Last chapter my dears. I appreciate you all so much and I hope you enjoyed! Without further ado...

Chapter 30

Blind rage. Those are the only words that could describe what Draco was feeling over the next several minutes. He gave the Aurors the location, which was really a very good guess on his part, of the old Dolohov family home before they moved during the second war to be closer to Malfoy Manor. He'd only been there once to assist in their move.

They basically bum rushed the property upon arrival. There was no going quietly. Draco was desperate to find Hermione and could not shake the feeling he might be too late. He noticed a door off to the side of the room they were in that had several bolts across it. Draco wasted no time blasting the door off its hinges and Harry cursed behind him, calling him to wait. Draco ignored him and ran forward, wand ready. The sight he came upon was not one he would have ever expected. There was Antonin, trousers down around his thighs, limp dick held in his hand. Harry rushed in behind him, and simultaneously they all started firing off curses. Draco dove down the rest of the stairs and rushed off to the side of the room. He could see Harry hide behind some large boxes opposite him. Draco finally noticed Hermione sprawled on the couch in front of Dolohov and his blood ran cold. She wasn't moving, and with how the Death Eater was caught, Draco feared the worse. The rage burst forth in a thunderous wave and he jumped from his hiding spot and faced off with the man before him.

Dolohov was definitely skilled, even if he were half naked, deflecting both his and Potter's attacks with ease.

One hit, I just need one hit.

Draco was desperately looking for his opening, when finally the other Aurors rushed downstairs. It was the distraction he needed.

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

"DRACO, NO!!"

Too late. The curse hit it's target and the mad man fell dead.

Draco rushed to Hermione's side, calling her name, but she just lay unresponsive in his arms. He vaguely heard the voices of Potter speaking with the Minister.

"He did what was necessary, Harry... see that it's documented as such..."

Draco couldn't focus, he was shaking so badly and begging for Hermione to respond to him, to come back.

"Draco. St. Mungos. Now!" Harry ordered, and they both hastily apparated away.

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Hermione felt like death. Had she died? If so, this was a huge injustice to still feel so awful even in the after life. She groaned, and slowly her brain caught up with her surroundings. She was aware that she was lying on something soft and plush. She tried to shift her body but barely managed to adjust her leg, stretching out her back slightly. She winced at the movement which caused a pain to shoot through her abdomen and up her chest. She could hear someone speaking quietly nearby and strained to hear who it might be.

"-before they arrived to take another statement. I've told them to leave her be for the day. She will need her rest."

"Thank you. I'd like to remain here. I feel uncomfortable leaving her."

"Is anyone else expected?"

"Everyone was here earlier, but left shortly after..."

There were light footsteps as the pair moved away from her, their voices drifting with them.

Hermione was beginning to feel frustrated. Her head felt foggy and her throat and mouth were cotton dry. She tried to open her eyes again, but failed. How she didn't have the strength to just blink made no sense. What happened, and where was she?

She could hear a set of footfalls coming back toward her, and she couldnt help but feel anxiety at the sound. Why was it scaring her? There was something her brain was trying to pull forward... A chair scraped lightly next to her and the person sat down. Hermione felt her heart rate jolt momentarily, and finally remembered.

Imperio... dark room... polyjuice... Dolohov... pain... blood... his trousers... explosions... green... screaming...

She jerked out of her memories, and cried out in pain. Finally her eyes opened wide and a very worried blond was at her side.

"Hermione! Oh, Merlin, Hermione are you okay? You're safe now, sweet heart."

He was smoothing the hair out of her face and she looked up into his eyes. She tried to speak, but only managed to open and close her mouth like a fish. His eyes rested on her lips for a moment, before he turned to retrieve a glass of water off the table next to her.

"Here we go," he whispered, gently placing his hand under her head and helping her sit up a tiny bit. He placed the lip of the cup to her mouth and she drank slowly. Once she'd had enough, he replaced the glass and turned back to her.

"Can you speak now?"

"Dra... D...Drac-o..."

His expression was pained, and all he could do was smooth down her curls in order to prevent him falling apart before her. He held her hand gingerly and continued to stroke her face and head in comfort. Hermione watched him in silence for a long time. She wanted to say so many things, but her mind was racing too quickly to settle on any one thing.

"Hermione, I love you. I love you so much, and I thought I'd never be able to say it again, and I just... I love you, I'm so sorry I wasn't able to protect you again." He finally lost it, and leaned over, his lips resting on the back of her hand in his, and wept. His whole body shook with his sorrow.

Hermione felt tears escape her eyes and she hated that she couldnt soothe his aching heart right now. There had to be a way for her to speak to him. To reach him somehow... Her mind rested on one word, and her hand twitched. He looked up, eyes puffy and red. Resolve behind her decision, she gathered up every bit of strength and magic she had in her body. This had to work. She looked directly into his eyes.

Legillimens. She whispered, and suddenly felt herself dropping into his unguarded mind.

She looked at her surroundings. It was dark, like an empty stage room or something. She turned on the spot, trying to locate him. A flicker of blond caught her eye and she spotted the man she loved standing bewildered and alone.

"Hermione?" he was confused.

"I had to talk to you. This is taking a lot of concentration, so I need to be quick."

Draco stepped in front of her and grasped her hands. He hung his head in defeat.

"I'm sorry if I've let you down. I'm so sorry, Hermione."

"Stop it.. Draco. Draco, look at me."

He lifted his eyes to hers, misery lining his face. She brushed her fingers over his pale cheek.

"That man had a mark on my back for years. We all thought him dead. When it counted, you found me, Draco. You saved me. You seem to keep doing that." She smiled at him and lifted on her toes to kiss him gently. "Thank you for saving me, my love."

Exhaustion pulled her out of his mind, and he crumpled over her at her words. She felt the tug of sleep overtake her senses, the last thing she heard was Draco repeating he loved her over and over again.

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2 weeks later

"How are you feeling, sweet heart?" Draco asked when he arrived to Hermione's room in St. Mungos.

She beamed at him. "The Healer said I can probably go home tomorrow. I'm almost completely recovered, and just need to continue using the bruise salve, and take the potions to mend the last bits of internal damage. I was able to walk around the room today though! It was wonderful."

Draco smiled at her and placed a kiss on the top of her head.

"That's great news! What time should I be here to get you?"

"Not sure. I'd guess early afternoon would be alright."

"Okay, I can have Luna watch the shop for me. She keeps insisting I hire Theo to give him something to do. I'm starting to think that's not a bad idea."

Hermiones brows hit her hairline.

"Theo wants to work at the book shop?"

"Yeah! He says it's a great place to meet a young, respectable witch."

Hermione rolled her eyes and Draco laughed.

"Hey, you two!"

Draco and Hermione turned their attention to the newcomers.

"Hi Ginny! Blaise! Ron!" Now that was a surprise.

Draco smirked at his friend, who avoided his gaze expertly. They made their way over to her bedside. Ginny pulled Hermione into a light hug, and Blaise planted a quick kiss to Hermione's cheek. Ron hung off to the side, looking down and very unsure of himself.

"Heard you're leaving tomorrow?" Blaise asked.

Hermione nodded. "That's the hope, but I think it should all be fine."

"Finally! Blimey, I hate hospitals." Ginny said, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. Ginny had been coming everyday, without fail, and was as sick of the place as Hermione was at this point.

"Ha! You're telling me. Constantly getting woken up for tests and not able to do anything or go anywhere. I needed help to the loo up until three days ago." She shuddered at the thought. Draco soothingly rubbed her arm.

"Mum insists you come to the Burrow when you get out. She wants to get a good meal in you. Hospital food leaves alot to be desired, well, according to her anyway." Ron suddenly replied, grinning sheepishly at the look on Hermione's face. His ears reddened, and she smiled back.

"That's perfect. The food here is like cardboard and packing peanuts."

"Packing peanuts?" all four of them said at the same time, looking extremely confused. She waved the question away.

"Nevermind."

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"Hermione, will you sit your arse down? I swear to Merlin... You've only been home a week and you think you're completely recovered."

"I am not a cripple, Draco!" she huffed as she fussed with dusting her flat. Draco was tapping his foot impatiently on the floor.

"I never said you were, you insufferable witch! I just asked that you rest!"

"I feel perfect!"

Draco threw his arms up in defeat and flopped to the couch.

There was a knock at the door and Hermione paused. She wasn't expecting any parcels or other guests. Anyone she might want to see had access to her floo, so the knock was confusing. And persistent. Snapping out of her musing, she started for the door.

"I'll get it!" Draco hopped up quickly and in two quick strides, he'd blown passed her and yanked open the door.

"Oh my Circe!!" Hermione exclaimed and dropped her duster.

"Hermione! Hey, babe!"

Raul completely ignored the stunned blond and pushed passed him to envelope his best friend in a bear like hug. He lifted her off the floor and spun around once with her. She was giggling and crying and hugging him like he would disappear if she let go.

Finally, they broke apart and just looked at one another. His face softened, and she saw tears well up in his eyes.

"Oh, my lovely Hermione... You've gone through so much..."

Her eyes stung with her own tears. Ginny had taken it upon herself to write out a detailed letter to Raul explaining all that had happened. He booked the first flight he could to surprise her.

"Thank you for being here." She said. He nodded, and pecked a kiss on the top of her head. He hugged her again, and she noticed Draco standing uncomfortably behind him.

"Raul," she said, pulling away from him, "you remember Draco, right?" She gestured in his direction and Raul turned with a ridiculous smile on his face.

"Who could forget a divine piece of wizard such as he?"

Draco gasped, his face flushed in embarrassment at the brashness of his words. Hermione rolled her eyes and offered them both tea. They moved to her sitting room and spent the whole afternoon talking, laughing and catching up.

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Draco left Hermiones flat late that night. Raul was staying over and they wanted to do something called a face mask and binge watch a show called 'Friends'. He promptly said his farewells, and kissed his witch good night.

He arrived at the Manor to find his mother in her tea room.

"My dragon, are you well? How is Ms. Granger?"

He kissed his mother on the cheek and sat in the chair next to her.

"We are both well. She is spending time with a friend this evening that has flown from America to visit."

His mother nodded and sipped her tea.

"Mother... I'd like to take a look at the... at the Heirloom jewels."

She raised an eyebrow, and proceeded to pour a cup for him and added in a spoon of sugar.

"Do you, now?"

He accepted the cup and took a sip, and. nodded.

"After everything that's happened... I just don't want to wait anymore. I want to move forward. Create new and happy memories... with her."

She watched him for a long moment before sighing and placing her cup and saucer back onto the table. She gracefully rose to her feet, and gestured for him to follow. They made their way quietly through the many hallways of the Manor before finally reaching the vaults. Narcissa touched her hand to the wall, and the magic fell away, revealing to them the vault door. They entered and Dracos eyes grew wide. The gems and jewels twinkled from every spot and surface in the room. Their family collection was stunning, and he'd never been allowed in here before.

His mother moved to the back corner of the room to a large display case.

"The rings are here, my sweet boy. Give her something worthy of her strength, her mind, her spirit, and her love. If you keep that in mind, whatever you choose will be absolutely perfect."

He smiled at her and she left him to privately decide on a ring. He felt his heart flutter. It was really happening. He was really going to ask her to be his forever.

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"Let's have a nice dinner together, yeah?" Draco asked from where he was lounging on her couch. They'd just returned after having apparated Raul to the airport. It went well, mostly... after he fell over and was convinced the gravity of Earth was indeed still working properly, they all said their goodbyes and he was off. Once Draco and Hermione were back at her flat, Hermione settled down to read a book at her bar top counter and glanced at him.

"Our dinners are always nice, aren't they?" she asked teasingly.

He rolled his eyes. "Yes, of course. I just meant tonight let's do it up a bit. Get dressed up and what not. You never let me spoil you."

Hermione laughed, placing her book open and face down on the counter to mark her spot.

"You know what, okay. Let's do that. Where'd you have in mind?"

He was gawking at her and she laughed again.

"What?"

"I was expecting an argument, is all."

"Not this time, Mr. Malfoy."

"Ugh, don't call me that."

Hermione laughed again and stretched put her limbs.

"Well, where to, huh?"

"My house."

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Hermione was so confused. Why did he want to bring her to the Manor? She was expecting some super elaborate restaurant in London or something. Although, she didn't doubt he could pull off an extremely posh dinner at his childhood home, so she didn't question it.

He'd gone ahead of her to prepare, but sent over a box shortly after his departure. Inside was the most stunning sleeveless black dress that covered her neck and chest and delicatley swept the floor. There was a slit on one side that reached to just above mid thigh, and it hugged her body just right, the sequined material sparkling beautifully in the shifting light. He also sent along a pair of matching strappy high heels and a small clutch.

She felt gorgeous with the dress on, and decided to keep her hair and makeup fairly simple. At around eight p.m. she heard her floo and met Draco in the sitting room. He looked so handsome in his black and white tux.

Posh, indeed. She thought, amused by his choice. He held a hand out to her and smiled.

"You look radiant, sweet heart."

"Thank you, my love."

"Shall we?"

She nodded and he led her to the floo.

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They arrived through the fireplace in the Manor's library. Hermione was gobsmacked. She'd not been here yet, always just appearing directly in Draco's bedroom. The library was massive, lined with shelves upon shelves with books of all kinds. She spun where she stood taking everything in. Draco chuckled from somewhere nearby.

"I thought you might finally enjoy seeing this." He whispered, wrapping his arms gently around her still tender waist, and placed several light kisses along her shoulder. She turned in his arms and kissed him softly.

"This is beautiful. Am I right in assuming you spent quite a bit of time here, growing up?" she asked almost breathlessly.

"You are correct. This was my safe place. My sanctuary where I could escape in a story and live all kinds of adventures. This is where I decided I wanted to open my own bookshop. I was seven at the time, with no idea how real that dream would come to be."

Hermione was staring into his eyes, seeing only the purest passion within them, and getting lost in the sparkling grey depths. She sighed in his arms and he leaned down to kiss her again, savoring the feel of their lips pressed together and the slow tumble of their tongues exploring each other.

Draco pulled back from her and kissed her on the tip of her nose.

"Come on, dinner is waiting." He said, and led her out to occupy the dining room. Draco was starting to feel anxious. She had no idea what was about to happen, and he had no idea if she'd receive it well or hex him into New Years. He steadied his bursting heart as much as possible and turned to her, stopping just outside the large mahogany doors.

"I love you, Hermione." He stroked her cheek with his thumb and kissed her lightly. He couldn't get enough of this beautiful witch. She rested her hand over his and leaned into his touch.

"I love you," she whispered.

He looked at her, studying everything about her face, and furrowed his brow a moment before deciding he would stop tormenting himself and just do it.

He stepped back from her slightly, and held one of her hands in his.

"Hermione, everything about you is perfect to me, from your twinkling laugh, to the way you scrunch your nose up. From your fierce determination, to your exceedingly gentle consideration. You may have needed healing when you came back to the magical world, but so did I. You offered me that by giving me your time and attention. I can never express how thankful I am for that. No matter what we go through- no matter how many nightmares you have, or tears you cry- I promise to always endeavor to make you laugh and smile even more. Hermione..."

He looked upon her smiling face, eyes sparkling with unshed tears while listening to him speak. She briefly wondered why he was being so open and emotional right now, but then he reached into his inside coat pocket and pulled out a small box. Her eyes grew wide and she suddenly reached out to grip his forearms. He grinned knowingly at her, and opened the box, revealing the most stunning goblin made gold ring with a rather modest trio of diamonds set on top with a lovely scattering of sapphires surrounding them. It was breathtaking, it was so like her.

"Hermione, do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife, and I swear it, sweet heart, I swear that I will never stop proving to you how deeply in love I am, for as long as we live."

Her tears cascade down her pretty, flushed cheeks and she let out the smallest sob. He gazed at her, tender affection in his eyes and she nodded.

"Yes! Oh my god, yes I will. I love you so much!" She gasped and he slipped the ring onto her waiting finger. She jumped forward and gripped him in a tight hug, ignoring whatever lingering pains that shot throughout her body. He kissed her deeply, and drank in the moment. Pulling away he smiled and cleared away her tears.

"I've got one more surprise, sweet heart." She waited and he turned back to the doors leading to the dining hall and pushed them open.

Leading her forward by her newly adorned hand, they entered a room lavishly decorated, and full of smiling faces. Hermione was stunned into silence, until Draco lifted their hands high.

"She said yes!" Draco announced to the room and suddenly there were cheers, clapping, hoots and even sobbing. People rushed them, offering their congratulations and hugging them both.

Hermione was beaming, eyes moving from each person. She lingered on the faces of Harry, Ginny who was tucked into Blaises' side and Hermione made a mental note to steal her away for all the details about that, Theo, Luna and Rolf, Neville, and of course, Narcissa. Even Ron was there, raising a glass to them from further back in the dining hall, and Hermione smiled warmly at him.

Draco was busy chatting with everyone but Hermione did her best to take in the moment. No matter what trauma she went through, no matter how hard it got, these people were always there for her and Draco.. Draco would always be there to remind her that they were finally free of anything tying them down from a good and happy life. They were finally free to choose for themselves what they wanted, and they were finally free of the ghosts of their pasts. That was enough for her.

Fin.That's all folks. Hope you liked, please let me know. I already have a new fic going up, first chapter is live!! It's a darker storyline, Dramione of course, so I hope you enjoy that one as well. Thanks for sticking with me on this journey! xoxoxoxoPlannerMichi