Ehm...hey guys! Do you still remember me? I am the girl you want to slap right now for not updating over two months. I am a terrible person who now owes you a huge apology. I could also feed you with many excuses why I was being so inactive, for example starting a new school or suffering from writer´s block, but I won´t do that. I just apologize.
So this is the last chapter of my Dramione story - Decisions. This journey was hard and full of obstacles, but thanks to your support, I managed to complete it. I want to thank you all for being here with me even when I felt like I couldn´t go on. But every "favourited", "followed" and "reviewed" made me realize I cannot just abandon this story.
This is the first time I put an author´s note in the beginning of a chapter, because I believe that the ending of any story is an epic thing, which shouldn´t be interrupted by author´s notes. There is still an epilogue awaiting us, but there will be no author´s note in it. It is also the part I´m most looking forward to write.
Writing Decisions was a great experience, but I´m not going to say I will miss it. I just feel so incredibly happy that it´s finally finished.
And what am I going to do after this story is finished? I think I will have a little break from writting and focus on my studies, but then I will come with new force and start another story which is going to be called 26 years (or I love you no matter what - tell me which one you like better). I already have a bit written from it and I hope it´s going to be a blast.
So...I don´t really know what to say anymore. I want to thank you all again and I hope you will like this chapter. Don´t forget to give me a feedback and stay tuned for epilogue and other Dramione stories.
I love you
Betty xxx

It is supposed to be the happiest day in woman´s life. At least that´s what they say.

When the bride finally finds her something new, something blue, something old and something borrowed and she gets dressed into that perfect wedding dress.

It is the day when all your childish dreams come true.

When you stare at yourself in the mirror and you ask "Who the hell is that?" and your hair looks perfect for a change.

When you can´t wait to go out through that door and face the man you love the most.

When you are afraid of the future and you feel nervous butterflies in your stomach.

Yes, that was much like my case except for one thing. There were no butterflies. There was just a complete dread. And I didn´t want to get through that door, because the man inside wasn´t the one I loved.

It was exactly the week after I met Draco by the lake. Exactly seven days. Where did they go? How could they go by so fast?

So this was my wedding day. I was dressed in the wedding dress I always wanted to wear on my wedding, my hair was expertly tied on my head and only few locks were slipping out. My face had just the right amount of make up to seem natural, but also to cover my zombie look.

If only my eyes were shining like the rest of me. If only a smile would crown my beauty.

I still had about an hour before the wedding was supposed to start, but my mother and Molly Weasley got me ready quite quickly. Yes, Molly Weasley. I suppose she still wasn´t very satisfied with the idea of me being her daughter-in-law as I already once broke her son´s heart, but she hugged me the second we met and she gave me her blessing.

I felt like an idiot. Everybody forgave me and accepted me back into their lives. And still I was the one playing something, I was the phony one.

I slowly walked over to the window, avoiding another look in the mirror and carefully sat on the couch. I didn´t sleep a wink the night before, so I thought a quick nap could only refresh me. I cuddled closer to the back of the couch, hoping to get lost in its huge arms. I closed my eyes. Before I knew, I was surrendered by the darkness and I had no other option than to fall into it.

"I thought our last meeting would change your mind," I heard a voice. The voice that started all of this. The voice that changed my life.

"Wait, did we ever meet?" I asked, confused and not able to think clearly.

The person sighed. "Do I really have to show myself so you could understand it all?"

I nodded before I realized that person wouldn´t be able to see my nod in the dark. But he was the master here. I heard steps coming closer and a bit quickened breath. A little circle of light appeared in front of me.

And before I could do anything to stop this...

I was staring into the eyes of Draco Malfoy.

My eyes widened. "You? YOU! What are you doing here? What have you done with the person that has been here since the beginning?"

He laughed bitterly. "Could it be more obvious?"

I was trembling with shock and anger. I felt tears in the back of my eyes and that made me even more furious. "Stop replying with a question! Why are you here?"

Draco walked over to me and grabbed my shoulders. "I have been here from the very start. I am the person calling to you, forcing you to finally dump your head and start listening to your heart."

I shook his hands off of me and took a step back. "No, you´re lying. My head would never play with me like this. Ever since we two met, my life is a mess – disorganized and chaotic and I..."

"You are enjoying it, aren´t you?"

The truth stung in my chest. "No, of course not. Nobody clever would ever enjoy a life in chaos. You...you cannot be that person."

It is truth that since the day I realized I was in love with Draco, I was hoping that he was the special person. That he was the one who made me feel safe and complete. But reality coming to me like this, unexpected and shocking...was too much for me to handle.

"What can I do to make you believe me? Well, do you remember when that special person was hugging you and your hands touched?"

I nodded. I remembered every single touch.

"Do you remember what the person had on his middle finger?"

I opened my mouth, but no sound actually came out. A little scar. I even remembered its shape. But surely, I would notice if the real Draco would have something like that on his finger. Or...wouldn´t I?

The dream Draco raised his hand and showed me his palm. The scar was proudly presenting itself on his middle finger, almost as if it was glowing, proving me that everything was true. My special person had a scar like this and dream Draco had exactly the same one.

I started to back off and I almost stumbled in panic. "That cannot be true, no, it doesn´t make sense..." I was mumbling other explanations, something that would prove I was right and they were wrong.

"Hermione," dream Draco called after me and I looked into his eyes. "I love you."

And just like that, the dream was over.

I shoot out of the couch, with his name upon my lips. Breathing hard, I slumped on the floor and put my head into my palms.

"That is the truth. Now, what are you going to do with it?" my heart asked.

"What do you mean? She is going to marry Ron and live happily ever after. Dreams are just dreams, they come and they go, they don´t mean anything. She is one strong and bright witch, she won´t let anything like this spoil her beautiful future," my mind stated confidently.

I heard my mind´s response, but I barely paid attention. My confidence that everything I was doing was right was starting to fall apart.

"I don´t know," I replied to my heart´s question.

My mind made a loud noise, while my heart stayed quiet.

There was a weak knock on the door. I stood up and fixed my appearance. But I couldn´t hide my red face and glimmering eyes.

"Come in."

The door slowly opened and a fire-red head peeked in.

"Do you have a moment?" Ginny asked quietly.

I made a gesture with my hand, inviting her to the room. Ginny walked over to the toilet table and touched the mirror. Then she pointed her firm eyes directly on me.

"You look amazing," she stated.

"Thank you," I said nervously.

"I hope to look at least a bit like you on my own wedding."

"You are going to be far more beautiful than I am," I hurried with a reply, but Ginny didn´t smile. I knew she hated small talks.

"But I suppose you´re not here to discuss my appearance," I came to the topic and corners of Ginny´s lips started to lift. I guess she was moved that I still remembered her likes and dislikes.

"You´re right, as always."

I didn´t reply. I stood firmly and studied the look on my best friend's face, waiting for her to speak.

"You see, I had the whole speech prepared but suddenly it all flew away," she explained a bit awkwardly. "So I guess I will just say it without sugar-coating it."

I looked at her a bit panicked, not sure what I was about to hear.

"I acted like a complete bitch. Honestly, a total bitch. I was always talking about being your best friend and how much I love you, but when I was to support you, I walked away without listening to you. I...I owe you an apology," Ginny said it all without breaking the eye-contact.

I felt my eyes welling up. "I forgave you months ago, Gin, everything is already forgotten," I smiled more honestly than I ever did in the past week.

Ginny smiled as well and I realized just how much I missed her. I came closer to the redhead and almost squeezed her in the huge hug. But she didn´t mind, because she was hugging me with the same strength and none of us felt like letting go.

"Come on, don´t cry, you will ruin your make-up," Ginny quickly wiped away those few tears that slipped away.

We sat on the couch, holding hands in the way only best friends can.

"I suppose you have already heard the news about Harry and me."

"Yes, Harry told me the second you said yes," I giggled. "I couldn´t be more happy for you two, Gin."

"Thanks, Hermione. And of course, you are heartily invited to the wedding," Ginny stated without a hint she wasn´t being serious.

"Thank you, Ginny, thank you so much." I said with a hand over my heart.

"We couldn´t have a wedding without the maid of honour being present, could we?"

I hugged her again, even more moved than before. "I don´t really know what to say."

Ginny laughed and stroked my back. "Start with the day you went away. Harry said you were working in Paris, is that true?"

I nodded. "Yes, it is true."

I wasn´t really certain what to say next. Should Ginny know about my relationship with Draco? Especially when she just decided to welcome me back? But I couldn´t keep it a secret in front of her.

And so I told her everything. Ginny was very discrete. She didn´t interrupt me or make faces. She just sometimes asked a question about this and that.

When I was finished, she sat quietly, lost in her thoughts. I looked at the clock. The wedding was set to start in about twenty minutes.

"May I have a question?" she asked.

"Of course."

"Why are you here?"

I shot a glance at her. "What do you mean? Where else would I be? The wedding is about to start and..."

"Yes, that´s exactly what I am talking about. No matter how hard I try, I can´t understand why you are still sitting here."

"I don´t understand."

She sighed and took my hand. "Geez, darling, you are so inexperienced."

"What are you talking about? We dated probably the same amount of guys..."

"I mean in your feelings. Tell me, darling, do you love my brother?" she asked with a smile.

I opened my mouth, but closed it again. Nobody could lie under the firm look of Ginny Weasley.

"And do you love Mal...I mean, Draco?"

I looked into her eyes. She was still smiling.

"My, my. Darling, has anyone ever told you to always listen to your heart when the situation is about love? Listening to your head won´t help you in this."

"My mum might have mentioned it," I mumbled.

"Then?"

"Then what?"

"Why are you still here? Go and find Draco," she laughed heartily.

"Ginny!" I exclaimed in shock. "I am here; dressed in a wedding gown, waiting for that door to open and getting married with Ron, not Malfoy."

She didn´t seem to buy it, she continued to smile. "You love him."

A furious blush ran over my face. "That´s not what this is about."

Ginny stood up and even though she was shorter than me, she suddenly seemed like a giant. "Yes, my dear, that is exactly what this it about."

"I cannot change my mind. Not again and especially not now."

"I will support you," Ginny stated.

Words got stuck in my head. "What?" I breathed.

"Nobody can change their feelings. Yes, Ronald is probably going to go to psychiatry and mum is going to hate you forever, but if this can make you happy...if HE can make you happy, then I am with you and I will help you."

I stared at my best friend in disbelief. All the time spent trying to persuade myself I am making the right decision and there she was, completely changing my mind again. Yes, it was a bitchy thing to do but even Hermione Granger had a right to be selfish sometimes.

Miss Granger, you are going to work with Ms. Malfoy.

Ready to order a casket?

That´s understandable after what that bitch did to him.

Great Granger left her little friends?

Thanks for being here for me.

Like bloody Malfoy could ever change.

What were you thinking? He wasn´t ready for a mission like this!

No, mum, stop right there, there is nothing between us.

You were into Quidditch players those days, weren´t you?

We were fools to think this will work.

I love you.

People, words and images were all mixing in my head. I tried to put myself together, but without success. What should I do? What should I do?

"I hope you aren´t planning to do anything stupid," my mind asked with a dangerous voice.

And that´s when my heart quietly spoke.

And for the first time in my life, I decided to trust it.

I turned around to see Ginny patiently waiting for my answer.

I was scared but I knew this was the right thing to do.

"Ginny..." I took a deep breath and smiled. "I need your help."

xxx

Several minutes later, I was standing in front of the gate to my favourite park. To the very same park I went to a week before. Where I met Draco again.

I tried to calm my breath and ignore the looks on faces of other people. When I told Ginny to help me, she immediately secured the door and helped me climb out of the window. We didn´t think a bit about changing the dress. Before I could think about my destination, I was already on the way to the lake.

I slowly went through the gate and checked the benches with my look.

And indeed...

He was there.

Sitting at the same bench as the week ago. With head in his palms, staring into the depths of the lake.

I wasn´t insecure anymore. This was the place and this was the time. And there was the person I loved the most.

"Draco," I whispered as I approached him.

He immediately stood up, but paid attention to keep a stern look on his face. Still, I could see the shadow of pain in his eyes as he looked over my wedding dress.

"What are you doing here?" he asked monotonously.

"Nice to see you, too," I tried to lighten the conversation.

He didn´t buy it. "Isn´t the wedding about to start?"

"It is. It already has, actually," I smiled nervously.

Draco frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I...I just escaped from my wedding, Draco," I admitted as if I was confessing to some crime.

His firm look disappeared and he was the same Draco as always. "What did you do?"

I laughed, still shocked after what I have done. "Well, there I was, preparing for the day that was supposed to be the happiest day in my life and then, Ginny came and she said this thing about trusting my heart and being with the person I love and...and so I am here."

My mind was so shocked by my actions that it barely tried to stop me.

My heart, on the other side, was silently and happily supporting me.

Draco dared to give me a little smile. "So you finally realized it. Remind me to send she-Weasley a huge bouquet of flowers."

I laughed. Yes, this was where I wanted to be.

"Draco...I hurt you quite many times. And when I said I don´t love you, my heart broke into half. I lied and I pretended to be somebody I am not. Just for the record, I had no intentions of falling in love with you. But it happened. And I am so glad it did. My life isn´t what it used to be, because it´s not complete without you. Could you give me another..."

I couldn´t complete my sentence, as I felt his lips upon mine.

Yes, this was where I belonged.

Never in the history of our dating were his lips that soft and his hands so sensitive. I felt him on my tongue and I knew I would never, ever make the same mistake of letting him go.

Ever since I was a little girl, I read about prince and princess falling in love and living happily ever after. But our love was much stronger. Yes, prince would gladly give his life for princess and princess would love her prince forever. But our love was about knowing where we belong and that was in each other´s arms.

Our lips separated and for the first time, I wasn´t hungry after another right away. I knew we were going to be together from that moment on, so we had so much time and so many kisses awaiting us.

"I am glad you realized your feelings by yourself. Otherwise, I would have to come and personally take you away from Weasley," Draco mumbled and I giggled, remembering his sense of humour so dear to me.

We sat on the grass, none of us caring about the wedding dress anymore.

"I want you to stay with me forever," he said.

Without answering, I just took his hand and caressed the little scar on his middle finger.

Yes, there was so much drama awaiting us and if Draco wasn´t holding me, I would be panicking already. I left so many broken hearts behind me. But thanks to Draco, my heart was complete and eventually, I could work on my friends´ hearts recovery as well.

My mind admitted its defeat and my heart sang in happiness.

I have been lying in his lap for hours, just thinking about my happiness. Draco was stroking my hair and sometimes leaned down to kiss me. Love was flowing through us, connecting us.

"Do you love me?" I asked like a little child, wanting a reassurance, like I didn´t know the answer already.

He looked me in the eyes, seriously and replied with a question: "What do you think?"

"I think you´re madly in love with me." I told him smugly.

He smiled and kissed my forehead.

"As usually, you´re right."

-Fin-