June 1999

Graduation caps were tossed as cheers and whistles filled the air. Soon enough the crowd descended on the students on hugs and congratulations. Draco stood back as he watched Hermione surrounded by the Weasley family and her friends. She had given an amazing speech as valedictorian, inspiring hope and driving ambition into their classmates. He wondered how she did it. How she still had such hope after all the tragedy that had surrounded them for so long. But she was slowly rubbing off on him.

His thoughts were interrupted as Minister Bones, accompanied by two aurors, approached Draco. Hermione left her circle to stand by him and took his hand.

"Mr Malfoy, Ms Granger."

"Minister"

"Since both of you have behaved as model citizens and paid your debts to wizarding society, I hereby announce you may live your lives as free wizards. Gentlemen, if you please."

The two aurors stepped up to Draco and Hermione, raising both of their arms, the golden bracelets shattered off their wrists and they both felt as if a weight had been lifted from them.

Hermione beamed. "Thank you Minister!"

"My pleasure, congratulations to you all!" With that the three of them disappeared. Draco grabbed Hermione around the waist, lifted her up and spun her around, causing her to squeal in delight. When he put her down he kissed her soundly.

"Let's go home Granger, I want to meet our goddaughter."

When they walked through the floo, Pansy, Blinky and Pinky were waiting for them.

"Welcome home Master and Mistress!" Said Pinky as she ran to them for hugs.

"Thank you!" Hermione reached for Pansy. "Pansy! How I've missed you! How are feeling? How is little Rose?"

"Where is she Pans? I want to see my goddaughter!" He grinned as he rubbed his hands together.

"She's napping Draco, and if you wake her up I swear the Malfoy line will end with you! Anyway! I do wish I could've been there to hear your speech Hermione…." The two girls walked away arm in arm and Draco just stared. How on earth did this happen? His ex girlfriend and his current girlfriend were best friends. This didn't bode well for him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that night a graduation party was held at the manor. Blinky and Pinky had gone all out will food, treats and plenty of butter beer. Draco however, only had eyes for his new goddaughter, Roselyn (Rose) Hermione Weasley.

She was the spitting image of her mother, and for that Draco was thankful. No one would guess that Weasley wasn't her father. That she was sired in a loveless match between her mother and the Dark Lord. Pansy had long ago explained to the that the process was similar to the methods of muggle IVF procedures. There was no relationship there. Pansy was simply a variable in the Dark Lords equation.

Draco bounced the baby in his arms and reminded himself to think on happier things. He was to start a research internship at St Mungo's in two weeks time. He found himself to be quite excited about it. It was unpaid, but he didn't have to worry about that.

He was also looking forward to the trip he and Hermione would be going on in a few days. They decided to take a trip to America with their newfound freedom. It would be nice to go to a place no one knew him or his past. It would be just him and Hermione.

He smiled down at the now sleeping bundle in his arms and smiled. Hermione placed an arm around him and laid her head on his shoulder. "She's beautiful isn't she?" She sighed.

"Yes she is."

"Maybe we'll have our own children someday."

Draco kissed the top of her head before laying his head on hers. "I'm looking forward to that." And with that, Draco began to daydream about a little girl with bouncing blonde curls running through the manor, creating laughter and chaos. For once in his life, Draco Malfoy was excited to see what the future had in store for him.