Hermione stood in the bridal suite, alone, trying to control her breathing. She listened to the song play over the speakers signalling her bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down. She stared at herself in the mirror, fixing non-existent smudges. Her hands were shaking slightly.
She straightened herself up and adjusted her necklace, taking a deep breath trying to get the butterflies to settle.
Their engagement was short. They both decided that there was no sense in waiting to get married since they both wanted it. They were able to get the entire wedding planned within the year.
They moved in together after a year of dating because both of her leases ended around the same time, much to both of their surprise. Living together was mostly easy, but in the following few years there were plenty of arguments, Draco sent to the couch (even though she ended up on the couch with him), and plenty of laughs. Unlike dating Ron, she didn't feel pressure with Draco. They were on their own timeline.
Draco proposing was a surprise in and of itself.
"Draco, you booked a driver for the evening!?" She asked, brows coming up.
"Yes, I wanted us to be able to drink without having to worry about getting an Uber or anything." He smiled and settled back into the comfortable leather. "Do you like your new dress?"
"I love it," Hermione smiled and smoothed down the dark green fabric against her thighs. "Thought I think you bought it more for you." She teased and leaned in to give him a gentle kiss on the kiss.
"Maybe a bit of both." He chuckled, eyeing her up and down.
The night was full of stops. Stops for appetizers, drinks, dinner, dessert, and ultimately a lot more drinks.
"Okay, Hermione, last stop." He smiled, offering his hand to help her out.
Her head was buzzing slightly and she couldn't wipe the stupid smile off her face.
"The buzzed flush on you is always so lovely." He breathed out when he pulled her close, allowing her to smell the liquor and mint on his breath.
"Mhm, don't act like your ears don't get red." Hermione hummed back and leaned up to give him a kiss.
He chuckled, "You know me well," he said and led them to the elevator to get up to the rooftop. It was stunning.
The trees were lined with twinkle lights, there was only a single table alongside the edge of the roof edge, having a view of the whole city. "Where is everyone?" There was an actual string quartet playing, a single man in a tuxedo, and rose petals everywhere. "Draco?" Hermione asked, her heart pounding, looking up at him, eyes wide. The buzzed feeling had disappeared the moment she realized it wasn't another bar.
Draco shifted to take her hand and brought her to the table, pulling her seat out and pushing her in. "Here you are." He put the napkin in her lap, waving the gentleman forward. He poured champagne in each of her glasses before bringing back a charcuterie board.
She was speechless the entire time, her eyes brimming with tears. "Drake," Hermione finally said, voice cracking.
He smiled and reached over the table to grab her hand. "Enjoy, my love." He nodded and picked up his glass to cheer with her. He sipped some off, eyes still on her. "You know…" he started and took a deep breath, "in college, I was absolutely enamored with you. Our time together is some of my fondest memories,' he nodded, squeezing her fingers. "I wasn't kind to you at the end and did feel guilt," he gave her a small smile, "I did think about you from time to time until we saw each other again." He took another deep breath, "and then, there you were in the bar, looking just as beautiful as you did in college." He searched her eyes, "You gave me another chance and for that, I thank you. I was able to find the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. We live together, have a cat and a dog together, have started house shopping… and honestly Hermione," he sighed her name, eyes getting wet, "you're everything I want, now and tomorrow. I want babies with you. I want a long, loving life with you." He stood up, pulling a ring box from his pocket. He kneeled in front of her, taking her left hand in his, "Hermione, will you do me the honors and marry me?" He asked, voice shaking, hands shaking as he opened up the ring box, revealing a brilliant engagement ring.
Through his speech, she was crying, holding the cloth napkin under her eyes to keep her makeup from running. Her heart felt like it was melting, her body filling with warmth. "Yes! Yes Draco!" She cried, letting him put the ring onto her shaking hand before she pulled him up and in to kiss him lovingly.
The engagement ring was on Hermione's right hand for the ceremony and she stared down at it. It really was beautiful, Draco did a great job. He always did a great job.
Her father knocked gently, "Hermione, you ready?" He called through.
She opened the door, "Dad, I am so nervous." You breathed out the admission.
He put his hands on her shoulders, eyes on hers. "Do you love him?"
"I do." She nodded.
"Do you trust him?" He asked, brow coming up.
"Of course I do, dad I-" She started
"Then you have nothing to worry about. Because I know that young man down the aisle loves and trusts you just as much. Chin up, put a smile on your beautiful face, and let's go." He offered his arm to her.
Relief coursed through her body, settling the butterflies. "You're right. I want to go see him. Let's go."
Fin.