Aroura

The Proposal

Draco had always prided himself on his cunning and confidence, but as he stood in front of the mirror at Granger Cottage, adjusting his tie for the fifth time, he felt none of those things. His palms were slightly sweaty, and a nervous energy buzzed through him.

Today was the day he'd ask for permission to marry Hermione—not just from one person, but from everyone who mattered most in her life. He wanted to make sure no stone was left unturned. He had the ring safely tucked in his pocket, a vintage emerald-cut diamond set in platinum, accented with tiny sapphires to represent Hermione's eyes.

"Pull yourself together, Malfoy," he muttered, straightening his shoulders. He could face hostile boardrooms and demanding investors, but this? This felt monumental. --- *Stop One: Jean Granger* Draco's first stop was the kitchen, where Jean Granger was sipping her morning tea and reading a Muggle newspaper. She looked up as Draco walked in, her brow arching slightly.

"Draco," she said warmly, setting her tea down. "You're up early. Everything alright?"

He cleared his throat, suddenly feeling like a schoolboy caught out of bounds. "Mrs. Granger—Jean—I was hoping to have a word with you."

She gave him a curious smile and gestured to the chair across from her. "Of course. Sit down."

Draco sat, his hands clasped together. "I've been thinking about this for a long time. Hermione... she's incredible, and I can't imagine my life without her. She's made me a better man, and every day, I'm grateful for her."

Jean's smile softened, but she stayed quiet, letting him continue.

"I want to ask her to marry me," he said finally, his voice steady despite the nerves coursing through him. "But I'd like your blessing first."

Jean leaned back in her chair, studying him with a thoughtful expression. "You know, Draco, when Hermione first told me about you, I wasn't sure what to think. But over these past two years, I've seen how happy you make her—and how much you've changed. You love her, don't you?"

"With everything I have," Draco said earnestly.

Jean smiled, reaching out to pat his hand. "Then you have my blessing. Just promise me one thing."

"Anything," he said immediately. "Take care of her—and those kids."

Draco smiled, relief washing over him. "I promise."

---*Stop Two: Harry and Ginny* Next, Draco apparated to the Potter home. Harry opened the door, surprised to see Draco standing there.

"Malfoy?" Harry said, his brow furrowing.

"Good morning, Potter," Draco said, doing his best to sound confident. "Is Ginny here? I need to talk to both of you."

Harry looked suspicious but stepped aside to let him in. Ginny appeared from the living room, holding a cup of tea.

"What's going on?" she asked, her eyes flicking between Draco and Harry.

Draco cleared his throat, looking between the two of them. "I need your permission for something important."

Ginny's eyes lit up, and Harry raised an eyebrow. "Permission for what?"

"For me to marry Hermione."

The room went silent for a moment, and then Ginny broke into a wide grin. "Oh, Draco, that's wonderful!" she said, setting her tea down and hugging him, much to his surprise.

Harry, however, crossed his arms, his expression serious. "You're sure about this?"

Draco met his gaze steadily. "I've never been surer of anything in my life. I love her, Potter. She's everything to me, and I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy."