Once Upon A Time (A Drarry FanFiction Collection)

Chapter Thirteen

   The celebrations lasted for weeks. Whether he liked it or not, Harry was knighted, and, true to Draco's word, moved in with the most esteemed guests of the royal family. His father and mother were granted a new home within the castle walls too, and the Black farm became a principle supplier for the royal kitchens. The Kingdom's lands flourished out of the clutch of the dragon's fiery assaults, and trade between the nations strengthened as their joined forces turned to wiping out the Dark Lord.

Harry found his time being employed on the King's Council immensely satisfying, hardly daring to believe that men of such noble birth were willing to listen to his humble opinions. It wasn't long before the court's chief sorcerer was offering him training in the ways of magic, something Harry took to with relish. He even got to spend time in the stables with his beloved animals, adopting a rambunctious pup he named Padfoot who went everywhere with him once he was grown enough.

But still, he did not find his true happiness until one morning in the rose garden, where his stroll was most happily interrupted by his new friend, the Prince and Heir of Slytherin, Draco Malfoy.

"Harry!" he cried joyfully, seizing him into a heartfelt hug as he was want to do. "I have the most excellent news!"

Harry smiled. "And what is that, Your Highness?"

Draco batted him with his gloves, jewels on his hand glinting in the warm sunlight. "You are not to call me that, I have commanded it so."

Harry rolled his eyes. "It is not proper."

"Propriety has no place with us," he admonished. "Anyway, aren't you eager to share my excitement?"

"Most eager," Harry said playfully.

Draco beamed. "I have presented a name to my father, who I wish to call my betrothed, and he has agreed!"

Harry felt his insides drop to his boots, but he managed a smile nonetheless. "That is wonderful Your Highness."

"Ah!" Prince Draco cried as he tried to shy away. "But don't you want to know who it is?"

Harry swallowed and steeled his composure. "I doubt I shall know the name, but I assure you she will most certainly say yes, and make you the happiest of men."

"But you do know the name," Draco said, the glint not gone from his eye. "For it is a name of reverence in these parts."

Harry managed to smile. "Is her beauty beyond compare?"

"No," Draco said, all seriousness as he took a step forward and held Harry's arm. "But his bravery is."

Harry's eyes widened further than he would have ever fathomed possible. "Your-" he choked out. "Draco?"

But the Prince of Slytherin merely dropped to one knee, taking Harry's hand between his own. "Are you still so certain my intended betrothal with say yes?" he asked, fearful, his eyes raising though golden lashes to seek Harry's own.

"Am I your intended?" Harry asked, not willing to risk any error.

Draco raised his head fully, face full of hope and apprehension. "I have met no man kinder, no man braver." He blushed and lowered his gaze. "No man lovelier. Would you believe me," he asked, daring another look up. "If I said I remember you from my childhood? Always from afar, beautiful, stoic?"

Harry felt like the world might vanish in front of his eyes if he let it, he was drowning in happiness. "You saw me?" he asked. "As I saw you?"

Draco nodded. "I do believe," he said. "I have loved you for a long time indeed."

Harry pulled him to his feet. "Before my very daring rescue?" he asked.

But Draco would not smile as his touched the side of Harry's face, desperation in his expression. "Long before," he said. "I did not know at first, but then I saw your mother's hair, as read as the rising sun, and I knew it to be you." He gripped Harry's hands in his own. "My love, my saviour," he begged. "Take my hand in marriage?"

Harry's smile eclipsed his tears, even his laughter and doubt.

"How could I not?" he answered.

The End

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