My Father's Only Rule {DRACO MALFOY X SNAPE'S DAUGHTER}

Chapter Twenty-Two: Just Another Special Moment

January 1998 - King's Cross

 I needed the trip to Devon. I needed the realization that I was out of my mind for thinking I was meant to either be with Cedric or die alone. I knew I wasn't going to break up with Draco, but I was still searching for the memory of realizing that I loved him. And I couldn't find it. I thought perhaps it was when I cast the patronus, but that wasn't when I realized I loved him. That was when I realized I still had feelings for him. Big difference.

Jane and I had put our things on the Hogwarts Express. She had gone inside to get a compartment, but I was hesitant. I couldn't explain why, but I was anxious about getting on the train. It was like fear without a direct object. Part of me felt like I'd be trapped if I went back. Not to mention I wasn't wanted. I was a death eater, after all. I don't know what I was waiting for, but I just couldn't get on that train.

And then, as the students cleared the platform, I spotted a familiar face with familiar blonde hair. He was leaning on the train. And he looked...different. He looked more at ease. His face was sympathetic. He looked like he had let his guard down for the first time in a long time. And he smiled at me. And it was like a breath of fresh air. It seemed as though I'd had this same moment a million times before. The kind of moment where I see him in a different way and it's some big life-changing moment. I had worried that if I kept having moments like this, they would lose their touch. They would be less special as they came. But then I realized that if I kept having moments like this, I would only do so because they were getting more special, not less.

We ran to each other across the platform and he picked me up in a spin. And neither one of us cared who saw. And of course, he kissed me.

"I'm an idiot," he said.

"Damn right."

And then he wouldn't stop kissing me.

"I don't care about your stupid mark. I only care about you."

And I mean, he would not stop.

"Grace, I will never speak to you like that again," he said, holding my face an inch away from his. "Please forgive me."

"I forgive you."

"I want to get married," he said.

"Right now?" I laughed. "You're not eighteen."

"I will be in June," he said. "We can get married then. Let's set a date. How about June 21st?" I couldn't take him seriously, he was being so ridiculous.

"Where is this coming from?" I said, laughing.

"June 21st," he repeated. "Deal?"

"Ok," I said. "June 21st. After Jane and I get back from Paris."

"What?"

"Nothing," I said with a smile. "Does this mean we're engaged again?" He took my hand, revealing my ring. He cast revelio, causing it to double in size and sparkle.

"Don't hide it anymore," he said. "Tell everyone, I don't care."

"I love you."

"I love you."