AN – I own nothing!

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Chapter 15

"Nice shot," Hermione commented to Draco as she watched ball number five enter the side pocket. She and Draco were playing muggle billiards in the game room.

"And now for ball number six," Draco said as he carefully aimed his target. He took his shot, and hit his target. The ball didn't go in though.

"You aren't that lucky," Hermione smirked. She then walked around the table examining the layout of the balls, and planning her shots carefully.

"Hermione, I heard about what had happened yesterday," Draco said softly.

Hermione was about to take her shot, but then lost her concentration. She shook her head, and allowed herself to lean against the table. "It was just a misunderstanding Draco. Nothing more."

"Father said you were hurt."

"It was an accident, I assure you. Severus wouldn't even think about hurting me physically in any way. He isn't that type of man."

"He did hurt you though, emotionally," Draco said sadly as he walked towards her.

Hermione placed her billiard stick onto the table. Game over. Now she was in no mood to play. She couldn't get out of the discussion either."He isn't the nicest man in the world Draco. Everyone knows that."

Draco stood right in front of her and placed his stick down as well. "But does he make you happy Hermione? And answer me honestly."

She shrugged. "We have to learn to be happy. This is all just happening so fast, most especially for him."

"You're defending him," Draco sighed. "I could make you happy. I would marry you in a heartbeat if I had the chance. I love you Hermione."

Hermione gave him a smile, and rested her palm against his cheek. "I know Draco. It wouldn't be fair though to you. I love you as a friend—the best of friends. No matter how many times you ask me to give you a chance, you know my answer."

"What if everything was different? What if he wasn't your soulmate, would you give me a chance? Would you give us a chance?" he asked with a tad bit of hope.

Hermione moved forward and placed a small kiss on his cheek. "I would Draco."

"What about Weasel? You gave him a chance," Draco hissed in anger.

Hermione giggled and shook her head, and hugged him. "I just gave in to make his shut up. You know how childish he is. I don't love him like that, and I never would."

"I am jealous though that you did give him a chance and not me," Draco said as he hugged her back. How he wished that the hug meant something more than friendship, but he knew the truth all too well.

"If it's any consolation, I'd pick you over Ron anytime. I'd marry you and not him."

Draco gave Hermione a kiss on her cheek and whispered, "Thanks."

"You'll find the right one for you, trust me," she told him as she pulled away. "You are Draco Malfoy. Smart, handsome, and most of all rich. All in one package. Who can't resist?"

Draco snorted. "Not a gold digger, please. Plus, everyone thinks I'm an arse and a no good person. One who fights for the dark and Voldemort. I most definitely don't want a bitch of a wife like Pansy Parkinson, or any daughter of a Death Eater to be exact. So that virtually leaves no options for me."

"You don't have to follow your father you know?" Hermione said sadly. "You can choose to be who you really are, and not hide it. I don't want you to take the Mark"

"And risk everything Hermione? I think not," Draco said in a very serious tone. "My father made a vow to your family years ago, and I intend to follow that vow. I am at service to your family, and will do everything to keep you safe. If it means that I have to die for you, then so be it."

"Are you ready to take the Dark Mark in a few weeks?"

"I've been ready for a very long time. Father has trained me well in terms of spying, spell casting, Legilmens, and a lot more. I need to help him now. He cannot do everything alone, and your Severus isn't a double spy anymore. I will do whatever it takes to win this war Hermione, remember that."

Hermione nodded. Everyone around her life was about to sacrifice everything for her. There was no other choice really.

Then, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Alfred, the butler soon stepped in. "Barbeque for lunch at the pool area Princess, Mr. Malfoy," he informed them.

"Thank you Alfred. We'll be there shortly," Hermione said as she turned to him.

Alfred bowed his head, and departed.

Hermione then turned her head back and faced Draco. "When this is all over, you will find the right woman."

"For now, the most important women in my life are my Mother and you."

--

"Medium well right Severus?" Lucius asked as he continued to cook the steaks, corn and lobsters on the grill. All the other adults were seated on the bench seats of the picnic table.

"Yes," Severus replied flatly.

"So, it is decided then," King Richard said. "I will appoint Kingsley Shacklebolt as the new Minister of Magic when I go public."

"Which would be when your Majesty?" Minerva asked.

"In about a week or two," he replied. "I wouldn't want to expose Hermione's true identity yet. She's been through so much, and it will put her at more risks if I do expose her. I don't think that she'll handle well with pressure now. I will firstly have to talk with Kingsley first and inform him about everything. Maybe Wednesday after the wedding."

"I will personally give him your invitation," Albus said.

"There they are," Narcissa said. She saw her son and Hermione walking towards them, hand in hand.

"I hope you're ready for tomorrow Severus," Remus said.

"You had better not harm her, or I will hex your balls off!" Minerva threatened him.

"Trust me Minerva, I would do no such thing," Severus said softly, as he watched Hermione walk closer to them. He felt her worry. Frowning, he needed to know why.

"Is there lot's a lemon butter?" Draco asked as he let go of Hermione's hand, and headed towards the grill. He like his father enjoyed grilling and barbequing.

"Of course," Lucius smiled.

"Now Hermione, you can't eat too much," Narcissa warned her. "You might not fit into your dress tomorrow."

"Yea," Hermione said softly not really caring at the moment. She watched Lucius and Draco happily standing at the grill; laughing and joking. How could they seem so worry free when they already sacrificed a lot, and would continue to sacrifice more?

Severus swung one leg over the bench so that he was straddling it. He reached out for one of Hermione's hand, and pulled her down, allowing her to sit in between his legs. "Why are you worried?" he whispered into her ear.

Hermione didn't reply. She turned towards Severus and hugged him around his chest, and buried her face against it.

"Hermione?" Severus whispered in her ear.

"I don't want to lose you Severus… I can't," she whispered back at him. She already had lost so much in the war. More losses would come, that was sure.

Severus wrapped his arms tightly around her. "You won't Little One. You won't lose me. I will always be here for you," he promised.

Everyone around was silent for a moment and watched in awe. There was Severus Snape, evil potions master, comforting Hermione in his arms. Yes, they knew that the couple had grown somewhat close over the past few days, but never had they seen their public displays of affection.

"I never thought that they would get comfortable with each other," Minerva said softly to Albus, noticing the twinkle in his eye.

"Like the King said, it's their bonding. Only they can make each other feel better. Amazing!"

"Hermione," King Richard said catching her attention. He watched as he turned her head to face him. It still was on Severus's chest. "I have arranged a wedding gift for you and Severus. A honeymoon gift you could say. You two will be going to Seychelles, on a private beach island resort."

"How exciting!" Narcissa exclaimed. "I always wanted to go there."

Again, Severus felt Hermione's emotion, and it was sadness. He knew exactly why, and felt one of her hands squeeze his. "Actually, we already have plans your Majesty."

"Oh?" he asked as he looked at Hermione who nodded her head.

"I have a villa in Tuscany. And since Hermione and her parents planned a summer trip to Italy, we thought it was best to continue on with the trip."

"Well in that case. I must have Alfred cancel Seychelles," King Richard smiled.

"You're not mad?" Hermione asked.

"Me, mad? Of course not!"

Hermione sat up quickly and threw herself at her grandfather, hugging him tightly around his neck. "I love you Grandpa," she whispered.

"And I too Poppet. As long as you are happy, that is all that matters."

Soon enough, everyone started to eat. Jokes, stories and laughs were around the table. Of course, a few moments when Severus kissed Hermione on her temple or hand couldn't be missed. Everyone could clearly see just how close they were, and were happy for them.

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AN – Draco and Hermione are on some sort of MU. They can't go beyond being best friends. It just wouldn't work out. Anyways, the wedding is up next. Review!