Author's Note: Last chapter! It's really more of an epilogue, actually. I wanted to thank all of you who read and reviewed this fic – everyone was absolutely wonderful and motivating! I hope the rest of the HP fics I plan to write will entertain you as much as this one did. I'm currently working on a fic including the trio at Hogwarts, but it's not going to be trio-centric. So once again, thanks to EVERYONE, and I hope this last chapter lives up to your standards!

One Year Later

"Do you think I'm ready?"

Ginny Weasley was pacing back and forth in a large and lavish room, fidgeting with her hands with a worried frown on her face. Her small frame was covered in the most beautiful white fabric Hermione had ever seen. It was made of satin and had lace all around it with lovely sequins patterns around the hem and waist. It was Ginny's wedding dress.

"Of course you are," said Hermione soothingly. "You've been ready for years. You and Harry are made for each other and it's about time you got married!"

"But what if we fight?" fretted Ginny. "This is permanent! My parents don't believe in divorce…what if I end up not liking Harry after all?"

"Gin, this is purely pre-wedding jitters and nothing more. You love Harry, Harry loves you. You've been happy together for a long time – at Hogwarts and now. You're ready, I know you are," forced Hermione.

Ginny sighed and flopped down on seat while Hermione winced, hoping she didn't ruin the dress.

"I suppose it's just nerves," said Ginny. "I want everything to be perfect and I'm just stressing out too much, is all."

"Everything will be perfect," said Hermione. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to change and get ready. You'll be fine, I know it!"

Hermione kissed Ginny's forehead and walked out of the room into the opposite room to change into her dress. Ginny had picked out beautiful dresses for the brides' maids – especially for Hermione, as she was the Maid of Honor. Her dress was different than the other girls' – hers was a long, strapless dark purple dress with a thick white ribbon right under her bosom. Above the ribbon was plain, but the entire dress beneath the ribbon had white glittery sequins. The dress complemented Hermione's creamy skin and her hair cascaded in pretty curls down her shoulders.

Hermione slipped into the dress carefully and applied minimal make-up. Just blush and mascara with a simple lip-reddening charm – though with a grape tint to match her dress.

There was a knock at the door and a handsome unusually blond-haired man walked into the room with a bouquet of roses. He was pale and tall with exuberant grey eyes and he was smiling giddily at Hermione.

"Hey," said Hermione, looking at him through the mirror as she put in her earrings.

"Hey back," he said suavely, closing the door behind him. He turned Hermione around by her waist and pulled her close to him as he gave her a long, passionate kiss.

Hermione giggled and twisted out of his grasp, admonishing, "You'll ruin my make-up!"

"Sue me," he smirked, kissing her shoulder.

"We match!" exclaimed Hermione, looking at Draco's dress robes. "Are those new dress robes?"

Draco grinned at her and said, "They very well might be."

He was wearing black dress robes with a dark purple dress shirt underneath and a creamy white tie. He looked so ravishing that Hermione had half the mind to skip the wedding and stay in here with him.

Draco handed her the bouquet of roses and Hermione moaned pleasurably. "You're too good to me," she said, leaning against his chest.

Draco kissed the top of her head and said, "I should be thanking you. You've changed me, Hermione Granger."

There was a knock at the door and Angelina popped her head in. She still had that post-labor glow about her and she had a curvaceous body underneath her bride's maid dress. She smiled knowingly at the couple and said, "Hermione, Ron's here. He's outside. Thought you might want to know."

When Angelina left, Hermione looked up at Draco with pleading eyes. "I really should talk to him, you know. To make sure he's all right."

Draco sighed, slightly annoyed, but dipped his head down to kiss her lightly and give her his permission.

Hermione left hurriedly and made her way down the long corridor. She found Ron outside by the grand fountain, playing with his tie. He still looked the same as the last time she'd seen him, which was almost a year ago. After his trial he had gone underground, away from society for a while. No one knew where he went, but Molly had hinted to her that he might have been in France with Bill and Fleur.

"Hey there," she said simply, leaning against a pole with vines climbing up it.

He looked up at her and half-smiled. "Hey."

Hermione started to walk around him and said, "I've been feeling pretty down lately. You see, my best friend kind of just disappeared one day and didn't even say goodbye."

"I'm sure he's sorry," said Ron. "Maybe he really needed to get away for a while."

"You think he needed to get away for a year?" Hermione bit out, feeling the pent-up anger rising. She'd been so angry and surprised when Ron left and now, even though she was thrilled to see him again, she was still hurt that he'd left at all.

Ron stood up helplessly, opening and closing his mouth, thinking of something to say that would both console Hermione and make her understand. "I'm sorry. It's just…after the trial I really couldn't deal with anyone."

"Couldn't deal with anyone?" repeated Hermione. "Not even me and Harry? Harry's been through a lot, Ron, and he's never abandoned us."

"I'm not saying what I went through was worse than what Harry's faced," gritted Ron. "But in my defense, finding out I killed someone without even knowing it is no walk in the park either."

"That's not the point! What I'm saying is that you shouldn't have felt like you needed to get away from us. It really hurt to find out you'd left us for a year, Ron," said Hermione.

Ron sighed exasperatedly and said, "I can't justify myself, except that I probably wouldn't have recovered as well if I'd stayed here. I don't want to argue with you, Hermione, especially since today is supposed to be such a happy day and I haven't seen you in a long time."

Hermione just stood in front of him, silent for a moment. Finally she relaxed her body and brought out her arms, saying, "Come here."

She hugged him tightly, like a mother embraces her child. Right now she just wanted to protect him from all the evils in the world. Her wonderful Ron, the truest and most genuine person in her life, had suffered and she felt helpless to do anything about it. It seemed incredibly unfair to her that all the people in her life who deserved innocence and happiness were only facing perils and evil. No one deserved such a fate. She'd thought, after the war, that Ron had been saved from Harry's fate. He hadn't killed anyone and he'd survived to see the next day. How surprising and unfair it was to find out, years later, that he actually did commit a crime against an innocent woman. Would there ever be simplicity in any of their lives?

She cupped his face and looked straight into his tormented blue eyes. "Will you ever be the same?"

Ron tried to look elsewhere, but couldn't avoid Hermione's penetrating gaze. He sighed, defeated, and shook his head. "It's not something I'm likely to forget. This whole year I've been convincing myself it wasn't my fault, that I was under a spell, and I do believe that now. But you're never going to forget something like that – Malfoy will never forget it either, and every time I see him I'll be reminded of it. But…but I can try to live with it. I won't let it ruin my life; I won't become a haunted shell of who I used to be."

Hermione beamed at him, immensely proud at how far he'd come since Hogwarts. He was still the short-tempered Ron every now and then, but he had grown far more than Hermione could have hoped. He was an adult, and he processed and dealt with things like such. He understood the things that happened to him in life and he tried his damndest to cope with them in a healthy way.

"I'm proud of you," whispered Hermione. "I will always be proud of you, and I will always be by your side."

"What of Malfoy?" asked Ron, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his face.

Hermione smiled back at him devilishly and said, "We're doing splendidly. He makes me really happy, Ron. I do hope you'll try your best to be civil with him; he really has changed, you know. We're even living together – we have been for almost a year."

Ron gaped at her. "You're living at Malfoy Manor?"

Hermione giggled. "It is surprising, isn't it? I always used to think Malfoy Manor was scary and dank, but to Draco's dismay I've let Ginny re-do the place. It's actually quite different from the inside now. The outside, however…still looks like death on a dreary day."

Ron snorted and rolled his eyes, and said, "Going to be a lasting relationship, do you think?"

Hermione thought for a moment and said, "Yes, I do think so."

"I'm glad you're happy," said Ron, and as an afterthought added, "Albeit I'm not happy you're dating an arse like Malfoy –" Hermione punched his arm "– but I'll try to be nice to him."

"Thank you," said Hermione, after giving him another smack for good measure. "Now let's go, dear friend, unless you want to miss your sister's wedding."

They walked together out to the grand garden, where many people could be seen wearing a variety of fancy clothes, sitting in rows on both sides of the pathway. Hermione spotted Molly and Arthur sitting in the first row, with Bill and Fleur sitting by them. Their five-year old fraternal twins, Angeline and Benjamin, were playing with each other on the floor at their feet. Angeline, with her long, flowing blond hair, and Benjamin with his sparkling blue eyes and ginger hair. The newborn, a bubbly little boy named Corin, was playing with Fleur's fingers. Molly was coddling Fred's two-month old son, Daniel, who was presently staring peacefully at the twins. Hermione smiled when she saw Molly and Bill bickering. Bill still had his fang earring in one ear and a pony of red hair, and Molly was still trying in vain to get him to cut it off. Arthur, ever the peaceful man, was smiling humbly as he watched over his growing family.

Hermione could tell Ron was eyeing his parents, having not seen them in a year. She touched his arm lightly and gave him a slight shove. "Go on," she whispered, "They've been waiting to see you."

Ron kissed her on the cheek before walking – quite fast, in Hermione's opinion – towards his parents. She saw Molly jump up in tears and hug her youngest son tightly, and Arthur come forward to pat him affectionately on the back. They were all engaged in conversation before long, everyone looking happy and Molly still in tears.

"How did it go?" asked a husky voice from behind her.

Without turning around, Hermione said, "I think he'll be alright. And…Draco, I know you haven't really recovered either. I just want you to be easy on him. Try to remember that it wasn't his fault about your mother."

Draco looked down at his feet and managed to stammer, "I know, 'Mione. It was my father's fault, and I'll never blame Ron for his cruelty."

"Oh, sweetheart," cooed Hermione, giving him a quick peck on the lips. "I'm so lucky to have such an understanding boyfriend."

Draco looked as if he were about to say something, but thought better of it and smiled at her. He rubbed her back before taking his seat, as the ceremony was about to begin in a few moments.

Hermione signaled Ron and they both hurried to get behind the grand doors, into the hallway inside of the building. As the maid of honor and best man, respectively, Hermione and Ron would walk down the aisle together first, followed by some old friends from Hogwarts. Harry had contacted Neville Longbottom, who had eagerly agreed to escort an excited Padma Patil. Lastly was Colin, who would escort, to everyone's surprise, Luna Lovegood.

"Luna!" Hermione exclaimed. "Oh my goodness, it's been years! I had no idea you would be here!"

Ron looked dumbfounded as he gazed at Luna, surprised. Luna still had her characteristic pale blond hair, which was now elegantly curled and reached to the middle of her back. She stood tall and slender, her large orb-like silver eyes taking everything in.

"Hello Hermione," said Luna in her dreamy voice. She smiled faintly at her, as if not quite there.

"Ginny didn't tell me you would be a lady in waiting!" Hermione continued, after embracing Luna in a quick hug. Luna hadn't hugged her back, but awkwardly smiled in her dreamy state, and muttered, "Yes."

"Hello Ronald," said Luna, her eyes boring into him. "It's been a while, hasn't it? You look like death."

Hermione stiffened at that comment, as she was dreadfully reminded of Luna's unabashed honesty. She hoped Ron wouldn't react badly.

Surprisingly, Ron laughed good-naturedly and said, "Cheers, Luna. You look like death too."

Although Hermione thought she looked quite pretty, she could see how one would think that. Luna had unusually pale skin and was very thin, and sometimes reminded Hermione of Draco.

"Has anyone seen Harry recently?" asked Hermione, suddenly remembering that this was not only Ginny's wedding, but Harry's also.

"I did," said Luna. "He looked surprised to see me too. He almost jumped out of his suit when he opened the door to find me. I was only looking for the washroom…"

Hermione stifled a giggle and said, "Did he look alright to you? Nervous or anything?"

"Oh, I suppose," said Luna indifferently, "I told him he should take some medicine to cheer him up…actually, the Ministry has been killing innocent Blibbering Humdingers and using their body oils to create potions for better health! I thought it was preposterous and I even staged a campaign against it. Daddy, bless him, is trying his best to help too, even though he's old and retired and useless."

Everyone around Luna tried to suppress their laughter, but in the end they all let out a howl and laughed at Luna's absurdity which they all held so dear.

Wiping tears from his eyes, Ron said, "It's good to have you back, Luna. God knows I've missed you. I mean…your humour."

Ron pointedly looked away at that point and Hermione couldn't help grinning and nudging his side.

The orchestra started to play outside and that was everyone's cue to start walking down the aisle. Hermione looped her arm through Ron's and they walked out elegantly, followed minutes later by the other four. Hermione could hear Colin struggling to keep Luna's attention on the wedding, as she kept falling behind even though her arm was looped through Colin's. Hermione and Ron tried not to laugh since it would not be very proper to burst out laughing. Hermione spotted Draco sitting near the front and when he looked back at her she winked at him, and he smirked right back.

Finally reaching the altar, the women separated from the men on either side. Hermione spotted Harry standing near Ron, looking quite nervous and pale. When she finally caught his attention, Hermione grinned and gave him a subtle thumbs-up, and was granted with a smile in return.

The event was wonderful. Ginny looked absolutely beautiful in her wedding dress and veil, being escorted down the aisle by her teary father. Harry and Ginny exchanged vows, and when Ginny Weasley became Ginny Potter, everyone clapped and roared and cheered. Their first kiss as husband and wife was heart-warming and everyone was happy. The after-reception was filled with drinking and frivolity and congratulations.

Luna was sipping on a scotch when Hermione caught up with her.

"Enjoying yourself?" asked Hermione.

Luna looked startled to see Hermione, and gave an involuntary burp before she said, "Yes. I especially like these drinks. What are they called?"

Hermione laughed and said, "It's alcohol, Luna. And by the looks of those empty glasses you've had quite a bit. Go easy, won't you?"

Luna drained the glass she had and giggled uncharacteristically and said loudly, "These are really quite good!"

Hermione patted her on the back and before she left her, she gave a meaningful look to the bartender, who nodded back to her in consent, agreeing that Luna had had too much to drink.

On the other side of the garden was Ron, looking at Luna. Hermione, having a hunch, poked Ron's side and jumped up, startled.

"Hey Hermione," he said.

"Just out of the blue here, do you by any chance happen to fancy Luna?" asked Hermione nonchalantly.

Ron almost choked on his drink, saying, "What makes you say that?"

"I don't know, you've been looking at her quite a bit today," said Hermione, grinning knowingly.

"I might," said Ron sheepishly. "I don't know. I can't explain it, but I'm really happy she's here today."

"Well go tell her that!" urged Hermione, giving Ron a push in Luna's direction. "But watch out, though, she's a terrible drunk."

Ron glanced back at Hermione before approaching Luna. Hermione watched as he nervously tapped on Luna's shoulder, and Luna turned around to look at him, the permanent surprised look still on her face as Ron started talking to Luna. Luna listened to him attentively, then said something which made Ron laugh. Satisfied with the results, Hermione gave herself a smug grin.

"Whose life are you meddling in now?" asked Draco from beside her.

Hermione swatted at his chest and he caught her hand, bringing it up to his lips.

"Fancy getting away for a bit?" asked Hermione delicately.

Draco grinned at her, an evil glint in his eyes, as he said, "My, my, my. You've become quite the naughty little girl, haven't you?"

Hermione fixed him with an innocent stare, and in her baby voice said, "But, Draco, what on earth are you implying? I was only asking if you'd like to get some fresh air. Don't try and corrupt me!"

Draco suavely dipped down to kiss her lips and said after resurfacing, "That ship sailed long ago, my love."

Hermione rolled her eyes and taking his hand, she said, "C'mon."

She led him and he followed blindly. At this point, Draco would have followed her anywhere. It was still surprising to wake up beside her. He never would have thought he'd be with her and that she'd be so incredible. He felt lucky just to be near her. Reflections of his former self would surface, causing him to be hostile toward her, but she never faltered. She never left him. She was always there for him, helping him get through those periods. Her loyalty and faithfulness caused him to fall in love with her again each day; he was finally ready to do something about it.

They sat on a pretty white bench, Hermione leaning against the arm of it and setting her legs over Draco's lap. He hugged her legs and leaned against the back, relaxing.

After a few minutes Hermione said, "Mm, I need a drink. I'll be right back – do you want one?"

Draco shook his head and watched her walk away, her hips entrancing him.

When Hermione returned, drinking sherry straight from the bottle, she almost choked in surprise. Draco was on his knee, looking up at her with his endearing grey eyes. She knew what was coming, but she couldn't think of anything to say. She was all choked up and too speechless.

"I know you know what I'm about to ask you. You're quicker than I sometimes give you credit for," began Draco, chuckling to himself. "I've been with you for a year and it has changed my life. When I wake up beside you in the mornings I feel too lucky. Out of all the guys you could have picked, you picked me: the heartless arse. But I changed. I wasn't heartless anymore, because my heart was completely filled with you. You were like a drug and I just couldn't quit you – I never want to quit you either. And I figure, if we've made it through this rough year together, we can make it through anything. I never – ever – want to be without you; I don't want to be that arse again. Please, Hermione Granger, will you marry me?"

Hermione knew there were tears streaming down her face, but she did nothing about them. She was still trying to process Draco's sweet proposal. He had been so sincere and kind and different than the Draco she knew at Hogwarts. And then there was the proposal itself. He was talking of marriage. Was he really ready to settle down with just one woman? Was he ready to throw in his title of Bachelor of the Year for good? Evidently. Maybe it was just Hermione who wasn't ready. But of course she was! She was more so than Draco. She was the city girl who'd grown up with traditional parents – parents who were still happily married and in love to this day. So why was she still standing there looking like an idiot?

She looked at the ring Draco held in his hands. It was absolutely beautiful with the largest diamond Hermione had ever seen. He must have spent a fortune on it. It brought back memories of Draco buying her new dress robes after he'd ruined hers. In his own petulant way, he was being nice. She remembered him throwing a fit and being very particular about the robes she chose out. She remembered wearing the beautiful dress to the Ministry gala and seeing Draco – remembered how she got piss-drunk and he had taken care of her. She remembered their first fight and how miserable she had been without him, even though their fight only lasted one day. She realised, now, that if she turned his proposal down, she would lose him. She would feel the same way she did before, only ten times worse. She wouldn't wake up to his sweet angelic face. She wouldn't be able to drink his delicious coffee. She wouldn't hear his sarcastic yet endearing remarks about everything she did. She wouldn't be able to kiss him goodnight and feel safe in his arms, with the security of knowing he would still be there the next morning. She didn't want to lose him. She loved Draco Malfoy with all of her heart and she always would.

Draco was still kneeling in front of her, taking a chance by wearing his heart on his sleeve. As each second went by, he became more and more worried that Hermione would say no. He was so close to exploding that it was a relief when Hermione finally spoke.

She laughed and wiped the tears from her eyes even though more were streaming down anyway. "You stupid boy, how can I say no? Your whole little speech about being in love with me…it goes both ways. I love you, Draco, I really do. Did you really think I would let you go, let you be with any other woman? Hah! I'd rather die than be without you. So yes. Yes, I will marry you, and love you for the rest of my life."

Draco's grin was so wide Hermione feared that his face would split. He placed the ring on her finger delicately, then picked Hermione up and kissed her until he lost his breath. One arm was supporting her back and the other was under her knees, and he carried her back to the main garden, for everyone to see.

"Wait," whispered Hermione in his ear. "It's Ginny and Harry's day today…let's wait to tell everyone our news until tomorrow."

Ginny and Harry were currently dancing to an upbeat song being played by the special guests for the night – the Weird Sisters. Fred was cradling his son while he swayed to the music and Angelina was hovering over him, laughing in his ear. George was trying to pick up a beautiful brunette – and was succeeding marvelously. Molly and Arthur danced slowly together despite the music and the twins were running around them, giggling playfully. Bill and Fleur – two unabashed teenagers at heart – were kissing passionately near the bar, while Ron watched Luna do a drunken dance. It was very odd indeed to see Luna dancing so wildly. When she swayed too violently Ron was there to catch her, and Luna gazed at him with her trademark eyes before kissing him lightly. Ron turned bright red and held her tight. Padma was dancing with William, both of whom were now married to each other as of six months ago. Colin, ever the playboy, was surrounded by plenty of girls, the flash of his camera going off every couple of seconds.

Draco put down Hermione and spun her around on the dance floor. When he pulled her back to him she said woozily, "Watch it, fiancé, I might just be drunk right now."

He kissed her again before pushing her away, twirling her loose form. Despite their plan of not announcing their engagement until tomorrow, many people couldn't help noticing there was an unusually large diamond on Hermione's ring finger.

Some people like to think there is a little niche for everyone in the world to be happy. If so, why are there unhappy people in the world? People are dying, being diagnosed with terminal illnesses, and suffering from evils all around the world. But as long as there is love, there will always be hope and happiness. Love can spring from the most unexpected places - it can replace hatred and darkness with light and happiness. As long as there is love, there is life.

THE END