CHAPTER THIRTEEN- Draco's Proposal
The shocked faces of the students became intrigued. The candles above lighting the hall became softer and tiny rose petals fell down from the enchanted ceiling. Snape knew Draco would not pay attention to any romantic details and set them up before dinner began.
"Let go of my hand," she whispered through gritted teeth. "How dare you make a fool of me," he whispered back, both still trying to put on happy faces. "You don't need any help looking like a fool, Malfoy," she quietly spoke when they got to the middle of the room.
He wanted nothing more than to drown her in the Black Lake but Snape's warning glare set him straight. The two stood in front of each other with hateful eyes for what seemed like an eternity before Malfoy could make a sound.
"For seven years I have lied to each and every one of you," started Malfoy. His tongue began to swell when he said, "My heart can not keep any more secrets and I can not bear to hide my true feelings." Draco took a deep breath and got down on one knee. "Will you…" Malfoy froze.
Looking up on this dirty, muggle-born girl was too much for Malfoy. He didn't know if he could go through with it. She disgusted him to his bones and to call her "wife" would be painful.
The room was so quiet that a pin dropping would seem as loud as an avalanche. "Will you marry me?" Malfoy finally asked. No one could hear Hermione quietly say yes because everyone started to talk and gasp all at once.
Aware of the immense attention being drawn to them he shoved the ring on Hermione's finger as quick as he could. "Ouch!" Hermione said in pain from how roughly he slid it on.
Snape and the other professors tried to bring the room to order but now people were openly voicing their opinions. None more than Pansy Parkinson who came storming to the new couple. "Draco Malfoy! How could you?" Pansy yelled giving Draco a hard slap on the face.
Seeing the little red handprint on Draco's cheek was the first time Hermione had been happy in days. The Great Hall was in even more of an uproar after the slap and Snape finally managed to gain control of the students.
"Everyone! Silence! I am sure you all will get the chance to congratulate the new couple but for now it is off to your dormitories! And Ms. Parkinson, one weeks detention!" Snape hollered.
The Great Hall was only slightly more quiet as the students began piling off to bed. Hermione and Draco still stood in the center not know what their next step would be. Snape caught the young pair's eyes and gave them a nod of approval.
Malfoy was humiliated and wanted nothing more than to go back to his room but felt he should wait until all the other Slytherins had gone to bed. He did not think he could stand all of the questions that they would have for him.
Brushing past all of the rose petals Malfoy headed outside. "Where do you think you are going?" Hermione questioned her fiancé. "Far away from the likes of you, you're smelling up the room," Draco spat.
Hermione pursued him until they were alone outside by the lake. "Do you think I like this? Tell me, do you truly believe I want to marry you?" Hermione screamed at him. Her volume took him off guard but he was willing to match it.
"You're not as bright as everyone thinks you are, are you? It doesn't matter to me what you want! You are unfit to wear that ring," he screamed right back. Draco walked farther away but she only trailed behind him like an angry shadow.
"Did you ever think you were unfit to be my husband? That I deserve someone better than you? I have been threatened into marrying you!" Hermione shot at him. Her words made him halt and caused Hermione to run into his back.
"You are filth, unworthy of magic, unworthy of me. You'll always be a mudblood," he said clearly and concisely, turning to face her. "You are a monster," Hermione told him with a tear falling from her eye.
Draco made no comeback but walked back into the castle. "Didn't you hear me? Your intended just called you a monster!" Hermione shouted after him.
"Granger, you have no idea what a monster I can be," he threw back as he left her alone outside.