Amid the Falling Snow

Epilogue:

After a week, Draco decided to pack his things. He had had enough of London. He knew that it was time for him to leave. It was for the better, though Draco still couldn't believe how horribly wrong his life had gone since he bumped into Hermione that winter. He thought his life would get better, but he was sorely mistaken. He went into his room to pack his robes and other clothes when his eyes landed on an overturned box in a corner of the room. He smiled to himself. He had thrown it across the room when he was unpacking. He should have burned those letters long ago.

He picked the box up and carried it to the sitting room. He lit a fire in the fireplace, and pulled a letter out. He extended his arm to the fire to throw it in, but couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead he opened the letter and read it.

Draco,

I can't believe this is happening. One minute we hate each other and the next we're in a deserted corridor snogging. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. At first I didn't think that it was a good idea to sneak around, but the more I thought about it, I realised that it was better this way. If Ron or Harry, especially Ron, found out about this, I'm sure that they'd hex you into oblivion. Plus it's like our own little adventure. That's something I'll tell my grandchildren! I just wanted you to know, Draco, that I care for you, and I always will, no matter what happens. I promise you this, qnd this alone, that I will always love you. When you're cold, I'll be there to warm you, when you're sad, I'll lighten up your day. And when you need someone to talk to, I will always be there. I can't wait for our next meeting.

Love Always,

Hermione---The light of your life

Draco smiled. These memories, though they were and would always be just memories, were a big part of his life. Without them, he'd have nothing to look back on; nothing to smile about when he is down. Hermione kept her promise in that respect. He'd always have her letters. But why did his heart feel lost? He couldn't quite understand it. He had always been told that everything happened for a reason. Could his tardiness the day Hermione was leaving be a sign that they weren't meant to be? Draco shook his head. He didn't want to think about something so horrid.

He decided he didn't want the letters, but he didn't want to burn them either. He thought about it and came to a decision. After he packed everything up and moved them to his car (he decided he wanted one for himself) he would go to Ron's and give them to him to give to her. He didn't want to go to Harry's. Too many dramatic occurrences had happened there that he didn't want to relive, and Ginny would probably keep him there for hours.

Soon enough, he got everything packed into his lime green car. After double checking to be sure he hadn't left anything, he locked the door to his apartment, the box of letters in one arm. He reached his car and opened the right door to place the box on the seat, and then moved the left side to prepare to drive. He had gotten no better, but he didn't care. He was going somewhere where it wouldn't matter. Some place far away from where he'd never been. He drove along, singing to the snazzy tune on the radio. When he finally reached Ron's house, he sighed deeply. He hoped that the snooty American woman wasn't anywhere around. She was a bore.

He got out of his car, grabbing the box on his way out and went to the front door and knocked. After a few moments, the door rushed open to find a dishevelled ginger man in the doorway.

"Morning, Malfoy. What brings you 'round here?" Ron asked, looking at him curiously.

"I had something for Hermione that I wanted to leave here so that you can give it to her for me. I don't know where she's staying in America," Draco explained.

Ron glanced at him again, wide-eyed. "Er--why don't you give it to her yourself?"

"I just told you that, Ronald," Malfoy snapped, annoyed about how thick he really was. "It's not that hard to understand. Must I speak slower for you to comprehend?"

"One, shut the bloody hell up, you ferret. Second, you are too dense to realise that Hermione never got on the perolane. She stayed here, to make sure I was alright," Ron told him, a satisfied grin forming on his face.

Draco stared at him disbelievingly. She never left? He had been grieving for a week and she never came to see him? He growled to himself, angry. "One, Weasley, it's an AEROPLANE and what do you mean she never got on it?"

"I mean she never did. That witch, Helena left me for someone else. Hermione couldn't bear to leave her friend in distress. She's a caring person, Draco. You can't say that much," Ron snapped back.

"I very well can! Now, let me in! I want to see her!" Draco demanded, all horrible thoughts thrown out the window.

Ron grinned mischievously. "Why should I?"

"Because if you don't, I'll be sure that you'll never have a chance to---"

"Ron? Who the hell could you possibly be talking to out there? If it's Helena, you'd better tell her to run. I would hate for it to be---Draco?" Hermione had glanced around the corner at the doorway and saw the handsome blond standing there with a box in his hands. "What are you doing here?"

"I think, my dear, is what are you doing here? I went after you! I thought I had lost you for good!" Draco told her.

"Went after me? What do you mean?" she asked, confused. "I was here all along."

"Harry and Ginny told me you were leaving for America! I stole my neighbour's car and drove to the airport for you! I arrived just as the plane was leaving!"

Hermione stood, speechless. "You did?"

"Yes, though I felt like a fool. I had a whole speech ready and everything!" Draco replied angrily.

"What did you want to tell me?" Hermione asked.

Draco moved towards her until there noses were almost touching. He placed his hands around her face and smiled. "Hermione, you are the most amazing woman I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Your ability to not fall head over heels for me is quite remarkable, I must say. You're daring, beautiful, and stubborn as hell. I don't want anyone else. If I can't have you, I'll die alone. I love you, darling."

Draco kissed her, and when they broke apart, Hermione stared at him with wide-eyes. "I love you, too, Draco Malfoy. I've always have. And I always will."

Hermione glanced outside and look at his car. "I have two questions for you though. Why do you have a car, and why is it filled with boxes?"

Draco merely smiled. "I was in need of new transportation, and I was moving far away. If I had known you'd be here, I wouldn't have bothered! Now, I have a question for you. Come with me for a moment, will you?"

Hermione glanced over at him curiously. "Alright. I'll be back later, Ron. Will you be alright?"

Ron nodded and Draco Apparated him and Hermione away. Draco glanced around excitedly. He looked over at Hermione, who was still in awe. They were at the lake they had spent so many memories at.

Before Hermione could comment, Draco kneeled down on one knee and held one of Hermione's hands in his. "Hermione, marry me?"

Hermione looked up at Draco and smiled. "Yes."