From Yes to Forever

Draco Malfoy's POV

"Well, who do you think I should ask?" I ask the twins as we sit at our usual booth at the Three Broomsticks, sipping butterbeer and waiting for Olivia. We've just finished our N.E.W.T.s. One year... uneventful year has gone by. School is officially behind us. Life is about to start. And for me, that life begins with Olivia.

"What do you mean?" Fred and George reply in perfect sync. The table quiets, sensing I'm about to say something serious.

I take a breath. "Well, Snape's her godfather. And ever since I started dating her, he's hated my guts. Can you believe it? I was his favorite student—"

Potter bursts into laughter.

"Shut it, Potter," I snap, scowling at him before looking back at the group. "Anyway. I don't think he's going to give me his blessing. Then there's Mr. Weasley—she calls him 'Dad.' Should I ask him instead? I think he likes me... I mean, he hasn't hexed me."

"Black and Lupin are also on the list," I mutter, rubbing my temple. "She sees both of them as father figures too. It's bloody confusing." I sigh and glance toward the loo. She's still not out. "What if she says no?" I admit quietly. "I know she's forgiven me for... everything that happened, but what if she hasn't forgotten?"

"Bloody hell, Draco. Calm down, she's not going to say no," Fred says, trying to sound reassuring. "I can't believe I didn't swoop in when you screwed up," Pansy mutters. "Hey! I did it for her."

"She didn't know that. And she's a great kisser, by the way. Like—damn," Pansy adds casually, and I glare at her. "Watch it, Parkinson. She's mine."

"Relax," Blaise says, leaning forward. "But do you really think this is the right time? I'm sure she won't say no, mate, but what if she thinks it's too soon?" I shake my head. "I've never been more certain of anything. She's it. She's the one. No matter what."

They all go quiet again.

"Just answer the question before she comes out," I plead. "Whom should I ask?"

The group answers one by one:

Ginny: "Dad." Ron: "Dad. And... Snape, weirdly." Hermione: "All of them." Blaise: "Snape." Pansy: "Snape." Theo: "Snape." Harry: "All of them." Fred and George: "Dad."

I groan. "Wow. So helpful. Thanks for the clear, unanimous advice."

The girls immediately fire off a new barrage:

"When are you going to do it?" "How are you going to do it?" "Do you have the ring yet?" "Show us the ring!" "Will she like it?"

I smile nervously. I do have the ring. I know when I'm going to do it. But first, I need the blessings. All of them. "Yeah, after—"

"Sorry, there was a huge line," Olivia says, rejoining us at the table. The entire group goes completely silent. She frowns and picks up her butterbeer. "Okay... What were you guys talking about?"

Before I can come up with something, Madam Rosmerta swoops in like a guardian angel. "Sweetheart, how are you? Been ages since I saw you last!"

Thank you, Madam Rosmerta.

Olivia smiles warmly. "Good afternoon, Madam Rosmerta. I'm good. How about you?"

This. This is exactly why I love her. Always kind. Always genuine.

Two weeks later, I'm sitting at the same booth. This time, it's just me—and four of Olivia's father figures.

Severus Snape. Arthur Weasley. Sirius Black. Remus Lupin.

All of them staring at me. Snape's eyes alone could melt the floorboards.

"What. Is. It. Draco?" Snape says, folding his arms. I take a deep breath and stand. "I asked you all here because Olivia sees you as her fathers. And... I want to ask her to marry me."

They don't move. I keep going, fidgeting with my sleeve.

"I know I've made mistakes. But I love her. I'll always love her. I'd sacrifice anything for her—my name, my magic, my life. I swear. You all saw what I was like. You know how hard it was. I did everything I could to keep her safe. I will never hurt her. I'll let her be who she is, and I'll never stop supporting her. Or loving—"

"Let me stop you right there," Mr. Weasley says with a grave tone.

My heart stops.

Here we go.

"You didn't let us speak," Sirius cuts in, a mischievous grin spreading. "Olivia could've never found a better guy than you."

Wait. What?

"You have our blessing," they all say—Snape still silent. Until—

"If you ever hurt her," Snape says coolly, "I will kill you."

Then, he smirks. "You have my blessing as well."

I nod. My knees wobble. My heart soars. And now I'm both ready... and absolutely terrified.

Olivia Montgomery's POV

I always thought seventh year would be about N.E.W.T.s, house parties, and sneaking off to snog Draco in empty classrooms—not surviving another war.

Astoria Greengrass proves me wrong.

While Daphne stands by my side, Astoria and the rest of her twisted family try to bring Voldemort back. Not the same way as before—with Horcruxes and rituals—but through me. Through my blood. Through the cursed necklace I've worn for years, the one I've always known works on Draco's love.

They believe I'm the last real tether to him. And maybe they're right.

The attack isn't as big as the Battle of Hogwarts, but it's just as terrifying. It happens fast and dark, with Death Eaters who disappeared after the war suddenly crawling out of the shadows.

But it's not over. Not even close.

Because even though the necklace is broken, I can still feel it humming. Like the magic inside it isn't bound to the object anymore—it's bound to me. Like Draco's love runs through me.

And that's when it hits me. I've survived two wars. I've outrun curses and outsmarted Death Eaters. But this? This thing inside me? His blood. Me being a part of his soul. It won't ever go away. I'll always be a target. A weapon. A threat.

I hide behind the astronomy tower when it's all over and cry like I haven't cried in years, which to be honest, I have. A lot of times. I cry because I'm scared. Because I'm tired. Because I'm not sure I'll survive a third time. Because maybe I don't want to try.

And then Draco finds me.

He doesn't say anything at first. He just sits beside me, his robes stained from battle, his hands covered in tiny cuts. "I got them all," he whispers. I blink and look down. In his hands are the broken pieces of the necklace—every single one.

Still glowing, ever so brightly. 

Proving once again, his undying love for me.

He gently folds them into a velvet pouch and hands it to me. "I thought maybe... you'd want to keep them."

He doesn't flinch, doesn't recoil, doesn't treat me like I'm dangerous. He treats me like I'm human. Like I'm still his Olivia. And in that moment, I think that maybe... just maybe... I can survive anything.

As long as I have him. 

The next morning, I visit McGonagall's office. Alone. There's something I need to do before I start the next chapter. "Ah, Miss Montgomery," comes the warm, familiar voice from the wall.

"Professor Dumbledore," I say, smiling up at his portrait. "I suppose... this is goodbye."

He smiles gently, blue eyes twinkling behind painted half-moon spectacles. "For now."

"I'm scared," I admit. "Everything's changing. And sometimes, I wonder if the blood in me is going to poison all the good I try to do."

"You are brave for even asking that question," he says softly. "But Olivia, the truth you carry is not one that can be ignored. The blood that runs through your veins... it's powerful. And dark. And ancient. You are tied to him, by both soul and lineage. And though his body is gone, and his soul shattered, with you, there is always a chance of return."

My stomach turns. "Because I'm a part of his soul and blood."

"Yes," Dumbledore says gravely. "And that is a truth you must learn to live with. Accept. Not in shame, but with vigilance."

"So I'm a risk," I whisper.

"No. You are a choice," he says. "You have always chosen light. And that is what will make all the difference."

"What about-"

"Hmm, that is a wonderful thing, don't you think?" He interrupts like he anticipates my next question. "Your blood will multiply, of course it will. You deserve to have family of your own, Olivia. Yes, the risk will be there. But will get smaller and smaller when your kids have kids"

Silence settles between us. I wipe away a single tear.

"Thank you... for everything," I say finally.

"And thank you, Olivia," he replies. "For making all of this—every battle, every lesson—worth it."

I nod, take one last look at him, and walk away.

It's not goodbye forever.

Just goodbye for now.

"So, I'll see you guys tonight at the party?" I ask as we step off the Hogwarts Express for the last time. It's strange—how a place that felt like home for seven years now suddenly feels like a chapter closing. A beautiful one, but still. I won't be back here again until it's our kids hopping onto this train.

"Yeah!" they all reply in unison, grinning like absolute idiots. I narrow my eyes suspiciously.

Draco's standing next to me, putting my trunk down, shaking his head with a half-smile.

"Okay... weirdos. See you tonight," I say slowly, turning around toward the carriages.

As we start walking, I lean closer to Draco and whisper, "Why are they acting like that?"

He shrugs with that trademark smirk of his. "I don't know," he says, not even pretending to sound believable.

Right.

"Olivia!" Narcissa Malfoy greets me as I enter the Manor. Her arms are around me before I can even drop my bag, and she kisses the top of my head like I've been gone for years. "There was a time when she used to be that happy to see me," Draco mutters, rolling his eyes behind her back.

I smirk. "You don't like it when she fusses over you, so why not let me enjoy the attention?"

Narcissa laughs, then turns to give Draco a much more subdued—but still affectionate—hug. We walk to the dining room together, and Lucius sets his paper aside to greet me with a polite smile. "Mr. Malfoy," I say, nodding.

He nods back, lifting his teacup. "Miss Montgomery."

We talk about grades and career plans over tea, and for once, it all feels so... normal. Peaceful, even.

"So, your Auror training begins tomorrow?" Lucius asks.

"Yes," I say brightly. "I considered teaching, maybe DADA or Potions. But for now, being an Auror feels right."

He nods with something close to approval.

Later, back in Draco's room, he's fidgeting. Nervous. Every time I ask him what's bothering him, he changes the subject. So I step onto the balcony and watch Narcissa and the house-elves preparing the garden. It's not just a party—it looks like a formal gala out there.

The dress I choose is baby pink with off-shoulder sleeves and a slit on the left side. High heels. Subtle makeup. And the necklace Draco gifted me—my name in delicate script, resting over my collarbone. When I see him, I nearly trip over my own feet. His usual classic black, but his tie-clip matches my dress. Of course.

The party begins, but Draco's clearly distracted. Fidgety. Pacing. I keep catching him staring at me like he's trying to remember something important.

In the middle of dinner, he leans in and says, "Come on, I have a surprise for you."

"Right now? We're literally in the middle of the main course," I reply, looking toward the table.

"Yes, now. Come on," he insists, tugging my hand.

https://youtu.be/Bk1zJ_fnsd4

I roll my eyes, excuse myself, and follow him upstairs—until we're standing on the second-floor balcony. Our balcony. The place we shared our first kiss.

Soft music starts floating up from below. I walk to the railing, and the view takes my breath away. The sky is dressed in glittering stars and a full moon that bathes the world in silver. Lights twinkle around the balcony, hanging loose like stardust caught in a web. Black and white roses adorn the railing, and petals scatter across the floor like confetti.

I turn to say something—probably something sassy—and freeze.

Draco's on one knee.

Box in hand.

Ring catching the moonlight like a secret.

My hands slap over my mouth and I squeal, "Yes, yes, yes!"

"I haven't even asked yet," he says with a grin that makes my knees weak.

"Yeah, yeah, go on," I say, already tearing up.

"Olivia," he says, voice low and raw, "I don't know what to say that hasn't been said already. Plus, I should probably save something for the vows. But... when I first saw you, I didn't know you were going to be this important. I thought you were beautiful, of course—but now you're everything. Blaise asked me to imagine my life without you, and I just... couldn't. That life, the one where you don't exist—it's meaningless. I don't want to lose you. Not ever."

His eyes shimmer.

"So, Olivia Aurora Montgomery—"

"YES. YES."

"Let me finish, darling," he laughs, a tear rolling down his cheek.

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes," I say, leaping into his arms. He stands, lifts me up, and kisses me like I'm the whole sky.

Cheers erupt from the garden below us. We both laugh and I kiss him again.

I'm going to marry Draco Malfoy.

Draco and I walk back down to the garden, hand in hand, and the second people spot us, they erupt into cheers and applause. Everyone congratulates us, hugging and clapping and smiling like they've all been waiting for this forever.

"Oh, you're all grown up now, Liv!" Mum says through a sniffle as she throws her arms around me. "I'm going to miss you."

"Mum," I laugh, hugging her back tightly. "I'm not getting married tomorrow. Calm down."

"But you're engaged," she says, dabbing her eyes with a tissue, and I can't help but smile.

A little while later, after everyone settles down and dessert is being served, Draco leans over and whispers, "Can I tell you a secret?"

"Yeah, sure," I say, thanking Siofra, the elf, as she sets down a gorgeous slice of chocolate raspberry cake in front of me.

Draco grins, his eyebrows doing that mischievous little dance. "This wasn't just a graduation party. It was actually an engagement party." I blink. "Wait, what?"

He nods proudly. "That's why your mum, dad, Sirius, Lupin, and Snape are all here... along with everyone else." I stare down at my cake, then back at him. "Oh," I say dumbly, taking a bite. "That makes so much sense. No wonder Mum was crying like she's giving me away tomorrow."

Draco chuckles.

The rest of the evening blurs in a happy sort of haze—more laughter, a few tears, and so much love in every corner of the Malfoy garden. One by one, people begin to leave, offering hugs and promises to meet again soon. 

But I don't know if we will ever meet again soon.

Like we did in Hogwarts.

Like we shared our dorms.

And our common rooms.

And our school houses.

Godric, why did we ever want to grow up?

And when the last of the guests are gone, it's just the two of us standing under a string of fairy lights, surrounded by rose petals and the leftover magic of the night.

Draco plays some music—soft, slow, and romantic—and holds out his hand with a tiny smile.

I don't say anything. I just step into him.

His hands settle naturally on my hips, mine link behind his neck, and I rest my head on his chest. The music fades into the background as we start swaying, slow and steady. We don't speak. We don't need to. Just the quiet hum of his heartbeat under my ear and the warmth of his body pressed against mine.

We dance in silence beneath the stars like the world outside of this moment doesn't exist.

The next morning, sunlight slices through the curtains and lands straight on my face. I groan, squint, and roll over into the best part of my day—Draco.

He's already awake, looking at me with that soft, sleepy smile I love too much. "Good morning, fiancée," he says, kissing the top of my head. I grin and press a quick kiss to his lips. "Good morning, fiancé."

I stretch a little, then groan again. "I don't want to get up."

Draco wraps his arms tighter around me, pulling me closer. "Neither do I. But you've got your first day of Auror training, and I've got try-outs."

Ugh, right. Responsibilities. Reality.

"Montrose Magpies," I mumble, pretending to gag. "You're such a show-off."

"Only for you, princess," he teases.

I giggle and turn onto my other side, facing his nightstand. And then I see them—last night's little adventure kit. Handcuffs, a vibrator, two glittering butt plugs, and a bottle of lube, all neatly arranged like some sort of promise for the future.

I bite my lip. Damn it. I really regret falling asleep early.

Before I can say anything, Draco leans in close and murmurs into my ear, voice husky with amusement, "Don't worry, princess. We've got our whole lives to try these."

And just like that, I'm blushing down to my toes—again.

Guess forever might be just long enough.