"No." The word echoed in the air around them but it sounded strong. Not shaky. Sure. Astoria was proud of herself for not crying or trembling her lip. She felt strong. Not shaky. Sure.

Draco looked devastated. His entire face fell and for a brief moment, Astoria felt a little bad. "N-no?" he whispered.

"No," Astoria repeated, this time sounding more sure of herself even though her heart felt like a churning thunderstorm on the open ocean and her stomach felt like a butterfly emporium. "If you really think you can make up for everything with nice words and a pretty ring, then you have another thing coming, Draco Malfoy."

The hurt on his face was quickly replaced by understanding. "Well, that wasn't all that I was going to do. Just a start."

Astoria turned up her chin just as he pocketed the ring and began to stand. "Well, it isn't enough. You hurt me. I'm not going to forget that."

"Neither will I, my love, but—"

"So we are in agreement then. I will not have a fiance who thinks he can just mess up and run right back to me with jewelry and a charming smile."

He grinned. "You think my smile's charming?"

Astoria scoffed and rolled her eyes. "You're unbelievable!" she exclaimed as she threw her hands up in the air. Draco grabbed one of them while a gasp escaped her. His hands quickly removed her satin glove before he intertwined their fingers, bringing her hand up to kiss it gently.

"And you're beautiful," he murmured against her pale skin. "So what I'm hearing is there's a chance you'll say yes someday."

She froze as her mind went haywire. Draco, Draco, Draco, it shouted but she forced herself to remain sensible. What kind of woman would she be if she just succumbed to him like that? Who was to say he wouldn't shirk her in a month or two again? No, she wouldn't let him win. Not this easily.

"The chance is very slim indeed, Draco Malfoy."

He smirked. "All I need is a chance, darling. A Malfoy always gets what they want. You'll realize it soon enough when you become one of us."

Astoria raised an eyebrow. "You seem quite confident."

His eyes seemed to glitter in the pale light from the nearby ballroom. "Oh, believe me, my love, I am. I'll spend the rest of my life proving that I choose you. I'll choose you every damn time."

"Language, Dray." The nickname slipped so easily from her lips. He grinned.

"See? One of these days, you'll be calling me fiance. And then husband."

"You're so arrogant."

He kissed her hand again. "Not arrogant. Confident. Because I know that one day, you'll look at me and see a man worthy of saying yes to. It'll just take time. And I have plenty of it."

. . .

Draco waited a whole two days to ask her again. The Monday after her debutante ball, Astoria felt well enough to return to Hogwarts, much to her parent's happiness. They loved having their youngest visit but their relationship had forever been complicated. It probably would always be complicated as long as they looked at her and saw her as a woman with a heart condition rather than just a woman. Like someone to take care of versus someone to care about.

But Astoria didn't mind. She had begun to miss school and now that she had proven she could be around Draco Malfoy without bursting into tears, she was more confident in her return. So on Monday she flooed back to Dumbledore's office and began her return to class.

Draco must have had some built-in sensor because he was already waiting outside with a wry grin on his face. He was already in his Hogwarts robes carrying her books for her upcoming Charms class.

"Astoria! So glad your lovely face has returned." She rolled her eyes at his bright tone.

"I have class, Draco."

"So do I. But what kind of fiance would I be if I didn't carry my future wife's books?"

"You know it's bad luck to refer to someone as your future wife when it's not true."

"I don't need luck on my side." He grinned. "I have love. And that's far more powerful."

Despite the fact that she commanded her body not to react to his smooth words, Astoria couldn't help the blush that rose to her cheeks.

"So," he began as they reached the Charms classroom, "Marry me?"

Astoria sighed and grabbed her books from him. "No."

. . .

The next time Draco asked her was only a week later when she was walking to meet their group of friends for dinner in the Great Hall. Astoria didn't always eat with the larger group—most of the time, it was just her and Aria and sometimes Daphne—but she wanted to make more of an effort to fit in with Daph's friends, especially as their relationship began to mend. It took a few teary heart to heart but Daphne finally gathered the courage to tell Astoria that she was in love with a woman. Astoria, of course, accepted her instantly. Her sister was her sister no matter who she loved. She had a feeling that whenever Daph felt comfortable telling them, their parents would think the same.

The large group was at one end of the long table, beckoning her over with a grin as Mattheo winked at her. Astoria smiled and began to walk quickly to them only to stop in shock as Draco elegantly matched her stride and grabbed her hand like it was the most natural thing to do. He'd never shown her affection like this in public.

"Hello, my love," he purred as if she wasn't stopped in the middle of the room with her mouth gaping open. "How was your day?"

"G-good."

He smiled widely. "Excellent. I'm starving. Come on."

Still holding her hand, he led her over to the table and sat her down in an empty seat next to Aria and Theo before sitting beside her. Astoria knew she should have let go of him but for some reason, she didn't want to. She was all too happy to hold onto him like her anchor while he talked to Blaise and Enzo.

Aria looked down at their conjoined hands before grinning. "Glad he got his head out of his ass," she whispered. Aria looked at Theo before rolling her eyes. "Sometimes it takes boys a little bit of time to not be complete idiots."

Astoria still felt so dumbfounded over Draco's sudden affection that she didn't say anything, instead turning to the food in front of her.

"So," Draco whispered in her ear. "Will you marry me?"

Astoria subconsciously tightened her hand on his but still she whispered, "No."

. . .

"Hey, Astoria!" a bright face greeted her as she walked into the library.

"Hey, Colin. What are you up to?" she asked politely as she tightened her hold on her books and tried to put her homework out of her mind. Her Defense Against the Dark Arts homework was definitely lingering on her mind. The only reason she could leave school for a few weeks was with the promise that she would pass all of her examinations with flying colors. For Snape, that apparently meant extra work, which she was still dealing with over a month later.

It had been an odd month. Draco had insisted on being by her side for most of it, walking her to class, and sitting next to her at meals. He would find her in the library or walking around the school grounds and he would spend time with her either chatting or allowing her to have silent company. Slowly, their relationship had shifted. She had begun to hold his hand more, to smile at him when he said something funny, and, more recently, kiss his cheek whenever he was being extra sweet. They weren't quite dating again but she almost felt like she had gotten their old friendship back. And perhaps as stupid as it was, it was nice. He had proven that he didn't have eyes for anyone else, that he was there for her in the long haul. It wasn't exactly enough for her to marry him but her heart was starting to open to forgiving him again.

"Draco was just tutoring me in potions. That man is bloody brilliant at it!" Colin exclaimed. One thing Astoria had always liked about Colin was his happy and friendly nature.

Her jaw dropped. "Draco? Do you mean Draco Malfoy tutored you?"

Colin laughed like her question was silly. "Of course. Who else?"

Astoria frowned, though it was more to herself than at Colin. The Draco she knew before never would have spent time with a muggle-born. He hated them. While most of pureblood society did, Astoria knew that muggles weren't so different than wizards. After all, they were the only ones to figure out her diagnosis. But to know that Draco wasn't just seeing a muggle-born but helping one too?

Perhaps he really had changed.

"I've gotta run. Bye, Astoria!" Colin said with a friendly wave before bounding out of the library, leaving her with her shock.

Mere moments later, an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her in for a kiss on the forehead. "Hello, my love," a soft voice murmured against her temple.

"Were you just with Colin Creevey?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

Draco's lips pursed. "He's a nice bloke and he needed help with his potions homework."

"How long have you been helping him?"

He shrugged. "I dunno. A couple of months, maybe." Her jaw dropped and he laughed. "Should I be hurt that you're shocked that I can be nice?"

"I... I..."

He smiled and kissed her forehead. "So does this mean you'll marry me?"

Astoria rolled her eyes. "No." But she let him lead her back to a table anyway.

. . .

"Oh, Draco!" Astoria moaned, arching her back off the bed while his lip used the opportunity to swirl one of her breasts in his mouth.

"Fuck, I missed you, Astoria," he groaned as he continued to thrust inside her. His long, languid strokes were exactly what she needed as she writhed beneath him.

Her breaths were panting as she reached out to pull strands of blond hair between her fingers. "Draco... Draco, please!"

"Did you miss me too, darling? Did you think about my cock as much as I've thought about this tight, wet pussy of yours?" he murmured into her ear.

She raked her fingernails against his scalp before crying out, "Yes!"

The pleasure was too much for her to take. She wasn't sure how she ended up in this position. Part of her wanted to blame the atmosphere of the Slytherin party and the firewhisky she had consumed but that would have been a lie because she was at the party for all of ten minutes and had half of one shot before Draco had cornered in the darkness and she had begun to climb him like a tree. He was always watching out for her, especially when drunk students were involved. Even when they weren't officially together, Draco was protective over her. And maybe it was just that time in her menstrual cycle or something because seeing him watch her with a steely gaze was enough to drive her hormones crazy. She'd beckoned him over like a bunny in heat before drawing him into a hungry kiss that he eagerly returned. But for some reason, Astoria hadn't been satisfied with just kisses tonight. As he made out with her in the shadows of the room—his lips lazily thrusting into her while his mouth took what he wanted with her—she realized she needed more. And so she whispered how badly she needed him before he led her up to her room.

Now, they were in round... four of their reunion. And it didn't seem like they'd be stopping anytime soon.

The most confusing part of it all? Astoria didn't want to stop. She wanted all of him. For more than just tonight.

"I can't wait to feel your pussy milk my cock again," Draco said in that hoarse sexy voice of his. One of his hands ran down her side until it reached her clit. "Come for me, darling."

And as soon as he rubbed that sensitive bundle of nerves, she did, screaming out his name for all to hear. He fell over the edge not long after and soon their fluids mixed inside while they struggled to regain coherent thoughts.

"Wow," Astoria breathed.

"Wow is right," Draco said as he collapsed next to her, fully exhausted. "Please tell me this isn't a one-night thing because I don't think I can let you go after that."

"Definitely not a one-night thing."

He rolled over and smiled before kissing her bare shoulder. "Marry me?"

She shook her head and curled herself into his bicep. "No."

But he just kissed her forehead and said. "One day, it'll be a yes."

And that was the first time Astoria believed him.

. . .

Brooms whizzed all around her as Astoria gasped from the quick movement. Her sister was jumping up and down next to her. "COME ON, SLYTHERIN!" she screamed as the group of green-clothed chasers passed her. Nora reared back her arm before launching the Quaffle at the goal, tying the game against Gryffindor.

Astoria clapped and smiled as her eyes searched the pitch for the familiar white-blond hair. She wasn't sure why she was watching the House Cup final but there she was, in between her best friend and her sister as she watched the tight match. Aria about had a heart attack when Enzo fell from his broom but Mattheo caught him just in time. It was certainly enough to get her pulse racing.

There was a streak of white in front of her before the announcer shouted, "And Draco Malfoy has caught the snitch. Slytherin wins!"

Cheers erupted from all around her. Green confetti and banners were being waved everywhere. Astoria couldn't help but laugh with all of the chaos.

After at least a half hour, the students began to calm down and exit the stands. "Come on," Aria said, grabbing hold of her hand. "I want to go talk to Enzo when he comes out of the locker room."

Astoria nodded and followed. The two girls diligently waited as the players trickled out. Enzo was all smiles as he walked over to Aria. Astoria first congratulated him before lingering in the back. She figured the siblings would want a little time to celebrate together.

But before she could even register any movement, Astoria found herself getting swept up in a tight embrace as a strong body swung her in circles. "We won, baby!" Draco shouted. "We won!"

She giggled before wrapping her arms back around him. "You did great, Dray."

He grinned and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Great enough for you to marry me?"

Her heart clenched. "Not yet."

. . .

The smell of plants assaulted her senses as Astoria lingered in the herbology classroom, finishing up the last of her homework before she was officially done. It was soon to be one less class she had to worry about, which was good considering they only had about a week left in school.

"Oh, hey Greengrass!"

Astoria looked up with a smile. "Hey, Neville!"

He sat next to her and began to work with one of the pots nearest to her while she wrapped up the last of her essay. There was a nice silence between them. One of two friends.

Finally, Neville said, "You know I never did thank you."

Her eyebrows furrowed. "For what?"

"For making Malfoy nicer. I don't know what you said but it really worked!"

Confusion hummed through Astoria. She had no idea what he was talking about. Draco hadn't said anything about talking to Neville. "What do you mean?"

Neville chuckled nervously. "Weren't you the reason why he apologized to us?"

"Sorry, what?"

He tucked an invisible strand of hair behind his ear. "Sorry, I thought you knew. Draco apologized to all of us for being mean. He's actually been quite nice in classes since then. I thought it was because of you."

Astoria shook her head. "No. I had no idea." Then, she remembered something else he said. "Wait, who's 'us?'"

"Me, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Seamus... I think a couple of younger ones too. At first, I thought it was a prank but he really seems to have changed."

Once again, Draco Malfoy was surprising her, proving that maybe he had grown up a bit. That kindness was more important to him than being a bully. And if he was willing to commit to being a better man like he clearly had done, then maybe he was ready to commit to her...

. . .

"Marry me," Draco whispered as the light of dawn filtered in through his bedroom window. One of his arms was playing with a strand of her dark hair while the other cupped her bare shoulder.

Astoria sighed and tightened her arm around him, wishing that every morning could be like this one. "I can't."

But for once, she wasn't sure why she couldn't say yes anymore.

. . .

The light of dawn filtered through the pale yellow and blue sky as Draco Malfoy made his way to the shores of the Black Lake. It was his final morning at Hogwarts before the train took them back to London and away from the school for one final time. Eight years went far too quickly but instead of spending his last morning sleeping in or spending time with his friends, he was outside, walking to the calm water one more time.

Astoria Greengrass sat under a willow tree and watched the water. He'd noticed long ago that this was somewhere she went to think. It was the only place Draco never bothered her because he knew somehow that this was her place.

But on this day—this last day—things were different.

Of course, things still somewhat felt the same. He had spent his last night sharing butterbeer and laughs with all of his oldest guy friends. None of them seemed too upset over the graduation. They all had houses in England and, well, being wizards meant they could appear anywhere anytime. They'd already set aside Friday nights for the rest of their lives to be a "Guy's Night." Draco was supposed to be the first house this coming week, something his mother probably wouldn't love to hear so last minute but he knew she'd be fine with it in the end.

Over the last few months, his relationship with Astoria had improved. On the outside, they were perfect. They spent almost every night together, making love and holding each other. She was in the stands for every Quidditch match and he was always spoiling her with whatever gifts he could find. They laughed in the hallways and kissed and touched each other every spare moment they could get.

But something was missing. One thing. A ring on her left hand.

So Draco broke his sacred rule and approached Astoria even though she was in her special spot, clutching the box with the ring as if it were a lifeline.

Her head turned only slightly as he sat down next to her under the drooping leaves of the tree. Pink hues were just starting to appear in the sky, reflecting on the lake.

After several moments, Draco finally spoke in a soft voice. "Marry me, Astoria." She turned to look at him but before she could rebuke him, he continued, "I know I haven't done enough to earn your forgiveness. I'll certainly never do enough to be worthy of you. But the train comes in a few hours and I would love more than anything to step onto it knowing you're my future wife. Don't feel like you're under any obligation to say yes, of course, but since you're continuing in school for another year and I'll be working in the Ministry, I don't know when I'll be able to ask you again. And I also don't want you to feel pressured to accept me just because I ask so often."

Her lips turned upward slightly. "Why, Draco Malfoy, are you quitting?"

He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Never. I'll never stop loving you, Astoria Greengrass. But if my love isn't returned, then I can continue my pining from afar without bothering you. You can marry some rich pureblood who isn't good enough for you and have children who don't appreciate you enough and live in a house that you decorate spectacularly if that is what you wish."

Astoria bit her lip before tucking a piece of dark hair behind her ear. It was down today, falling in soft waves that suggested she had curled it the day before. When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet. "And if your love is returned?"

Hope fluttered in his chest for the first time in a long time. "I can promise you that I will never be good enough for you. And that no one could ever appreciate you enough, not even your own children. But I can promise you that I will spend every day of the rest of my life utterly in love with you. The rest is just details. Although," he smiled, "Someone very wise told me that the details are what makes a good party." He'd heard enough party-planning tips from her to last a lifetime, that was for sure.

She rested her head on his shoulders. "Sounds like someone very wise."

"And very beautiful."

So as they watched the sunrise at Hogwarts together one final time, Draco asked, "Will you marry me, Astoria Greengrass?"

And finally, she said yes.

Guys, this might be my favorite chapter from all of my stories, I swear. I had such a good time writing it and I think the many different proposals as Draco earns his forgiveness is EVERYTHING. Next chapter is the epilogue (with the wedding!) but I think I might do a few bonus chapters too so let me know if you have any requests for those. Love you all 333