Chapter One

Marry Me

The melody of chirping birds wakes me from a peaceful slumber. It was one of the best night's sleeps I've had in a while. I roll onto my back, feeling content for the first time in months. For the moment, I feel no stress, no fear. There's a sense of calm. I've had the best sleep the last few nights, my body and mind already feeling better, more equipped to deal with what lays ahead. I stare at the ceiling, appreciating the fact that in this uncertain world, me and Emily are safe for the time being. Our safety is not guaranteed, our safe haven only temporary. We both know that eventually we'd have to move on. There are no certainties anymore. I won't say it out loud, but it is only a matter of time before my father realises that my vanishing act wasn't because I got taken, but because I followed my heart. In his eyes following your heart shows a level of weakness that is unbecoming of a Malfoy. He won't find Emily an appropriate match for me, my love for her poison. Emily is not my weakness; she is my strength. Lucius Malfoy would never understand, his power-hungry ways the reason he'll never comprehend the power of love. I close my eyes, the relief I feel to have found Emily wrapping me in its warmth. The smell of toast wafts through the open bedroom door, the pitter-patter of footsteps downstairs, telling me that Emily's awake.

I smile to myself, stretching, as I get out of bed, pulling on a pair of sweats, and making my way downstairs. The idea of living in a muggle home is a little disconcerting, but I'm not complaining. At least it's safe. Another reason my father would not approve. He'd rather curse himself than step foot in a muggle home. I guess loving Emily has changed me. For the better I'd like to think. Downstairs, I watch Emily, wearing my shirt, moving about the kitchen, making breakfast. The bond between us is currently at its strongest, allowing me to effortlessly connect to her, our souls, power and magic linked. I smile, leaning against the wall, crossing my arms over my naked chest. I can stare at Emily for the rest of my life, her beauty a sight to behold. Her black hair is pulled back into a high ponytail, my shirt leaving little to the imagination, her toned legs causing quite the distraction. Leaning against the wall, I appreciate the girl I love more than anything else. She's taken a massive leap of faith loving me, and following me without hesitation. When it came down to it, Emily stood by me and supported me. If that's not true love then I don't know what is. Emily pulls toast from a muggle device, dropping them on a plate, the kettle on the stove whistling to alert us it's done boiling.

Emily moves across the kitchen, removing the kettle from the stove, turning it off. No longer content with just watching Emily, I saunter over to her, taking her by surprise, as I snake my arms around her waist, pulling her flush against my body. Her body and soul belong to me, and mine belongs to her. "Morning, beautiful," I whisper, brushing my lips along her jaw. Emily's body responds instantly, her body melting into me. "Hey," she says softly, her fingers running along my arms as they're wrapped around her waist. "Sleep well?" she asks, turning to meet my gaze. Her eyes are a deep blue, almost the colour of a rich sapphire stone. "Very well," I croon, planting a chaste kiss at the corner of her mouth. I spin Emily around so she's facing me, wanting to see her stunning face, and feel her supple breasts pressed against my chest. I lean down and kiss the tip of her nose, basking in how relaxed she feels in my arms. The sound of Emily's soft giggle, music to my ears. I haven't felt her this calm in months. The hurt from losing Caleb is still there, every now and again the overwhelming sadness taking us both by surprise, but she's been better, her heart slowly healing.

The time away from Hogwarts a blessing. It's been almost two weeks since we escaped from Hogwarts, the last few days close to perfect. I love it just being the two of us. It's exactly how I always imagined it to be, because there's no one to judge us, or tell us what to do. Here on the farm, we can just be us. It's a luxury we're not taking for granted. "Breakfast's getting cold," Emily says, pulling me from my thoughts. "Breakfast is the last thing on my mind, Emily" I breathe, my mouth by her ear, scraping my teeth against that sensitive spot behind her ear. A soft moan slips from her lips, her nails digging into the flesh of my forearm, as she clings to me, her gorgeous body pressed tightly against me. "You're not playing fair," she whispers, her voice husky, as my tongue sweeps from the base of her neck to behind her ear again. "It's not in my nature to play fair," I remind her softly, my lips moving from her ear, across her jaw and back to those, oh so lovely, lips of hers. Emily's eyes are closed, her nails digging deeper into my skin, as I nibble her bottom lip. Her body tense, a tell-tale sign that I'm winning the battle. Emily lets out a shaky breath as I let go of her lip, my nose touching hers.

I lean down, and kiss her, her lips immediately parting for me, her tongue eagerly clashing with my own. I lose myself in the kiss, in Emily, her petite body flush against my slender frame. My hands move from her hips, to her behind, her body moving with little guidance. Her legs wrap around my waist, as I hoist her up against me, her warm core, pressed against my naval. Emily's fingers let go of my arms, her hands grasping my face, kissing me with fervour, staking her claim on me. There is no reason for her to stake her claim, as I am all hers. We make it up the stairs and to the bedroom without tripping and falling over, consumed with each other. Emily pulls away slightly, as we both try to catch our breath. I stare deeply into those gorgeous blue eyes of her, hoping she can see the love I feel for her. Emily's gaze softens, but the yearning I've become used to is still there, twinkling like a radiant star. Still clinging to me, I lower her onto the bed, her legs still wrapped tightly around my waist, her hands gripping my shoulders. We adjust, as I settle between her legs, her skin like silk against mine, her knees digging into my sides. Every day with Emily is a blessing, and a curse. In a moment we can lose everything, lose each other.

I remember the conversation I had with my mother, after Emily showed up in my room during the summer break. The sentiment I felt then still true now. "Marry me," I mutter, my hands on her cheeks, our gazes locked on one another. The love I have for her is all encompassing, my heart, body and soul belonging to this beautiful woman beneath me. I can't imagine life without her, and when the war is over, I want to spend forever with her. I don't care that we're only seventeen, I know in my heart and soul that we belong together. Emily holds my gaze, studying me, her fingers tangled in my hair. "Yes," she utters with a smile, her love for me tangible. I feel relieved, leaning down, kissing her. This time the kiss is slow, driven by pure, uninhibited love. Driven by lust…by love…flesh against flesh our bodies meet in a passionate encounter, moving together. With Emily it all feels right…feels perfect, our bodies fitting together perfectly, complementing each other. Emily scrapes her nails down my back, marking me, as her body shudders with euphoria, pulling me with her, my own body finding release.

I meet her blue gaze, wiping perspiration from her brow, kissing her nose once more. Emily smiles, content, her body humming beneath mine with happiness. "I love you," she breathes, grazing my cheek with the tips of her fingers. "You are my world," I confess, resting my forehead against hers, our noses touching. Untangling myself from Emily, I roll off her and onto my back. Emily moves with me, placing her arm around my waist, and pushing her leg between mine, skin against skin once more. Moments like this makes me feel that I might combust with happiness. I've never felt such joy before, my life before Emily bleak. The moment is interrupted by unbearable pain, the mark on my arm on fire. They are trying to call me to them, draw me out of hiding. Emily feels my body jerk and go rigid, her fingers instinctively moving towards my arm, wrapping around the mark. "Is it hurting?" she whispers, her blue eyes concerned. I nod, leaning my head against hers. "They're not going to stop," I sigh. Emily moves, straddling my hips, lifting my arm, placing soft kisses across the mark, blowing on it after every touch of her lips.

Emily meets my gaze, as she moves, pulling me into a sitting position. Emily adjusts on my lap, our bodies pressed together, the moment intimate. Emily places my arm around her hip, the mark burning her skin, her body tensing a tell-tale sign. "It's going to be okay," she reassures me, placing her hands on my cheeks, resting her forehead against mine. I choose to believe her, the alternative too horrifying to think of. Emily kisses me, drawing my attention from the pain, and towards the distraction, the bliss she offers. It's been a week since I asked Emily to marry me, and three weeks since we left Hogwarts. Three weeks of utter perfection. We've managed to get into a routine, our days spent outside when the weather allowed it, cuddled in front of a fire when the weather was wet and chilly, and passionate nights between the sheets. The peace and quiet also did wonders for Emily's broken heart. She kept herself busy, using me and her surroundings to distract her from the pain and anger she's feeling in losing Caleb, and missing her parents. There's still sadness there, a couple of nights getting the better of her, where she needed to be held and comforted.

I'm alone in bed, Emily's side cold. She's been up for a while. I get up, and get dressed, heading downstairs. She's not in the kitchen, which only means one thing. She's outside. The sun is out, the day warming. I find Emily outside, feeding the chickens roaming the farm, a task she's enjoying. Her skin glows in the sun, her hair long and sleek, hanging over her shoulders. Her black hair is complimenting her golden skin. With winter approaching, the sun will hide, and her skin will no longer be sun kissed. Soon warm days and nights will give way to rainy days, cold nights fields blanketed in snow. I for one am looking forward to the cuddles in front of the fireplace, and between the covers. Emily moves with the chickens, her body calling to me. Watching Emily is very much my favourite thing to do. Her beauty otherworldly. Emily looks over her shoulder at me, giving me a goofy smile, those blue eyes of hers holding my gaze. I still have to pinch myself that someone as beautiful and caring, can love someone like me unconditionally. I uncross my arms and push myself away from the doorframe, walking to where Emily's standing. "You look beautiful," I say, holding out my hand for her.

Emily drops the remaining chicken feed on the ground, placing her hand in mine. I pull her closer to me, pressing our interlaced hands against my chest, resting my free hand on the small of her back. "Hum something," I whisper, kissing the top of her head. I can sense Emily's smile, the happiness flowing through us from the connection we share. Emily hums softly, the melody unknown to me; I assume it's a muggle song. Emily's humming turns into soft singing; her voice is pure, bringing tears to my eyes. Emily is beautiful inside and out. Her soul the light to the darkness that I inherited. Emily stops singing, looking up at me, her blue eyes stunning. "The garden needs tending," Emily, smiles, scrunching her nose. She looks as impressed as I feel about the thought of gardening. But she's right. As much as I hate the idea of doing the work of lesser beings, I need to pull my weight. Besides, I can actually see myself living a simple life with Emily. When I told her that she was changing me, I wasn't kidding.

I've changed more than I ever thought I could. The love of a good woman will do that to a man. "If we must," I sigh dramatically, bumping her hip with mine, setting off towards the garden beds. Emily laughs, following me, giving me a slap on the behind. We spend the rest of the day outside, maintaining the farm. We passed the time in the garden, the paddock with the two goats, and finally, cleaning the chicken coop. It was a hard day's work, my body not used to be out in the sun all day, and doing physical labour. But, to be honest, it feels good to be able to do things for myself. Emily and I have been having so much fun, both soaked after the impromptu water fight, we had, Emily's laughter filling me with warmth. "You're such an ass," Emily wipes water from her face, her blue eyes sparkling playfully. "I'm your ass," I remind her with a chuckle, grabbing her hip and pulling her closer. Emily gives a boisterous laugh, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Yes, you are," she breathes, staring at my lips. She bites her bottom lip, batting her eyelashes at me. I lean down, and kiss her. It is a slow and tender kiss, the moment perfect.