After the tournament ended with a thrilling win for the Gryffindors, the Great Hall was almost empty. Prof.McGonagall, the Golden Trio, Ginny, Luna, Draco and a few of his housemates were seated around the big dining area. Harry hesitantly stood up and called everyone's attention by clinking his wine glass.

"I don't think there will come a better time for this. I..um..actually I wanted to say.." he started awkwardly and on a nudge from Ginny, continued. "Ginny and I are engaged".

At this the people broke into gasps and applause, Hermione was hugging her friend with tears, Ginny was showered with wishes from all around her. Minerva was giving a one-arm hug to Harry and Ginny but anyone could have sworn her eyes were misty. After the excitement got down a little, Harry continued.

"I proposed to her yesterday after our usual night stroll. I had already gotten her father's and her brothers' approval. We are planning the wedding somewhere in a month or two."

At this Ginny piped up "And Hermione, I would really love it if you would like to be my maid of Honor and Emma can be my little flower girl". She was gleaming, requesting her best friend.

Ofcourse Hermione was moved. "Sure..sure I am privileged. Thank you, Ginny. And we are having a girls night out today. You can tell me all about how Harry embarassed himself before finally proposing". They both giggled.

"And you can join us in the boys' room after you have finished staring at your wife, Malfoy". This came surprisingly from Ron, who has gone into a silent tear-fest after knowing his sister and best friend are gonna get married.

Draco flushed and nodded curtly. Hermione, just noticing him, didn't miss the slightest pink tinge in his cheeks. Then after very long, the group dispersed with Ginny still blushing and Ron pretending to give the 'bro talk' to Harry.

"You look odd" Hermione remarked when she and her husband were finally alone.

"No..no just a bit cold. That's all" he said, referring to the weather.

"I thought your cold days were over" she said, smiling, referring to his past nature.

He understood she was playing. "Never. I am always dangerous. Beware, Hermione"

"Oh I am frightened." She feigned fear.

He laughed and held out his arms. She looked at him for a moment with surprise, then smiled, ducked her head and leaned into his arms so that her head rested squarely on his chest. She smiled, contended. He held her a little tighter, a little tighter until they were pressed together.

How long they stayed that way, noone knew. He finally stirred "We have been here long. Emma might cry" he said. Emma was left to the care of Draco's mum back in his home.

She had no such intention. "Your mum will take care of her" Hermione said, not moving a muscle.

He smiled down at her. "She might be hungry, Hermione"

"So you are telling me there is no food left in your home for a child?"

He chuckled. "She might need you, Hermione"

"I need you, Draco." He did not know how to respond to that, he just fidgeted. She immediately sensed and released herself from the hug and looked at him hesitantly.

When he was about to say something, she stopped him."I..I am sorry if I hurt you. But what I said..its..its true..I missed you, Draco. I really missed you. After learning you were the father, I was shocked naturally. But I was waiting for you to come and get me again. Why didn't I come to you, after all I was the one who walked away aren't I? I don't know the reason. May be I am not so brave as everyone thinks I am. I wanted your company during pregnancy. I wanted to see your reaction on seeing Emma for the first time. I ..." Her voice shook. She walked away, crying..

"Hermione, stop. I know I have not been there in person but know this. I missed you terribly too. I thought you were ashamed I am your child's father. What am I to do Hermione, you left me little choice. I couldn't pursue you, it would create you more stress. I couldn't leave you not cared for, either. So I took all the steps necessary to make sure you were safe and you had the perfect living conditions. And I used to sneak up on you 3-4 times a week to check on you personally." The last part he spoke with a sheepish expression which she had come to love.

"Sorry I ran out on you. And don't you dare believe I am ashamed of you. Ever."

His eyes grew moist. "Sorry I didn't come after you" he managed.

They exchanged such sweet apologies, and walked together hand-in-hand.