eases my heart to know that." I said gratefully.
"I'm glad. It eases my heart to know that yours is not burdened." He said.
I ran my fingers lightly across his face to show him my gratitude at his kindness. Sometimes words just wouldn't do. He then took the same hand and kissed my knuckles in acknowledgment.
"There's one good thing that's come out of all this." He said thoughtfully.
"What's that?" I asked curiously.
"It's made our relationship stronger in a way. The long separation and all the agony that came along with it showed us how grim our lives would be without each other. It made us see that this is it for us—we have to be together. It's the only way—the only thing that makes sense. We are two halves of a whole who are lost and incomplete without the other. This past year has proven that to me without a shadow of doubt." He answered.
"Oh, Draco. Now that I know what it's like to be without you, I can never go through it again that's for sure. So I guess you're right—we are even more dedicated to each other. Nothing can tear us apart now." I agreed.
He smiled and began tracing patterns on my stomach with his fingers.
"Enough talk for now. Let's get back to more pleasurable activities. We need to make up for lost time you know." He said wickedly.
Who was I to argue?
"I couldn't agree more." I said huskily.
We ravished one another countless times for the remainder of the night—no more words were needed—our bodies said all that was necessary.
It was morning and I didn't want to open my eyes—I had the most wonderful dream—Draco and I had gotten back together. If I opened my eyes the dream would disappear for good. It had seemed so real too—even now, I could still feel Draco's arm draped across my breasts.
I couldn't stay in dreamland forever so I forced my eyes open. I looked down and Draco's arm still draped across my breasts. Some dream this was—I was even having hallucinations now. Maybe I had finally snapped. I closed my eyes and opened them again. He was still here. What madness was this? For I had to be crazy right? Unless...
Unless it was real and all that stuff I thought was a dream actually happened. I took stock of my room and body. There were clothes strewn around my body was aching. I was reminded of another morning,long ago. The morning after Draco and I had made love for the first time. I had thought that a dream too but it was real. So then this could also be real...It was too good to be true. I didn't want to get my hopes up for nothing and then have them dashed though. Maybe I should just go back to sleep and I would know for sure when I awoke again.
A sudden movement made me snap out of my inner musings. Draco had stretched and was now pulling me closer into his body. Hallucinations couldn't do that right?
"Good morning, beautiful."
That voice. That body. So real. It couldn't be. I turned my body around and I was met with the most beautiful sight in the world—Draco's face. He was looking at me with so much love in his eyes that it took my breath away. I touched his face and it felt real. He kissed me then and I knew that it had all happened. This was no dream. I felt light headed with joy.
"You're here." I said in wonder.
"Where else would I be?" He said sleepily.
"It all seems too good to be true so I though I dreamed the whole thing up." I clarified.
"Ah. Well you didn't. It's all very real." He assured me.
"I know that now." I said.
We exchanged sweet nothings and snuggled for a while before it was time to get up. Work awaited and I was not looking forward t it for obvious reasons. Draco had time off because he was superposed to be on his honeymoon but that was off the table now and I wondered if he would still go in to work.
"You going to work today? You do have time off so you don't have to." I said as I got out of bed and there on a robe.
"I am. Can't have you facing all the drama ad judging alone . I can also come visit you in your office now and snog your head off." He replied with a laugh.
"I look froward to it—something to brighten an otherwise sure to be awful day." I said.
He laughed again and tugged on some pants that he had transfigured from his wedding robes. I was walking ahead of him out of the room when I was suddenly swooped off of the ground. Draco had picked me up and slung me across his shoulder. I screamed in surprise in delight. It was good to have him back.
I had just finished making breakfast and laying the table when the Daily Prophet arrived. I made my way over to the kitchen table where Draco was already seated and sat on his lap before unrolling the paper. It was as I expected. Right there on the front page was a moving picture of Draco and I kissing outside of the garden at Malfoy Manor followed by the headline:
War Heroine Hermione Granger crashes Malfoy/Greengrass wedding and runs off with the groom and former classmate—Draco Malfoy.
Ouch. How would I ever show my face again? I let out a groan and put my head on the table.
"Don't be upset baby, it doesn't matter what some stupid headline says—we know the truth and that's what counts." Draco comforted me while rubbing my back soothingly.
"I know but it's still embarrassing." I wailed.
"Well maybe the article explains things a little better. Let's read it and find out." Draco suggested.
We read it quickly and it turned out that the Prophet had actually got most of the fats correct about what went down. There were also direct quotes from Astoria and Harry as well as Draco's parents that shed a mostly positive spin on things. The article made our relationship out to be some kind of forbidden romance turned tragedy that ended with the happy couple reconciling and riding off into the sunset together. While that in it itself was not the most appealing angle to me— it was at least better than the homewrecker angle that they could have gone with instead. I wondered if it was Harry or Mr Malfoy who ensured that it was not so. Knowing the Prophet—it must have been the original intent.
"See? It wasn't that bad. A bit sappy for my taste but it will do. We come off as star crossed lovers instead of selfish bastards who broke a young girl's heart." He said, mirroring my sentiments on the article.
"True. Let's be thankful for that at least." I replied.
"We better hurry up and eat or else we'll be late for work." I said.
January 2nd 2001
It was now time for me to leave for work and I was more than a little nervous. Things were sure to be eventful. Draco and I were going together and I was grateful to have him by my side but it would also be the first time that we would be seen in public as a couple and considering what happened yesterday it was bound to be awkward. I was waiting for him to come back to my flat so we could leave because he had gone home to get ready.
Draco was back and it was now time to leave.
"Ready?" He asked me.
"As I'll ever be." I replied
"Let's go then." He said and took my hand.
We apparated to the Ministry still holding hands and upon our arrival everyone we encountered stared wide eyed at us. Instead of cowering under their gazes, I held my head high and walked proudly. Draco did likewise. We had nothing to be ashamed of—Draco made sure he got that into my head during breakfast. Draco walked me to my office and kissed me sweetly right in plain view of everyone before leaving to go to his office. What a strange feeling—not having to hide our relationship anymore. It would definitely take some getting used to.
I had only been in my office for a few minutes before the door flew open and in walked my co-workers Eva and Susan.
"Hermione Granger!" Susan shouted excitedly. Eva just giggled.
This was going to be fun. Not.
"You are something else you know. You've been seeing Draco Malfoy for so long and nobody knew. How did you pull that off?" Eva managed to ask through her giggling.
"We kept to ourselves and didn't parade around in public that's how." I replied tersely.
"How romantic! A secret and forbidden relationship between former enemies." Susan said dreamily.
I said nothing—just kept my head down and pretend to work.
"I can't believe you crashed his wedding,Hermione. I wouldn't have taken you for the type to do something like that." Eva said a little cautiously.
"That's because I'm not. It was an emotional decision but one that was necessary." I said.
"I think it was a brave thing to do. Fighting for your man no matter what." Susan added.
"Thanks I guess." I muttered.
"So...is he good?" Eva asked through another fit of giggles.
"Good at what?" I asked feigning confusion. I knew exactly what she meant but I wasn't going to let her know that.
"In bed!" She all but screamed.
"I'm not answering that." I said huffed.
"Why not?" She pouted.
"It's none on your business."
"Oh come on Hermione. Just tell us!" Susan encouraged.
"How can you two be so sure that we've slept together?" I said with a smirk.
They both wore matching expressions of outrage for a few seconds.
"Oh come off it. You don't see a guy for so long and then crash his wedding without sleeping with him." Eva said while Susan nodded her agreement.
I laughed at their reasoning before giving in. I knew they wouldn't let it go and I had work to do.
"He's brilliant. Satisfied now?" I sighed.
"Very." They both said.
They then left with ridiculous grins on their faces.
I had barely recovered from their visit when Harry and Ron barged in a few minutes later. Don't people knock anymore?
"Hey." They chorused.
"Hi." I said in return.
"We just wanted to come and see you—make sure you're alright after yesterday." Said Harry.
"That's very sweet of you. I'm fine though. Couldn't be better." I said with a small smile.
"That's good to hear. Nobody's been giving you a hard time you right?"
"No Harry. Eva and Susan were just here but they were just curious." I reassured him.
"Okay then."
"So how are things between you and the ferret? We saw him before coming here and he looked in good spirits." Ron asked in typical Ron fashion.
"We're doing very well Ronald and don't call him ferret please." I groaned.
"Sorry. Habit you know." He said unapologetic.
"Draco said you two came in together this morning, must have been awkward." Harry said.
"A little bit. People stared a lot but we just ignored them." I told him.
"So I'm guessing Malfoy stayed over last nigh since you two came in together." Ron said with a hint of disgust.
"Yes he did." I said airily.
"I won't bother asking what you two did all night." Ron said with even more disgust this time around. He actually looked a little green.
"For your sake it's best that you don't." I said while holding back a laugh. Ron was ridiculous.
"I still can't believe the two of you are together. Voldemort could comeback from the dead and I wouldn't be as shocked." Said Harry.
"I know right? Sometimes I can't even believe it. We spent six years without any real interaction except trading insults and then we started spending time together during our last year at Hogwarts and it was like we had never even met before. We shared so much with one another during that time and through it all we just developed this incredible bond. It was like a veil had been lifted and I was seeing him—the real him for the first time. Underneath it all he's just the most amazing person and he's been so good to me. We really have something special. I love him so much guys." I said happily.
"Think I'm gonna puke after hearing about how perfect Malfoy is." Ron groaned.
"Shut up Ron." I laughed.
"Don't mind him. I'm happy for you Hermione. You really deserve someone great in your life and I'm happy that you found him. Even if it was the last person on earth I would have ever expected. I'm happy for Draco too—I've gotten to know him and he really is pretty cool." Harry said with a grin.
"Awww. Thank you Harry."
"I don't care for the git but if he makes you happy then I'm happy for you too." Ron added.
"He really does. Thanks Ron." I said with a smile.
"We better b going now. Bye, Hermione. See you later." Said Harry.
"Bye guys."
After the boys left I settled in and worked uninterrupted until lunch time when I heard someone knock on my door. I got up to open the door and it turned out to be Draco.
"Hey gorgeous." He greeted me as I let him in.
I was about to respond when he kissed me soundly and I forgot what I was going to say.
"Hmm. I could get used to this—you have to stop by more often." I said after catching my breath.
"It would be my pleasure Miss Granger." He said with a wink.
"So did you just come by to snog me or was there an actual reason?" I asked.
"Snogging you is reason enough but I did have an actual one as you put it. I wanted to know if you would have lunch with me today." He replied.
"Sure. Give me a minute to get these papers in order and then we'll go."
A few minutes later we were out of the Ministry (people continued to stare relentlessly) and into the open. Draco had his arm around my shoulder and we seemed like any other happy couple walking down the street. Everyone we saw stared and some even pointed but I wasn't bothered. I just felt incredibly blessed and happy to be out with Draco in public. It was such a relief not to have to sneak around anymore and I was honestly very proud to be seen with him and have people know he was mine. I smiled like a fool all the way to the little cafe chose for us.
"What are you so happy about?" He asked with as we took our seats at the table.
"I'm having lunch with you—in public where everyone can see us. It's our first real outing as a couple and it makes me happy." I replied, still smiling.
"Ah yes. It's wonderful isn't it? Apart from all the unwanted attention we're receiving but not even that could spoil things. It feels great to be out with you—now the whole world can see just how much I love you and how happy you make me." He stated with shining eyes.
I took his hand across the table and brought it to my lips before setting it back on on the table but not letting go just yet. I adored touching him—even in the smallest, most innocent of ways.
"It's good to be us isn't it?" I said appreciatively.
"It is." He agreed.
The waiter came over and we ordered. The poor thing looked so flustered by our presence and I couldn't blame him. We were a controversial pair under any circumstance and now our faces were splashed on newspapers and magazines followed by sensational headlines.
A few minutes later we were served and we enjoyed some good food and pleasant conversation and then the lunch hour was up and it was time to go. When we walked out there were reporters and cameras waiting for us. Ugh. We tried our best to side step them but it was no use—they followed us relentlessly. Questions were flung at us ( we ignored them) and pictures were taken until we finally made it back to the Ministry where they weren't allowed in.
"Well that was fun." Draco muttered sarcastically as he walked me back to my office.
"You would think that they have better things to do." I agreed.
"People love drama and we provided a lot of it yesterday." He shrugged.
"That we did."
He came with me into my office and we just held each other for a few minutes before he kissed me goodbye.
The rest of the day passed without further incident and it was a relief. Draco and I left the building and it was just like in the morning and at lunch—people stared. At least no one said anything to us so that was a plus. All in all it wasn't that bad of a day and things could only get better once people's curiosity died down.
January 2nd 2001 9:00 pm.
"Yesterday you promised us details so spill Hermione." Ginny demanded as she entered my place accompanied by Ron and Harry.
"Nice to see you too Ginny." I said with an eye roll.
"I've been waiting all day so get on with it missy." She continued doggedly.
"Sorry Hermione. We tried to stop her from coming over but she wouldn't listen." Harry informed me.
"It's alright Harry. I did promise her and I suppose now is as good a time as any."
"Now you're talking." Ginny said gleefully.
"Is Malfoy here?" Ron asked while looking around to check for him self.
"Who said my name?" The man in question asked as he entered the living room.
"Oh. It's you lot. Should have known." He said
"Yeah it's us. Our friend lives here you see so we thought we would come and visit her. Do you have a problem with that?" Ron said rudely.
"I'm aware of that Weasley and no I do not have a problem with it." Draco replied, completely unperturbed.
"What are you doing here anyway? Do you live here now?" Ron asked suspiciously.
"Draco's here to see me and no he does not live here Ronald." I said.
"Oh."
Draco then came up behind me and put his arms around my waist and then followed it up by kissing my cheek. I knew he was doing it to make Ron mad and true to form, Ron glowered at him.
I exchanged knowing looks with Ginny and Harry and we all had to stifle our laughs. No need to make poor Ron any madder.
"Alright people. Let's get on with it. Tell me how you two manged to get together and then keep it a secret for so long." Ginny said impatiently.
"Do we really have to?" Draco groaned into my neck.
"I promised her so yeah we do." I replied.
"Fine then." He accepted.
The three of them sat down on the sofa opposite Draco and I, who pulled me onto his lap as I was about to sit next to him. It was quite a comfortable spot so I didn't mind but Ron sure did. He looked sick to his stomach at our display.
"Start talking." Ginny said eagerly.
"Well, both of us were having a difficult time after the war and for me it really came to the fore front when I went back to Hogwarts. I didn't want to worry you guys so I just kept it to myself. Draco was struggling badly too and I saw him crying outside the first Saturday of term so I approached him and we had a nice long discussion. I offered him my help in return for his and things just developed from there. As time went by and we grew more comfortable with each other and we formed a strong friendship—different that what I have with you guys but it was just as special in its own way— we kept each other sane in a manner of speaking. For the first few months we had a strictly platonic relationship but all that changed the night before we were due to leave for the Christmas holidays. We had just finished one of our meetings in the library and were walking back to our dorms when we got caught under enchanted mistletoe and were stuck. I was freaking out but we had to kiss to break the enchantment so we just went ahead and did it. It felt bloody magical and I was a goner. When the kiss ended we were both confused as to why it felt like that when we were only friends. I couldn't sleep that night and I avoided him all morning the next day but he found me in the library and we talked about the kiss and what it meant before coming to the conclusion that we had feelings for each other and after talking things over,we decided to give it a chance. Things evolved naturally from there and a few months later we both confessed our love to each other and that was that. We were together happily for a year when Draco's parents brought up the whole arranged marriage thing. We were actually going to tell everyone about us the very next day but obviously things changed. You know the rest—I said it all yesterday. This past year was the worst of my life but I made it through and now everything is as it should be." I finished quietly.
All three of were quiet for a moment before Ginny spoke.
"Wow. That's quite a love story you guys have there." She said with a small smile.
"How come you two weren't caught at all during all that time?" Asked a baffled Ron.
"Because we were very careful and we did lie about things a lot too." Draco answered with a chuckle.
"Also the fact that even though our behavior was suspicious and Draco's parents figured out he was seeing someone, the two of us were the last two people who any one would except to be together so that helped. No on was consciously looking for it you so they couldn't put the pieces together even if they had them all." I added.
"That's true. I always knew you had something going and were lying your pants off the night I confronted you about it. I would never have suspected Draco though." Ginny said in agreement.
"So that time in the lift when the three of us were there a few months back and I rounded on the two of you for not being friendly to the other..." Harry trailed off.
"Yep. We were trying to avoid one another at all cost because it hurt too much to be close seeing how we had broken up and all." I finished Harry's thought for him.
"All those times I would mention Draco to you and then talk about him and Astoria and I had no clue. No I feel like a complete git." Harry sighed.
"It wasn't your fault. You had no way of knowing Harry." I reassured him.
"Thanks." He replied.
"Remember that time at dinner when you guys were talking about Malfoy's future kids and how good looking they would be and Hermione said she was feeling sick and wanted to go home? I told you guys it was talk of Malfoy spawn that made her sick." Ron said smugly.
"I remember that. I wasn't actually sick—just upset and I made up the sick excuse so I could leave. I didn't want to be hearing about Draco's and Astoria's kids." I said with mild distaste.
"Jealous were you?" Draco teased.
"Very." I answered truthfully.
"Poor baby." He mocked.
"Oh please. don't think I didn't notice you glaring daggers at Robert that time we saw you and Astoria on a date." I retorted playfully.
"I wanted to strangle him to be honest." Draco said bluntly.
"You two are something else." Laughed Harry.
"It was a difficult time for both of us." Draco said
"Well thank god all of that is behind us now." I said gratefully.
"Yeah." Draco agreed.
"Have you told your parents yet, Hermione?" Ginny asked.
"No actually. I haven't really had anytime yet and it's something I want to do in person. Maybe I will go after work tomorrow."
"How do you think they will take it?" Harry asked.
" I think they'll be surprised and a little bit upset that I didn't tell them about Draco earlier but they won't have any real problem as long as I'm happy." I answered.
"Well that's good." Harry said.
"Mhm. Although I think my mother will be kind of ashamed of me because I ruined the wedding—that's not how she raised me. I used to tell them about an awful boy named Draco Malfoy who was horrible to me back during school days so they'll probably be scratching their heads in confusion as to what I'm doing with him now." I chuckled.
Ron laughed loudly at this and the others joined in.
"I can't believe you told them that. They'll probably hate me now. As if we didn't have it bad enough with my parents." Groaned Draco.
"Well it was true at the time but you're not that person anymore. They'll love you, I'm sure of it." I assure him.
"If you say so." He replied.
"How's the family taking it Gin?" I asked.
"Quite good actually. They were rather shocked but are happy for you. Mom took it kind of hard though—she still thought you and Ron would get back together." She finished with a laugh in Ron's direction.
He glared at her and she only laughed harder.
"I was worried about that. We told her it was over so many times but she wouldn't listen. Guess she has to accept in now." I said.
"Yeah." Ginny agreed.
"I'm glad that everyone else is fine with us though. I will have to come by sometime this week and see them."
"I'm sure they'll love to see you. Be prepared for teasing though." Ginny said.
"Definitely." I said with a big smile.
"Well you came for details and now you have them Gin. I think we should go now." Harry announced.
'Yeah." Ron agreed quickly.
"You don't have to go so soon guys." I said politely.
"Yes we do. I got what I wanted so no reason to stay and bother you any longer." Ginny laughed.
"You've only been back together for one day so I'm sure there's still a lot of catching to do so we'll leave you to it. Have fun!" She continued and winked in Draco's direction.
"Ginny!" I exclaimed when I realized what she was hinting at.
"Don't be gross Gin. I don't want to think about Hermione and Malfoy having sex." Ron mumbled.
"You made that very clear this morning." I told him.
"Well sometimes you can't be clear enough on a point and this is one of them." He replied.
"Okay then." I laughed.
"Why were you discussing my sex life for anyway Weasley?" Draco asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I wasn't. I just told Hermione that I didn't want to know what you two were doing last night since I assumed it was something like that." Said a blushing Ron.
"I see. Well you assumed correctly." Draco said with a smirk.
"Right. Well it's definitely time to leave. Bye." Ron rushed out and then looked down at his feet.
We all laughed at his obvious discomfort and he stomped out of the room in annoyance.
"Bye guys." I said as I got up from Draco's lap.
"Bye you two." Harry replied.
"Bye. Have a good night." Ginny said.
"Oh we will. Bye now." Draco said mischievously.
They both shook their heads and joined Ron outside before disapparating away.
"That went well." I said, pleased.
"Yeah. I thought they were never going to leave though." He chuckled.
"Why were you so eager for them to leave my dear?" I asked innocently.
"I think you know why." He replied just as innocently.
"Nope. I don't think I do." I continued playfully, while pressing my body up against his.
"I guess I'll just have to show you then." He whispered and pressed his lips to mine.
"Yes please." I said breathlessly after the kiss ended.
He then picked me up and carried me into the bedroom where he 'showed' me what he meant all night long.
The rest of the week went by and every morning I woke up next to Draco and my happiness knew no bounds. It was a gift to have him in my life again. We slipped back into our old routine with ease—the long year apart seemed a lifetime ago already. Things were different of course—we did everything without fear of discovery now. Freedom to do as we pleased was a beautiful thing and the fact that all the people who mattered to me accepted our relationship without question or complaint made everything even better.
I was spot on about how my parents would react to the news—they were happy for me although puzzled as to how I fell in love with my childhood tormentor. Draco was also relieved to hear that they held no grudge against him because of how he treated me in the past—he loved me now and that was all that mattered to them. I also received owls through out the week from my old Hogwarts professors proclaiming their surprise that I ended up with Draco Malfoy of all people but they were happy for both of us nonetheless. A lot of former students made contact to express their feelings too. It was a big deal apparently—Draco and I were complete opposites in every way and the fact that we found love with each other despite having everything against us was truly remarkable and inspirational to a lot of people. They newspapers and magazines had a lot to do with the level interest displayed too—apparently crashing the wedding of your former enemy,only to run off with him is quite the scandal. We had even spent some time with Astoria—it was only right to check on her after what we did to her. During our meeting she reiterated her feelings from the wedding. She was truly happy for us and glad I did what I did.
We still received stares of varying emotions from most people who saw us, either together or separately. Most of the people seemed happy ore merely curious after the initial shock wore off but some seemed rather hostile—mostly those from the old pureblood lines. While I had received positive reactions and owls from my former housemates, it was not so with Draco. He got a few letters questioning his sanity and current behavior. There was a particularly nasty one form Pansy Parkinson asking him why he was "cavorting around like a fool with that bushy haired mudblood Granger". Truth be told I wasn't bothered but I worried for Draco. Those people used to be his friends and I was sure that it hurt him but when I brought it up he said that he didn't care one bit. He said that their opinions didn't matter in the slightest. They were out of his life and had been for a very long time. I was his world now and he needed no one else.
Despite the small amount of negativity, the past week had been one of the best in my life without a doubt. I had my man,my love,my life. All was right with the world again.
December 25 2001.
"Draco,hurry up!" I called out
"I'm coming woman!" He shouted.
He was in our room—we were now living together and had moved into a spacious and expensive apartment since June—getting ready to attend his parents Christmas party. We had already been by the Manor this morning for breakfast, then lunch with my parents and dinner with the Weasleys. It had been a full day and it wasn't over yet!
The past year had been kind to us. We were both flourishing at work and our personal lives could not be better. Draco was now an integral part of my life—in all aspects. W did everything together and he had even become close with the Weasleys and my parents. His love for me and irresistible charm had won them over. His mother had come around gradually and was now completely on board with our relationship too. Lucius...Well he was still not too happy with things but he loved his son when it was all said ad done so he was trying his best. He treated me civilly and that was enough for now. After the first few weeks the outside world finally came to terms with us being a couple ad now everything was pretty much normal. As for Draco and I— our love had only intensified after the long separation—after a year of darkness our love burned brighter than ever and lit up our lives.
"I'm ready." Draco announced as he met me in the living room.
"Good. Let's go." I told him.
"You look dazzling by the way." He said as he took my hand.
"So do you." I replied and we both laughed.
We appparted to the Manor—which I was now very familiar with seeing as how we visited quite a lot—and went inside. The party was already in full swing and we went to find Draco's parents.
"Hello dears." Narcissa greeted us warmly as we approached. She then kissed both of us on our cheeks.
"Hello, mother." Draco greeted her
"Hello Narcissa." I said.
"Draco, Miss Granger." Lucius, greeted coolly.
"Father." Draco replied in the same manner.
"Mr Malfoy." I said calmly.
We exchanged some more pleasantries for a while and then Narcissa went to speak with some new arrivals. Draco and I excused ourselves from Lucius and went wondering about the room.
"This is so lame. Why are we here again?" Draco whined.
"Because it makes your mother happy." I reminded him.
Neither of us wanted to come seeing as how the place would be populated by a bunch of pure bloods who we didn't get on with. Maybe Astoria was around somewhere... We had developed a nice friendship over the past few months.
"Well she's seen us so can we go now?" He complained.
"We just got here. I know it's not fun but behave please." I chided.
"You're no fun." He muttered.
"Shut up." I retorted.
"This party is so bad that it's making us fight and we never fight." Draco moaned.
"I know." I moaned back.
"Let's just go hide in my old room and song the night away." He suggested.
"That sounds tempting but it would be very rude." I said.
"I don't really care." He replied.
"Oh Draco." I laughed.
"Look I'm giving it an hour and then we're out of here." He told me.
"That's fair enough." I said.
"We can be home before midnight and end our Christmas on a high." He said with a smirk.
"I can't wait." I said with a laugh.
"Come on. Let's go see if we can find Astoria, she said she was coming." I said hopefully.
We searched for a short while and then we found her talking to Pansy of all people. Neither looked particularity happy.
Before any of us could speak, Pansy opened her stupid mouth.
"Well if it isn't the happy couple." She said with a nasty smile on her face.
Draco ignored her and I rolled my eyes.
"Hi guys." Astoria said brightly.
"Hey." I replied before grabbing he hand and pulling her away.
We all laughed as we heard Pansy's huff at being treated so rudely.
"How long have you two been here? I didn't see you come in.'' She asked.
"Fifteen minutes or so." I answered.
"I've been here for more than an hour." She informed.
"I feel sorry for you." Draco deadpanned.
"You should. I've done nothing but speak to the most annoying people." She laughed.
"Speaking of annoying people, what were you and Pansy talking about. You both looked upset." I asked.
"Oh the usual—chewing me about not making Draco marry me and losing him to you, blah blah blah. She really hates you,Hermione."
"I know. It's been like that since school. She's probably the person most upset by us being together." I sighed.
"So how have you guys spent your Christmas?" She asked.
"Quite good— until we came here that is." Draco complained.
"Don't worry with this cry baby here. We've had a lovely day and even this boring party can't spoil it." I told her.
"How about you?" I asked her.
"It's been great." She said with a smile.
We chatted for a while and then went our separate ways.
Draco and I decide to walk around the grounds cause inside wasn't exactly comfortable—many people were looking at us (me) disgustedly.
We walked without knowing where we were going and then we somehow ended up in the garden.
"The scene of the infamous wedding crash." Draco said with a small smile.
"Sometimes I still can't believe I did that." I said in wonder.
"Well I'm glad you did." He said and kissed me softly.
"So am I." I sighed and rested my head on his chest.
"This is nice—being here at my home with you like this." He said quietly.
" I know. Who would have thought that we would ever have this moment but here we are." I told him.
"Here we are." He echoed my words.
"I have a present for you." He whispered.
"Really? I thought you already gave m all my presents this morning." I asked.
"This is a special present. It's for both of us actually." He said.
"I see. Is it lingerie like what you got me two years ago?" I asked suspiciously.
"No it's not. I can arrange some if you want though." He chuckled.
"I think I'll pass." I smirked.
"Pity. A guy can't have it all I guess." He said.
"Well are you going to give me my present now." I asked impatiently.
I was really intrigued as to what it could be.
"I was actually planning on waiting till we got home but this seems the most fitting place and I honestly can't wait anymore. I need you to close your eyes and no peeking!"
He sounded a little nervous to me and I wanted to ask him why but I let the impulse go. I would find out in due time.
"Okay." I said and closed my eyes.
I stood with my eyes closed tightly for about half a minute. My excitement was rising. What could it be?
"You can open your eyes now." He said. Yep—he was definitely nervous, it was present in his voice.
I opened them very slowly.
Complete shock.
Draco was down on one knee, hold a small velvet box with a ring in it. A very large diamond ring.
"My dearest Hermione. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know and love you for the past few years. I never knew true happiness until I found you. Even though we lost our way for a while our love could not be derailed for long and we found our way back to one another. I know that as long as I live I will never love anyone the way I do you. Will you continue to make my life worth living? Will you marry me?" Draco asked with all the love and tenderness in the world.
I couldn't believe it. He wanted to marry me!
"Yes! A thousand times yes!" I shrieked happily and put my hand out to receive the ring.
Draco slid the ring on my finger without further ado and them got up off the ground. He he lifted up and spun me around before crushing me in a fierce hug.
"Thank you so much for saying yes. I don't know what I would have done if you had refused." He said happily.
"You had nothing to be worried about my love. You are the only person I ever want to marry. Back when we were apart, there were days when I tried to picture my future with some unnamed stranger but I all I ever saw was you. I always knew you were the only one for me and I couldn't be more thrilled to be marrying you." I choked out.
"Thank you. It was the same for me. I actually knew I wanted to marry you from the very first time you told me you loved me all those years ago in the Hogwarts library. " He said sweetly.
"I can't believe this is real. After everything—we're engaged!" I sobbed in is arms.
He just held me and stroked my hair as I cried sheer tears of joy.
When I finally calmed down and stopped crying, we shared an emotional kiss and it just about made me swoon. Our first kiss as an engaged couple was definitely a special one.
" I love you my beauty." He said while looking into my eyes.
"And I love you my darling." I said sincerely.
"Do you like the ring? I would have liked to give you the one that Astoria got because it's a family heirloom but you don't deserve someone's leftovers so I got you something new and entirely yours. I wanted it to symbolize a new beginning in our lives." He stated smilingly.
"It's stunning. I adore it." I answered truthfully.
It was stunning. One of the loveliest pieces I had eve seen.
"Well look at that, the hour is up and we can finally leave." He announced after checking his watch.
"Oh you. Are we going to tell you parents about our engagement?" I asked.
"Do you want to?" He asked.
"I guess so. I mean since we're here already." I shrugged.
"We will then." He agreed.
We walked hand in hand back into the party with the biggest grins on or faces. His mother saw us and came over right away.
"There you are. I was wondering where you had gone off to." She exclaimed.
"We went for a walk. We were just about to leave actually so we came in to say goodbye." Draco told her.
"So soon? Well let me go get your father so you can say goodbye." She sighed and walked away.
She came back with Lucius in tow after a minute.
"I heard you were leaving." He said.
"We are." Draco confirmed.
"Well it was nice having you here. Goodbye." He said indifferently.
"There's something we have to tell you and mother before we leave." Draco said excitedly.
"Well what is it?" Narcissa asked?
I held up my hand with the ring on it in response and giggled like a fool.
She looked confused for a moment but then she realized what I meant and she clapped her hand to her mouth in surprise before screaming out her congratulations.
"Oh my god! You two are engaged. I'm so thrilled for you. Congratulations!" She said happily.
"Oh Lucius, isn't it wonderful." She said and smiled expectantly at him.
"It is. Congratulations you two." He told us not sounding quite as happy as his wife but he didn't sound upset either.
We gave them our thanks and then after hugging Narcissa and shaking Lucius's hand, we left.
As we lay in bed hat night, neither of us could wipe the smiles off of our faces.
"So how did you like your present?" He asked lazily while playing with my hair.
" I loved it. It's the best present I've ever received to be honest." I said.
"Can't argue with that." He replied.
He then took me into his arms and kissed me until I was out of breath. I had never been happier.
A/N: The epilogue is next and then the story will be finished.
Review!
