Tom was sitting near the crackling fireplace. The fire crackled merrily in the hearth. Snow was falling down outside. It was christmas eve. Hermione was sipping her hot cocoa and had her legs across Tom's lap. Tom had been planning for months on how to properly pop the question. He felt the ring in his pocket. Deep breaths Tommy boy. Remember deep breaths.
"I have a gift I want to give you. But I want you to go first. We can each open one present tonight before the big day." Hermione says.
Tom takes Hermione's hand in his. He meets her eyes with his own. Her warm brown eyes sparkle affectionately. Tom took a few deep breaths and gathered his nerve. Tom kneels down and intertwines' his hands with Hermione's hands.
"What is it?" Hermione asks.
" We have been together for three years now." Tom yes.
"Yes we have." Hermione says.
"I am sorry. I am rather nervous." Tom says.
Tom runs his hands through his hair. He smooths his hair down and grins at Hermione softly. She was the universe. She was everything. If he had to choose between power and Hermione he would choose her every time. He would choose her in every lifetime.
"Why are you nervous" Hermione asks.
"Hermione this isn't easy for me... ok... ok.." Tom says.
Tom reaches into his pocket and opens the little red velvet box. A diamond ring lay in the velvet cushion. Unshed tears were shining in Tom's eyes.
"Ever since I saw you in Borgin and Burke's that day three years ago I knew. I knew you were the one for me. You make my heart sing. You give me purpose. I want all your sunrises and sunsets. I want the lazy sunday mornings. I want every day with you. I want a life with you. My darling. My precious dove. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife." Tom asked.
The sound of the fireplace rang out as the silence descended on them. Toms hands were shaking. He had been planning this for two months. Hermione gazed at the ring. She took the ring and slid it onto her finger.
"Yes." Hermione says.
" You mean it? You really want to be my wife?" Tom asks.
"Yes. I want to be your wife." Hermione says.
Tom felt pure joy at her statement. He had spent two months playing out how this would go in his head. They kissed softly. The ring sparkled in the firelight.
"You know how I took the animagus test a few days ago?" Hermione said.
" Yes my dear I do" Tom says.
"I passed. I am officially an animagus." Hermione says.
"Congratulations." Tom says.
"You'll never guess what animal I chose to be?" Hermione says.
"What animal are you?" Tom asks.
Hermione transforms into a black mamba. She hisses at him. They begin to speak in Parseltongue. Hermione slithers over to Tom and curls up into his lap. Tom pets her scales affectionately.
"Simply marvelous my perfect little pet." Tom hisses.
" I thought you would like the animal I chose." Hermione hisses.
Tom holds her close and scratches her scales. Hermione hisses in contentment.
"You know what this means now don't you?" Tom hisses.
"What does it mean?" Hermione hisses.
" You are mine now my little mamba. You are my pet. You will never leave me. I love you my precious pet. Thank you for choosing this form. I promise to shower you with the finest things. I promise to provide for you always. You are my darling little mamba. My darling pet." Tom says.
"I am yours sire. Forever" Hermione says.
They spent the rest of the night cuddled up together. Hermione eventually shifted back to her human form and they continued cuddling and drinking hot chocolate. It was a christmas eve they never forgot. They were meant for each other. They were bonded for eternity.