This is it! It all comes together. I hope everyone's been enjoying the story so far. Thanks for reading.
When he flinches she realises she probably looks horrified and quickly works to rearrange her face.
Both of them finished telling the tales that entwined in places and ended with their arrival the morning before, they fell silent and with thousands of thoughts racing through her mind she stares, taking him in, unable to voice any now, her throat hoarse from the hour they had stood there, explaining everything in the biting cold.
Draco Malfoy is taller than she remembers. His hair looks lighter, but that's most likely because for months leading up to this night it had been jet black. His eyes are nothing like she remembers them to be – they're the same colour and shape, but there is no longer any malice in them. They're much softer, kinder.
Loving.
"I love you," he repeats after a few moments of silence. "And I thought… the only reason I agreed to this, to show you the truth… I had hoped that maybe you love me too."
Chewing her bottom lip as she continues to stare, stunned, she wonders how it would sound if she were to repeat his words, how his name would taste on her tongue.
Squeezing her eyes shut for just a moment of solitude she thinks over the year she unknowingly spent in his company and how her feelings towards him had changed. His hands are still on her – in all the time they stood there, explaining themselves neither of them had moved and she had a fleeting thought that they may be frozen there.
When she opens her eyes, she finds him still watching her, waiting, desperation in his eyes like none she's ever seen before. His touch comforts her, completely at odds with what she expected it would do the last time she saw him in this form.
And then she's reaching for him in her own need, kissing him, savouring the taste of him and the feel of his hands caressing her face.
"How is this even possible?" she wonders aloud, whispering as she leans her forehead against his. "It shouldn't be… Oh but I love you too. Draco I do. I love you."
He doesn't say another word, just presses his lips to hers again, thanking the stars and the moon, Merlin, Dumbledore and anyone else who could have possibly have had a hand in allowing him this, for forgiving his sins and seeing fit to give him this glorious chance at happiness.
Pretty corney ending. Sorry about that, I just couldn't help myself :)