Let Me Help You

DracoxHermione

Rated NC-17

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters from the franchise. That honor belongs to JK Rowling

Let Me Help You

Chapter 25

Professor McGonagall looked proudly at the sea of graduating Hogwarts students, all of which wearing robes the main color of their Hogwarts House. The Eighth and Seventh Years were graduating and would soon go out into the world to endeavor in whatever were their hearts' desires. To her left were all the professors wearing black robes with proud smiles on their faces, and on her right sat the valedictorian and the salutatorian, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. Draco and Hermione both had just given their speeches and it was now time for the students to receive their diplomas. Standing McGonagall said with a Sonorus Charm, "Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger, please find and take your seats among your House and Year. It is now time to start passing out diplomas, We will first start with our Seventh Year students, beginning with Gryffindor House, then Hufflepuff, then Ravenclaw, and finally Slytherin."

Hermione smiled as she watched the Seventh Year students walk and receive their diplomas from Professor McGonagall, clapping loudly for Ginny when she received hers, and once again for Luna when she got hers. Before long it was time for the Eighth Years. As McGonagall called for the Eighth Year Gryffindors to stand and get in line for their diplomas, Hermione turned around to look for Harry and Ron, smiling at Neville as she did so. Not being able to see them she turned back around and filed into line, waiting for her name to be called. Ten minutes later McGonagall called, "Hermione Jean Granger."

The crowd clapped and cheered as Hermione walked across the platform in her red graduation robes, a bright smile on her face. Taking her diploma she received and hug from the Headmistress, McGonagall whispering, "I'm so proud of you, Hermione. You are a true spirit of Gryffindor."

The brunette felt tears prick her eyes as she smiled at the witch and thanked her before moving on. Looking out into the line she saw Harry and Ron smiling and clapping for her, making her smile at them and couldn't help but wave her diploma. As she walked back to her seat she looked over towards the Eighth Year Slytherins and saw both Daphne and Draco smiling at her as well, Daphne mouthing, "Congratulations." Hermione grinned at them both before sitting down to watch the rest of the proceedings. She cheered and clapped for Neville, Harry, and Ron until finally the last Gryffindor received their diploma.

Just like with the Seventh Years, Hufflepuff class went next, to which Neville stood and clapped loudly for Hannah Abbott, causing a few people to chuckle as the blonde girl blushed at her boyfriend. After them it was Ravenclaw House, and then finally Slytherin House. Hermione clapped for Daphne Greengrass when her name was called, though she couldn't help but feel a bit anxious. Draco would be walking across the platform soon, and she wasn't sure anyone was going to clap for him because of who he was and what he did during the war. Of course she was going to, as well as Slytherin House and Narcissa and Callum who were sitting with the parents in the back, but she wasn't sure about anyone else. Before long Professor McGonagall called out, "Draco Lucius Malfoy."

Hermione, deciding to pull what Neville had done for Hannah, stood and began clapping for her boyfriend, Slytherin House doing the same to show their fellow snake their support. Narcissa was also clapping in the back, but other than that it was quiet. Another set of hands began clapping behind her, causing her to turn around and see Harry standing on his feet and clapping for Draco as well. Others people, seeing the Boy Who Lived clapping for the Malfoy heir, began to clap as well though they didn't stand. Hermione turned back around and grinned proudly at Draco, the blond smiling at her as he received his diploma and walked off of the platform and back to his seat. The rest of the diplomas were passed out to the Eighth Year Slytherins, Blaise Zabini being the last to get his.

Once all of the students were seated with their diplomas Professor McGonagall began speaking her last speech, congratulating the students and encouraging them in their future endeavors. She got a little choked up as she spoke of how she was so thankful to see this many students being able to walk knowing they had suffered a great many los in all of their Houses, some even having lost friends. Even so she was able to compose herself and finish her speech. And then finally she said the words everyone was waiting to hear.

"Hogwarts students, you have all officially graduated and are graduates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Congratulations!"

Everyone cheered as they stood up and hugged one another. Hermione made her way towards Harry and Ron, throwing her arms around her best friends as they hugged her in return. As she held them she exclaimed, "Congratulations!"

Ron laughed and replied, "Congratulations to you too, Mione."

"I can't believe we did it," Harry said.

"Yeah, now we have to find work or something."

Harry and Hermione laughed at their friends words before being swamped by the Weasley clan. They were all hugged and kissed on, being congratulated for graduating, as well as Ginny when she finally made her way over. Hermione took that time to slip away, looking for a certain blond in green robes. As she walked she ran into someone wearing blue Ravenclaw robes. Realizing it was Padma Patil she said, "Oh Padma, I'm sorry. Congratulations on graduating. I think Parvati is somewhere over there." Hermione pointed towards the crowd of Gryffindors, easily spotting the other Patil twin in her red robes.

"Congratulations to you too, Hermione. But I was actually making my way towards Ron. I wanted to ask him if he wanted to go with Hogsmeade with me before any celebrations get underway," Padma said.

Hermione blinked in confusion, remembering clearly how Ron had taken the girl in front of her to the Yule Ball and treated her poorly as his date because of his jealousy towards her and Viktor. Deciding to voice these thoughts she also said, "I wasn't sure you ever wanted to talk to Ron again after that."

Padma nodded and said, "Yes, I know. I thought that too, but when we started school again we got partnered for an assignment in Charms and we got to know each other. He also apologized for what happened Fourth Year at the ball and we've been talking ever since. I don't think he's seeing anyone currently, so I decided to give it a shot."

"...Go for it."

"Thanks Hermione!" Padma gave the brunette a quick hug before moving towards the Weasley clan, getting Ron's attention.

Hermione shook her head at that before turned around to begin walking again, only to bump into Draco this time. Arms wrapping around her Draco said, "Congratulations Hermione."

"Congratulations to you too, Draco," she replied as she hugged him. The two of them smiled at each other before pressing their lips together in a sweet kiss, not caring who saw them. Just as they pulled back from their kiss a familiar voice, at least to Hermione, called her name.

Turning around Hermione saw her parents coming towards her with proud smiles on their faces. Tears filled Hermione's eyes before she tore out of Draco's embrace and rushed to her parents. The Grangers enveloped their daughter in a hug, tears running down both Hermione and her mother's faces, her father holding them happily. Looking at them Hermione said, "Mum, dad, I'm so sorry I haven't seen you in over two years, and I'm sorry I didn't come home after Sixth Year. So much was going on and I worried for you so much. I went searching for you after the war but the house had been sold and I wasn't sure where you were."

"Ladybug, it's alright," Hermione's father Robert told her. "Professor Snape found us and relocated us to Australia. He told us it was to protect us from some evil witches and wizards that might want to torture us for information about you."

"Hermione, we don't blame you anything, and we're so proud of what you've accomplished," her mother Jean said.

As the Grangers continued to embrace and reunite, Draco walked over to his mother and brother and said, "Thank you for bringing the Grangers here for Hermione."

Narcissa nodded and said, "Of course, Dragon. Their location was a bit hard to find, but I found them and invited them to witness their daughter's graduation. They remembered me as their daughter's boyfriend's mother and instantly agreed."

Draco nodded before hugging his mother who congratulated him for his graduating, passing Callum to his big brother who had been reaching for him since seeing Draco walk across the platform to receive his diploma. The moment the little Snape was in Draco's arms he began squealing happily and wrapped his little arms around the blond's neck, causing Draco to laugh.

Hermione, having finally pulled herself back together, pulled her parents back over to the Malfoy's and said, "Mum, dad, you remember my boyfriend Draco. And his mother Narcissa."

"Nice to make your acquaintance again, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Draco said shaking their hands.

"Yes, you as well," Robert said shaking his hand with a smile. "And we've reacquainted with Mrs. Malfoy."

Jean nodded and said, "Yes, we have. But who is this cute little man?"

Callum looked at Jean before looking at Hermione. Recognizing some sort of resemblance to them he smiled and reached over to be held by the Muggle woman, causing Jean to 'aww' and coo at him as he was passed into her arms. Hermione giggled and said, "This is Narcissa's baby son, Callum Severus Snape."

"Snape?" Robert asked.

"Oh hush, Robert. We already figured Narcissa was in some sort of relationship with Professor Snape when we met them. It's no surprise this little bit of preciousness is the result of it," Jean said before turning back to Callum who was playing with her hair.

Narcissa smiled before saying, "Well we should be heading back to the manor to celebrate Draco and Hermione. Hermione, are you going to go visit the Weasley's later?"

Hermione nodded and said, "Yes. I already know Mrs. Weasley is expecting me to be there at some point today, since Ron, Ginny, and Harry are already going to be there."

"Alright then. Well come on, let us get out the wards and head back to the Manor."

"One moment mother, I need to talk to Hermione for a moment," Draco said.

The blonde woman nodded and she, Callum, and the Grangers started heading towards the wards surrounding Hogwarts, leaving Hermione and Draco alone. When they were out of earshot Hermione asked, "What did you want to talk about, Draco?"

Draco swallowed nervously before saying, "Hermione, you know I love you more than anything and I want to be with you forever."

Brown eyes widened at hearing the way her lover was starting off. Was Draco…proposing?!"

"But I'm not particularly ready to get married or anything. I want to get my dream career started first before I do. But I wanted to give you something." Fishing into his robes he pulled out a little ring box and handed it to the brunette. Hermione opened it and found a beautiful ring with a silver band and a sapphire surrounded by tiny red rubies, all of them set to look like a flower. However the silver band had an inscription on the inside that said, My support, love, and friend…forever have my heart.

"Draco," Hermione said softly before looking into grey eyes.

Draco took it out of the box and held it out to place on her finger. As he slipped it on he said, "This is what the Muggles call a promise ring. Apparently it is to symbolize commitment and a promise to marry that person in the future."

Hermione felt tears fill her eyes as she asked, "You want to marry me in the future?"

The blond blushed before nodding and saying, "But it's only a promise to right now."

"I'll take it! I love you, Draco Malfoy and I'm looking forward to the future." Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco's neck and kissed him deeply. Draco was happy that Hermione accepted his promise ring and held her in return, kissing her back. When they finally stopped kissing they pressed their foreheads together and smiled at each other lovingly.

The clearing of a throat behind them caught their attention and they turned to see Professor McGonagall standing there with a smile. Blushing Hermione brought her arms down from Draco's neck and held Draco's hand as she said, "Professor, hi."

"You can call me Minerva now, Hermione," Minerva said with a chuckle. "And congratulations on your promise ring."

"Thank you," Draco said. "Can we help you?"

Minerva nodded and said, "Mr. Malfoy, it has come to my attention that you would like to become a Potions Master and you had planned to apprentice under Severus." At the boy's nod she said, "Well Severus, though dead, is still certified to apprentice you through his portrait and has agreed to help you in your endeavors to become a Potions Master. Your apprenticeship will begin next week starting Monday morning. He will be waiting in a portrait in the Potions classroom."

Draco stared in awe at the Headmistress before smiling and saying, "Thank you so much."

Nodding the older witch then turned to Hermione and said, "And I've also heard that you are considering taking up Transfiguration and becoming a master in that."

Hermione nodded and said, "Yes, I am hoping to become a Transfiguration Master and be able to teach it like you."

Minerva nodded before smiling and saying, "I will see you in my office Monday morning. Have a good day." And with that she turned and walked back into the crowd of folks.

Both Hermione and Draco looked after her before grinning and laughing happily. They both received apprenticeships just moments after graduating and started just next week. Taking his girlfriend's hand Draco said, "Let's go home."

The brunette nodded and the two of them walked away from Hogwarts hand in hand to meet with their family, ready to celebrate their achievements and share the good news. The whole way Hermione couldn't help smiling, excitedly wondering what the future held for them.

Three Years Later…

"Hermione, calm down. You'll get it eventually," Harry told his friend who was bent over a Transfiguration book, flipping through the pages in frustration.

Hermione huffed before slamming the book shut saying, "But I've always gotten Transfiguration, no matter how hard! Why can't I do something as simple as Human Transfiguration?!"

Ron rolled his eyes and said, "Of course you think it's simple. Mione, you can't always get everything on the first try. Remember when you tried with riding a broom?"

"I'm not made to fly, so I understand that. But I can do any Transfiguration subject as easy as baking a cake. So why not now? I need to be able to accomplish this before my exam next week!"

Hermione groaned in frustration and laid her head on the table, lighting thumping her head against it. Harry and Ron looked at each other before looking back at their friend. It wasn't just that she couldn't get the magical concept of Human Transfiguration that was making Hermione upset, but rather her pregnant hormones. The brunette witch was six months pregnant and had been rather snappy when it came to her learning. And when she got like this, the only person that could calm her down when she got like this was her fiancé. Ron looked at Harry and nodded his head towards the stairs, silently telling him to bring Draco down the stairs.

Harry nodded and headed up the stairs of Malfoy Manor, saying 'hello' to a portrait as he passed by. Reaching the room that was Draco's office, he knocked on the door before opening it saying, "Hey Malfoy."

Draco looked up from the papers in front of him to see his friend, as weird as it had been to fully become that, standing in the doorway. Blinking he asked, "What is it?"

"Hermione is stressing herself out again, and Ron and I are tired of trying to placate her."

The blond wizard nodded before standing from his chair and walking over to the door saying, "Stay in here with Callum for me, please. Mother is with Mrs. Greengrass at the moment and couldn't take him with her."

Harry looked to the couch to see the three year old boy sleeping on it with his thumb in his mouth. Callum was looking just like his father and always asked how Severus was like when he was alive. He also asked Harry when he could play with Teddy Lupin seeing as they were near same age. Harry nodded and entered the office as Draco left and headed down the stairs. Entering the library he found his fiancé with her head on the table while she caressed her pregnant stomach where their son resided. Ron took that moment to leave, saying he needed to go see Padma before leaving the couple alone.

Draco moved behind the brunette and began rubbing her shoulders, feeling the tension in them leave. As Hermione relaxed he asked, "What is it this time?"

Hermione hummed before answering, "Human Transfiguration."

"McGonagall said that it wasn't going to be easy, just like learning how to become an Animagus. I'm surprised you refused to do that."

"I didn't want to. But I need to be able to accomplish this for my exam next week. And if I pass that and the next one, I'll get my certificate and be announced a Transfiguration Master."

The blond nodded before moving next to her and hugging her. The brunette sighed and hugged the man back, easily settling into his embrace. As they held each other Draco said, "You'll get it, I know you will. But you can't always do everything by yourself, especially being pregnant with our son now. It's alright to ask for help if you need it."

Hermione nodded before saying, "I know, but I have to do this on my own. That way I know I can."

"We both know if this is stressing you out this badly, you need help. We can't have you losing sleep or unintentionally harming the baby because of it. I'll even take some time away from my studies and help you before your exam next week."

"But Draco-"

"Let me help you, Hermione."

Brown eyes looked into grey before she finally sighed and nodded with a smile, knowing she wasn't going to be able to out argue with the blond. Draco grinned before kissing his fiancé, Hermione chuckling a little into it. When they pulled apart Hermione asked, "Can we take a break first?"

Draco laughed and nodded, taking Hermione's hand and kissing it before suggesting they go out into town for a bit and take Callum with them. As they stood and went up the stairs to go get the young Snape, Hermione smiled and said, "I love you, Draco."

Giving her another kiss Draco replied, "I love you too, Hermione."

Author's Note: This is the end of Let Me Help You. It has been a long journey getting this story to turn out how I wanted, but I'm glad it came out the way it did. Thank you all so much for tuning in and reading it. You guys are awesome! Once again, thank you and I hope you stay tuned for what's to come next. With much love, SehunsBae37.