Chapter 20 Epilogue

A year later…

December 23

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting at a coffee shop in Diagon Alley like they did once a week every week since graduation to stay in touch. Ron and Harry were both Aurors at the Ministry and Hermione was a Healer in training at St. Mungos.

"How's Malfoy?" asked Harry.

"He's… well he's Draco. He's great I guess. He gets everything that he wants still and is still raking in the money a part from his father like he always wanted and restoring his family name," said Hermione.

"And you're sure you want to spend Christmas with just him this year?" asked Ron.

Hermione nodded and said, "Of course. He told me he had something special planned. But we'll be there tomorrow for Christmas Eve."

Harry and Ron both pulled a face.

"Oh don't give me that look. You know I love him and he isn't going anywhere so live with it," said Hermione.

"But it's Malfoy," complained Ron.

"And we figured after a year you would get sick of him and your fights," said Harry.

Hermione frowned.

"We don't fight! We bicker. It's different, but honestly we wouldn't be Draco and Hermione if we didn't," said Hermione.

They both nodded their heads in agreement. That was just how their relationship worked and they were both madly in love now because of it.

"What's it like living with his parents?" asked Ron laughing.

"I don't know Ron, how is it still living with yours?" asked Hermione with a smile.

Ron's face dropped.

"I hardly ever see them. They spend most of their time out, but we live in a completely separate wing as them," said Hermione, "Anyways I should go. I need to finish up a few things. Narcissa needed help with something regarding her party."

They all stood up, hugged each other and Hermione used the floo network home… to the Malfoy Manor.

As soon as she stepped out Draco took her in his arms and kissed her soundly on the lips.

"Well hello to you too," said Hermione smiling as they broke apart.

"I'm just reminding you that you're mine and not theirs," said Draco.

"And while I appreciate it you know you have nothing to worry about, right?" asked Hermione.

Draco smirked and Hermione could only guess what was coming after it.

"Fine. You're right they never stood a chance against me. I just like kissing you," said Draco as he pushed her into the closest wall trapping her.

"You know your mother is waiting for me right?" asked Hermione.

"And I care why?" asked Draco as he got closer and closer.

Hermione couldn't help but smile in anticipation. Draco leaned down and lightly bit her lip before claiming her mouth with his.

"Draco! Stop keeping Hermione from me!" said Narcissa as she confidently strolled in completely expecting what she walked into.

They broke apart and Hermione still turned bright red every time that happened even though it happened way more than it should have.

"Mum! Honestly! Do you knock?'" asked Draco.

"This is my house you know," she said, "Now come dear, I need your opinion."

Hermione straightened her skirt and followed Narcissa out of the room.

"I'm so sor…" Hermione tried to apologize.

"Oh it's no worry dear. It just reminds of me of when Lucius and I were young and in love. And as I've said many times before… I'm glad it's you and not that awful Parkinson girl," said Narcissa.

Hermione smiled. She loved Narcissa. She really hoped that one day she might permanently become related to her.

December 24

Draco woke up early and quickly and quietly crawled out of bed hoping not to wake up Hermione. He still had one stop he had to make before they could go over to the Weasels for the day.

After he was ready he floo'ed over to a special jewelers shop.

"Ah, good morning, Mr. Malfoy," said the shop owner.

"Good morning. Is it ready?" asked Draco.

"Of course. Finished it last night," he said.

He reached under the counter to unlock a cabinet. He pulled out a black velvet ring box and handed it to Draco. Draco opened it, took out the ring, and carefully examined every inch of it.

"Looks perfect. I'm impressed. I never thought we would be able to get it looking like brand new," said Draco.

"I'm glad you like it," said the shop owner.

Draco put it back in his pocket, paid the man and turned to leave.

"Good luck and tell the soon-to-be Mrs. Malfoy congraulations," he said.

Draco nodded and floo'ed back.

Hermione was still in bed. He smiled. She was absolutely gorgeous and the best part was she was about to become permanently his. He walked over to her to kiss her on her forehead. Hermione stirred in her sleep after feeling the kiss and slowly opened her eyes.

"Good morning, love," said Draco.

"Good morning," she said and smiled.

Hermione sat up and then frowned. Wait, why wasn't he in bed…

"Oh Merlin did I oversleep?" asked Hermione alarmed.

Draco laughed.

"No. Relax. I had to go somewhere early before the shop closed," said Draco.

Hermione gave a sigh of relief.

"Don't scare me like that! They would never let me live it down if I was late to the Weasley house," said Hermione as she got out of bed.

"How long do we have to be there?" asked Draco.

"Oh not you too. I'm not answering that question as you already know the answer," said Hermione rolling her eyes.

"Fine. But you owe me," said Draco.

"I owe you what?" asked Hermione with her hands on her hips.

"Your life if you keep making me do things like this," said Draco.

"I might be able to negotiate on those terms," said Hermione.

Draco smiled as he leaned in to give her a kiss.

"Good. We'll talk about the details later then," said Draco with a smirk.

He didn't want her asking questions so he quickly left the room and went downstairs to wait for her.

Hermione smiled to herself as she watched him leave. She had heard rumors that he might ask her to marry him, and now she was beginning to believe them. But Merlin's Beard the wait was killing her! She sighed and went to the bathroom to get ready.

A few hours later they were at the Weasley's ready for a traditional Weasley Christmas. Ginny quickly pulled Hermione upstairs to talk leaving Ron, Harry, and Draco together. Draco went over to the stairs and peered up to make sure Hermione and Ginny were gone. When he was sure he went over to Ron and Harry.

"Potter. Weasley. I need to speak to you… in private please," said Draco.

"I'm sure whatever you need to say can just be said here," said Ron.

"No it can't. Trust me on this one," said Draco.

"Trust you? Wow that's interesting. But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt," said Harry.

Draco nodded and they walked outside.

Hermione was casually glancing out the window as she listened to Ginny spill all her life details and a little bit too much about Harry. Then she noticed the 3 of them go outside. She frowned and then went over to the window.

"Hermione are you listening to me at all?" asked Ginny.

"Yes! I just… well look for yourself," said Hermione pointing out the window.

Ginny got up and looked outside. She gave a sound of shock.

"Are they going to kill each other? Them alone is never a good sign, " said Ginny.

"I know," said Hermione.

They watched and waited for the minute they would need to sprint downstairs to break up a fight.

"Why are they talking like normal people? What's wrong with them?" asked Hermione.

"What could they be talking about?" asked Ginny confused.

Hermione thought for a second and then smiled at Ginny.

"Ok you have to swear not to tell anyone if I tell you this," said Hermione.

"Of course! Please continue!" said Ginny excitedly.

"I'm not positive but I've heard that Draco might ask me to marry him! What if he's asking Harry and Ron?" asked Hermione still smiling.

Ginny shrieked with excitement.

"Hermione! You're getting married!" said Ginny.

"Shhh! Ginny! The whole house can hear you! I said keep it quiet because what if I'm wrong?" asked Hermione.

"I doubt it! What else could they be doing? Although I'm still surprised that wouldn't break out into a fight," said Ginny, "Where's one of Fred and George's inventions when you need them?"

"What do you need Malfoy?" asked Harry.

"Need? I don't need anything from you. I'm just doing this for Hermione," said Draco.

"Well spit it out already!" said Ron.

"Well shut up so I can! Anyways I'm planning on asking Hermione to marry me tomorrow. That's why we won't be here. And since her parents aren't here I thought she would appreciate it if I asked you two knuckleheads for permission," said Draco.

"Oh so you do need something?" asked Harry.

"Knuckleheads?" asked Ron.

"No I don't need anything like I said. I just thought Hermione would appreciate it. I'll marry her anyways," said Draco.

Harry raised an eyebrow.

"I won't say yes until you admit you NEED our permission," said Harry, "And if you don't say it then we'll tell Hermione all about this effectively blowing the surprise and saying that we said no."

"You wouldn't," said Draco staring them down.

"Did you really just say that? Of course we would," said Ron.

Draco sighed in frustration.

"I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I can't have you telling that to Hermione. You two are dumb enough to…"

"And you have to say it without insulting us," added Harry.

Draco glared at them.

"Fine. I…" Draco tried. This was proving to be very difficult.

"I… need you to give me permission to marry Hermione. There I said it," said Draco.

"Considering that is the best thing we'll probably ever get out of you then yes I give you permission to marry Hermione," said Harry.

Draco nodded in acceptance and turned to Ron.

"That wasn't your best effort but we love Hermione and unfortunately she loves you so yes, you can marry her," said Draco.

Draco smirked and said, "Thank you."

The girls watched as they went inside.

"Wow. No punches or wands or anything!" said Ginny.

Hermione just smiled.

"They might be maturing slightly," said Hermione.

"You are so getting married! It couldn't be anything else that would keep them from killing each other!" said Ginny.

"I really hope you're right," said Hermione.

Then they heard their names being called as dinner was finished.

Hermione and Draco arrived back at the Manor later that night.

"Now that wasn't so bad was it?" asked Hermione.

"It was incredibly painful," said Draco smirking.

"Shut up," said Hermione hitting his arm gently, "And dare I say it you, Harry and Ron were actually getting along."

"We never get along," said Draco.

"You were and don't deny it! Ginny and I saw you talking outside. There were no wands drawn and it didn't look like you even wanted to punch them or anything," said Hermione.

"You saw that?" asked Draco.

"Of course. How could we not? You three never go anywhere together," said Hermione.

"We were just having an… understanding," said Draco.

"About what?" asked Hermione.

"It was nothing. Now let's go decorate that tree," said Draco drawing her away from the obvious questions he knew she would have.

Draco spent most of the time just watching Hermione. He loved how she got so excited about everything, even the simple things.

"There! Perfect!" said Hermione stepping back to admire her work.

"Yes you are," said Draco softly in Hermione's ear as he came up behind her.

She smiled as she felt goosebumps appear across her body. He wrapped his arms around her and held her against him.

"I love you," said Draco as he kissed her neck.

"I love you too," said Hermione in a whisper as she turned around and looked up into his silver eyes.

Draco had that wicked glint in his eye as slowly pulled her over to the nearest couch. He laid down and quickly pulled her on top of him and kissed her. Normally this was about the time he would get in trouble for such things but when it didn't happen he happily deepened the kiss and parted her mouth with his. Draco expertly flipped them over so he was now on top of her. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck so he wouldn't stop. She loved the taste of his lips and the feel of his tongue touching hers as they continued to kiss. His fingers slipped under her shirt to just touch her skin lightly.

They broke apart completely breathless as they heard a sound at the door. They looked at the door expecting it to open, but when it never did Draco turned to look at Hermione. He laughed at her kiss-reddened lips.

"Have I ever told you how incredibly sexy you look after we've been snogging?" asked Draco.

Hermione rolled her eyes and smiled as she attempted to push him off of her. Even after a year, Hermione was still a bit weary of certain activities.

"No. I'm not moving. I like you here where you can't escape," said Draco leaning down and kissing her again.

She let him kiss her for a few more seconds before breaking it up and moving again.

"Ok…" said Draco reluctantly letting her up.

"Thank you. I love you. You never push me," said Hermione.

"I must love you if I don't," said Draco smiling, "But don't think you're getting too far."

He situated them so instead she was lying next to him with her head on his chest with his arms around her. They talked until Hermione fell asleep. Draco accio'd a blanket, pulled it across them, and fell asleep holding her in his arms.

December 25

Hermione woke up with Draco still holding her tightly. She smiled. This was something she loved… waking up with him every morning. She looked up and saw him smiling down at her.

"How long have you been awake?" asked Hermione.

"Long enough," said Draco.

"Well why didn't you wake me up?" she asked.

"Then I would have to let you go because you'd want to get all those lovely presents that magically appeared under the tree over night," said Draco.

Hermione sat up and looked over. There were a lot. She smiled and did exactly what he said.

"See. Told you," said Draco sighing and getting up to follow her.

"You're not at all excited to see what you got?" asked Hermione.

Draco smirked. He couldn't lie… he loved the expensive gifts he knew his parents were sure to get him.

They spent the next hour opening presents. Hermione laughed when she saw that Mrs. Weasley had officially inducted him into the family by knitting him a dark green sweater with a silver D on it.

"Bloody hell. I'm going to look just like them! Do I have to?" asked Draco.

Hermione was still in a fit of laughter at the idea. She wasn't originally going to make him wear it, but now that he mentioned it…

"Yes!.. You have to wear it… next time we see them!" said Hermione in between laughing.

Draco shoved it aside but nodded his head in agreement silently complying with her request.

"Are you done now?" asked Draco.

Hermione bit her lip to stop laughing.

"Yes. I think so," she said smiling.

"Well if you're done I think there's a small one way back there," said Draco.

Hermione reached and had to stand up to get behind the tree to finally get it. Her breath caught in her throat when she noticed what it was… a black velvet box. Her hand flew to her mouth in shock. She turned around to face Draco. He had gotten on one knee while she wasn't looking. He smiled and took the box from her, opened it and then took one of her hands in his.

"Hermione. For a year now I think you've made me the happiest person alive. I would have never believed anyone had they told me before our 7th year that I would one day fall in love with you, but now I can't imagine anyone else in my life but you. I love you. Will you marry me?" he asked.

Hermione had tears in her eyes and was completely speechless. All she could do was smile and nod her head yes. Draco smiled back at her as he stood up and spun her around in his arms. When he set her down he took her left hand in his and slipped the ring onto her finger. Hermione brought it up to look at it.

"True to Malfoy tradition, it's another family heirloom. It took forever to get it cleaned and perfect for you," he said.

It was a large princess cut diamond with a gold band with little smaller diamonds lining the entire band.

"It's beautiful," said Hermione.

"You like it?" he asked.

"Of course! Even Hermione Granger loves diamonds!" she said and gave him a quick kiss.

"You mean the future Hermione Malfoy?" he asked.

"Definitely," she said stood up on her toes to give him a kiss.

"Happy Christmas, Hermione, I love you," said Draco looking deeply into her eyes.

He pulled her close and she put her arms around his neck as they met in the middle with the best kiss Hermione had ever had so far in her life. Santa really outdid himself this year! Draco wasn't just a Christmas present anymore… he was hers forever.

Yay it's finished! Hope you guys like it and don't worry I'm absolutely welcome to criticism good or bad. :) Sorry it took me longer to get this epilogue up than it should have. Work had NO INTERNET. It was awful lol. Then I had to finish Christmas shopping. But anyways here is an early Christmas present... a complete story that didn't take me months and months to write haha. Hope you guys liked it because I sure enjoy hearing from you! I'm currently working on another fic but it's got some serious issues that need to be worked out and I keep changing my mind about everything so keep a look out for it. :) Thanks guys!