Two Years Later

Hermione Granger stepped out of the Floo into the familiar bedroom of the penthouse flat. She had moved in with Draco a year ago, after he pestered her about it for three months. He finally won her over with the argument that they both stayed at each other's flats most nights anyway, and they both had drawers and closet space – moving in together was the natural next step. Besides, this way she would have Jipsey's cooking every day.

She had moved in the following week.

She had been sad to leave her homey little flat, but moving in with Draco had been one of the best decisions Hermione ever made. It had taken some time to get used to living together, since both had lived alone for years prior, but they quickly found a routine that worked for them.

The first time Draco had said, "Let's go home," Hermione had been filled with a warm happiness that started in her chest and spread all the way to her toes, knowing it meant their home. Home used to conjure images of the sofa in her small flat, a stack of books, and Crookshanks. Now, she thought of a sprawling library, snuggling under a mountain of blankets on a king sized bed, but most importantly, Draco.

She was brought out of her musings when she spotted something draped across the bed. Standing out against the dark grey of the duvet was a gorgeous periwinkle blue gown, the same shade as the one she had worn at the Yule Ball all those years ago. Sitting next to the gown were a pair of glittering silver peep toe stilettos. As she stepped closer, Hermione noticed a note.

Sweetheart,

I would be very happy if you would wear this gown tonight. Get dressed and step out into the hall. I'll be waiting.

Love,

Draco

P.S. Wear your hair down, love. You know how much I love it when you do.

Biting her lip in a grin, Hermione did a quick little happy dance. She loved when he surprised her with romantic gestures like this. It was something that had become a habit of his since they had gotten together. Fighting back an excited giggle, she felt anticipation bubble in her chest. Today was was their two year anniversary, and she couldn't wait to see what surprises he had in store for her.

She quickly undressed and headed into the bathroom to freshen up. Once done, she pulled on the gown and was happy to find that it fit her perfectly. She had to admit it was flattering on her. The gown had a sweetheart neckline, and a flowing skirt with a slit on one side that led to a fabric rose and cinched waist. She felt beautiful, a frequent occurrence nowadays, as it was whispered into her ear by her lover every chance he had. Anxious to see him, she quickly slipped on the stilettos and stepped into the hallway.

She began to make her way down the hall when she stopped, noticing something hovering in the air a few feet in front of her. She stepped closer and saw that it was a picture of herself as a child. She was in her Hogwarts robes and judging by her size she had to have been in first or second year. She plucked the photo out of the air and noticed another floating close behind.

This one was of Draco in his Slytherin robes, his hair slicked back and signature smirk in place. He too looked very young, around the same age as her photo. She giggled at the image as she grabbed the picture, remembering how she, Harry, and Ron used to joke in the privacy of the Gryffindor common room about how much product Draco must use to get his hair to stay like that all day.

She saw another photo hanging in mid-air, this one of their Hogwarts graduation. She smiled as she looked over the group photo, watching everyone fidget around. She spotted Draco trying to hide in the back and her eyes widened when she saw the two of them glance at each other and smile. She remembered sharing a smile with him at graduation but had no idea it had been caught on camera.

She added this photo to the growing stack and saw another close by. This one was the official press photo of the Auror Department from the year Draco joined.

She followed the path of photos as it led her down the hall and then the stairs. Each photo was a memory of her growing friendship and eventual romance with Draco — the first time Draco had joined their monthly get-together, one of Blaise's birthday parties, their first date, tea with his mother in France when they finally announced they were dating, their trip to Rome last year, and dancing at Alexa and Evan's wedding.

The last photo was just outside the open door of the library. It was from her birthday last month, showing the two of them sitting close together. Draco had his arm around her, both of them laughing. It was her favorite photo of them so far.

She stepped into the library and gasped at the sight that greeted her. The room had been transformed. The sofa, chairs, and tables that normally sat in front of the fireplace were nowhere to be seen. In their place were dozens of bouquets of roses — all different colors — arranged in a circle. Above them were what looked to be hundreds of candles floating aloft and casting a soft glow over the room. Rose petals were scattered across the floor, making a path from the door to the fireplace.

There, standing in the midst of the roses, was Draco. Her best friend, her lover, her home. He was holding a single red rose in one hand as he smirked at her. He was wearing a black Muggle three piece suit with a black shirt and tie. He looked delicious.

"Happy anniversary, love." He smiled and walked towards her, handing her the rose before leaning in for a kiss.

"Draco, what is all this?"

He didn't answer, merely winking as he flicked his wand and the first notes of a familiar song surrounded them. Their song. The one he sang to her exactly two years ago.

She grinned up at him as he offered her his hand.

"Dance with me."

She placed her hand in his and was guided to the circle. He pulled her hands around his neck and ran his own down her arms and back until they settled on her hips as he led her in a slow, relaxed dance. Hermione laid her head on his shoulder and she felt him kiss the top of her head before laying his cheek against it.

When the song ended, Draco pulled back and smiled down at her. He cupped her cheek and leaned in for another kiss. Ending too soon for Hermione's liking, he slowed the kiss and took a step back from her. Sweeping his arm to the side, he asked, "What do you think of the roses?"

Hermione looked around and smiled. "They're lovely, Draco. You didn't–"

Her words died in her throat as she looked back at Draco to see him on one knee in front of her. Her breath hitched and her heart sped up, threatening to pound right out of her chest. Oh Merlin, this was happening. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. He reached out and grabbed her left hand, her right still clutching the rose he had given her.

Smiling up at her and looking as nervous as she had ever seen him, Draco cleared his throat and spoke softly.

"Hermione Granger. When we met, you were just a sweet girl trying to help her new friend find his toad and I was a spoiled git who thought he knew everything – until I met you. You went against everything I had been taught as a child and proved time and again what an amazing witch you are. We started out as rivals, trying to best each other in class. Then we became enemies and you rightly punched me in my smug face."

He paused and smirked up at her as she let out a giggle.

"Our last year at Hogwarts we called a truce and suddenly we were like strangers, realizing that we really didn't know the other near as well as we thought. A year later, I started working at the Ministry, and we became co-workers and acquaintances. Then we started sharing a lift and we somehow became friends. The more time I spent with you, the more I liked you and soon you were my best friend. Two years ago, I finally got my act together and realized I was hopelessly in love with you."

Draco placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand. "Then you became mine." Another kiss. "My love, my missing piece." He followed with two more soft kisses. Merlin help her, she was about to melt into the floor.

Hermione fought the tears she could feel threatening to fall. Her heart was full to bursting for the man in front of her.

His grey eyes held hers, stunning her with the depth of love she could see reflected in them. He smiled warmly and continued speaking.

"One year ago you finally agreed to move in with me, making this place a home at last. Now I'm hoping to continue onto the next step. I never want to be apart from you, sweetheart. I love you so much. You are the light that keeps my demons at bay. You have made me a better man and I want to spend the rest of my life making you proud. Hermione, will you be my wife?"

Tears were streaming down her face as Hermione nodded and squeaked out, "Yes. Yes! Sweet Salazar, yes!"

Laughing, Draco stood and scooped her up in his arms, twirling her in a circle as he buried his head in her curls. Setting her on her feet, he immediately pulled her to him and kissed her hard. Pulling back when they both were gasping for air, he peppered her face with sweet little kisses. Hermione was laughing and crying, exhilaration flooding through her.

"Oh! Here," Draco said suddenly as he laughed with her, his face lit up with pure joy. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box. Opening it, he lifted the box so she could see. Nestled in the black velvet was one of the most beautiful rings she had ever seen. The silver band was covered with leaves and winding vines. In the middle sat a dazzling diamond, flanked by two oval sapphires. It was stunning.

"Draco, it's perfect." She beamed up at him and held out her left hand. He removed the ring from the box and slid it onto her finger, bending down to place a lingering kiss on her knuckle.

He reached up and caressed her face. "I love you."

"I love you too." She pulled him towards her for another heart-pounding kiss. She was pressing herself closer to him, hoping to show him just how much she loved him and, in particular, how much she loved him in that suit.

He tried to pull away and laughed as she held on, saying in between kisses, "Sweetheart… Mmm. Love, I do have other–other plans for us… Merlin, Hermione." He finally managed to extract himself, much to her frustration. "Love, I promise we can continue this later. I am really looking forward to it, in fact. But I have one more surprise for you."

"Oh," she said, sounding a bit more disappointed than she had intended. "Alright. But later, I am going to show you just how happy I am."

"Merlin, woman. Don't say things like that when I can't do anything about it." He huffed at her and then took her by the hand. "Come on, you vixen. Time for your other surprise."

She giggled as he lead her to the large sitting room they only used on occasion. Grinning at her, he opened the door and pulled her through. The room was full of their family and friends, all eyes focused on her in eager anticipation. Before she could react, Draco yelled, "She said yes!'

The room erupted in cheers and applause. She heard a squeal directly to her right and suddenly had a face full of red hair. Ginny, who was currently very pregnant, was hugging her tightly and crying into her neck. "I'm so happy for you!"

Beaming, Hermione squeezed her friend back. "Thank you, Ginny. For everything."

The two friends pulled apart and wiped tears from their eyes. Soon, Hermione found herself in the arms of her oldest friend. Harry held her tightly and kissed her check. "Congratulations, sister mine."

The next hour was spent being handed from one friend to another, hugs and kisses and congratulations raining down on her. All of their friends were there, as well as Draco's mother Narcissa and Hermione's parents.

Smiling as she looked around the room, Hermione caught Draco's eye as he stood talking with Blaise and Daphne. Her fiancé grinned at her and then winked. Her fiancé. She felt giddy just thinking about it. She watched as he excused himself and made his way over to her.

Taking her in his arms, he leaned in for a kiss. "Happy?"

"Ecstatic. Thank you for all of this. It means so much to me."

"I'd do anything for you, Hermione. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Ready to become Mrs. Malfoy?" he teased.

"Can't wait." An idea struck her and she tapped a finger against her lips. "You know, I was thinking. We should combine our names."

Wrinkling his nose slightly, he asked, "Like Granger-Malfoy?"

Schooling her features into a straight face she said, "No, like Malger or Granfoy."

Draco froze and stared down at her. "E-excuse me?"

"Oh yes, it's a Muggle tradition. Didn't you know?"

"So… you want me to change my name to Draco Granfoy?"

"Hmm. That does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

He was turning a bit pale and looking at her like he had no idea who she was. No longer able to keep up the charade, Hermione burst out laughing. Draco narrowed his eyes at her.

"That's not funny, Hermione. You know I'm still learning about Muggle customs."

"Your-your face! Oh Merlin. I haven't been able to get you like that in awhile."

Draco sniffed, "Yes, well, I was a bit distracted by your beauty." She rolled her eyes at him. "And your cleavage. I have a really good view right now."

Chucking, she smacked him on the arm. "Behave."

"Hey, you started this in the library."

Leaning into his side, she hummed in agreement. "Draco?"

"Yes, love?"

"I really am happy about becoming Mrs. Granfoy."

He pinched her side. "Watch it, witch." She giggled and he smiled down at her. "I'm happy you're going to be my wife, last name pending."

"Promise me something, Draco."

"Anything, sweetheart — within reason."

"Let's not ever lose this. How we are now — joking and teasing and laughing. I want to be sitting on a porch with you when we're a hundred years old and laughing together over some silly thing one of us said. Promise?"

He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I promise, love. It should be easy. I'm hilarious."

"Mmhmm. And humble, too."

"Yep, you're getting the whole package. You're so lucky."

"I really am. Well, ready to head back into the fray, Mr. Malfoy? We should mingle a bit more."

"After you, Miss Granger soon-to-be Mrs. Malfanger."

"Ooh, good one. I quite like that."

"Why, thank you."

"You're welcome, Mr. Granmalf." Her heart warmed at the sound of his laughter.

As they stood side by side, it struck Hermione that she would get to hear that laugh for the rest of her life. She would get to spend the rest of her days surrounded by love and laughter and sarcasm.

And she couldn't wait.

A/N: Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. I truly appreciate all your kind words and support. This has been an amazing experience! Much love to you all and I hope to see you on my next writing adventure! 💛

Beta credit to the magnificent frecklesandbroomsticks!