A/N - well, this is it, the last chapter and the end of the ride. It took a day and a bit to write this as its been in my head for a while. Hope you enjoy. Thank you so much for all your lovely, amazing comments over the course of writing this. A serial is a strange thing to write as you realise that things have been missed or changes would've taken place if it had been written and edited as a whole story Still, I think I covered pretty much everything. Anyway, thank you all again, and until next time - enjoy.
Chapter 24 - Epilogue
Harry woke up and stretched every limb in his body with a relaxed lucidity, enjoying the feeling of calm that cocooned him in its warm embrace. He was happy. He was content. He was getting married. Today.
Feeling extremely rested from his sound nights sleep (which considering he was in a strange bed and alone was a miracle in itself) he was content just to lay there for a little bit longer and enjoy the early morning sunshine that was fighting its way through the curtains.
The Weasley household never stirred much before eight - well, the Ron and Luna Weasley household didn't stir much before eight, Arthur and Molly were still usually up at the crack of dawn - so Harry knew it would be safe to lounge around a bit longer.
Besides, it was his wedding day.
Smiling, he got out of bed and chucked on some clothes before heading downstairs to get something to eat. Walking into the kitchen, he was surprised to see Ron already there - it was only eight thirty after all.
"Hey, here he is," Ron joked, his mouth full of cereal, "the wedding boy. How're you feeling, mate?"
"Excellent," Harry answered, poring his own cereal into a bowl and sitting down, "you're up early."
"Yeah, well, Luna had to do whatever bridesmaids have to do," Ron replied slightly sullenly, "woke me up. Besides, I have to be ready for my best friends big day, right?"
"Right," Harry laughed, eating his breakfast, "so, what are we going to do then?"
Ron thought it over a bit before a smile lit up his face.
"Fancy a bit of flying?" he suggested, Harry grinned.
"Yep, sounds like a brilliant idea," Harry agreed, already going to get his broom, "but no rough stuff. Hermione would kill me if I showed up today somehow damaged."
"She'd kill me first," Ron stated with a grin, "don't worry, just a friendly game of tag."
Which didn't turn out to be too friendly as a sweating Harry made his way to the shower an hour later with a few extra bruises that weren't there the night before. As he let the water caress his body, his thoughts returned once more to Hermione.
It had been three years since their first official date, which had taken place one month after the fall of Voldemort. Things had been crazy for everyone , but not more so that the Golden Trio. Harry's healing had taken time and the true nature of Voldemort's demise never left the Hogwarts hospital ward. The horror of what took place that early June morning took a long time to get over, but the healing started on that first date.
Harry smiled as he remembered showing up at the Burrow in an outfit that was the third one he had tried on, holding a small bunch of flowers and waiting nervously for Hermione to appear. She had gone to live with the Weasley's while he had shifted to Dowrgi, the Potter Estate in Cornwall. He had previously sworn that he wouldn't live there, not on his own any way, but he had changed his mind. He wanted to learn more about his family and the best place to be taught was his ancestral home.
So he had been waiting for her, Ron teasing him and Mr Weasley standing there grinning proudly. When Hermione had entered the kitchen with Ginny by her side, Harry seemed to have forgotten how to breathe - Hermione looked beautiful.
They had gone to a Muggle restaurant then a movie and although it had started out slightly awkward, as if they had just met, it hadn't taken long to fall into their usual companionship. The evening had ended like any other date - he had walked her to the door and kissed her while she stood on the door step. It had been perfect.
That was three years ago and there had been many perfect days since then. Their engagement being one of them - a beautiful night with a beautiful woman who consented to marry him. He had never felt so happy, until now.
Looking in the mirror, the same dopey grin that had been on his face for weeks was still there. Rubbing his hand over his chin, he could feel stubble. He finally managed to start growing facial hair after his eighteenth birthday and reluctantly had to agree with Ron that it actually was a pain. Especially with his dark hair, he often 'shaved' twice a day. Performing the necessary spell now, he was satisfied when his face was once again clear.
Next was his hair. Kept short, it had lost a lot of its past messiness but it was still pretty unmistakeable. No longer having to cover the lightening bolt scar that had been such a prominent feature on his forehead, his hair style reflected his more relaxed attitude about who he was. There was no scar and no need to hide behind a fringe.
He still wore the same round rim glasses that he has done for most of his life. He didn't need to, but they were part of him. When he had relented to pressure from the women in his life (mainly Hermione, Ginny and Luna) that he should get his eyes fixed and not wear them, he felt naked and like it wasn't him. Hermione agreed and the glasses had returned.
There was a tap on the bathroom door.
"Harry," Ron called out, "dad's here."
"Right," Harry acknowledged, "I'll be down in a sec."
Removing his towel, Harry began to dress, making sure everything was perfect. Looking at his reflection in the mirror confirmed that he done alright. He even could pass as handsome - but he would never admit it to anyone. Smiling again at his weird thoughts, he left the bathroom.
Returning to the room he had slept over night in, Harry began to gather his stuff together. Arthur's arrival signalled that the girls had left Dowrgi and it was safe for him to take his gear back there now. He paused and glanced around the room, his eye falling on the new cot that stood by the far wall. Four years ago he, Ron and Hermione had come into this exact same room and saw a similar cot that had once bedded a baby Harry. This new cot will look after a baby Weasley, due in four weeks time.
Harry had given Ron and Luna Godric's Hollow for a wedding present. Ron had refused it at first, saying that it was too much, but gave in when Harry explained that it was for purely selfish reasons that he had wanted his best friend and his new wife to live in his old family home. It was close to where he was living. And it was great to see love and life back into the house that had been built by his parents.
Now, Godric's Hollow was nearly unrecognisable as Ron and Luna had put their own unique touches to the cottage. Harry thought it was great and over the two years that Mr and Mrs Ron Weasley had lived there, Harry and Hermione had made the regular walk down the small country road from Dowrgi to visit. The trio were still together.
Grabbing his bag, Harry chuckled as he thought of Ron as a father. He's guessing that Luna will probably end up being the disciplinarian but then again, Ron could surprise him. Stranger things had happened. Like Ron ending up working at the Ministry of Magic. In charge of staff. And doing pretty bloody well.
Job offers had come in thick and fast after the Final Battle. NEWT's had been abandoned as the rebuilding of the wizarding community took precedence. Ron had gone to help his father out in the Ministry and never stopped. He now was in charge of a small department that liased with all the different magical races from elves to werewolves, from giants to centaurs. Hermione had teased him for quite a while about how he was now carrying on the mantle for elf welfare and a SPEW badge hung proudly on Ron's notice board in his office.
Still, Ron enjoyed what he did and was regarded highly within the Ministry - as was his father, who was instrumental in its rebuilding and the continuing work in fixing the damage from Umbridge's deceit and the destruction caused by Lord Voldemort.
"Harry," Arthur welcomed as Harry entered the kitchen, "there you are! My, you do look rather dashing."
"Thanks Arthur," Harry replied, still feeling strange calling Ron's dad by his first name but it had been insisted on so…
"So, we're meeting you at Hogwarts at twelve thirty right?" Ron asked from his seat at the table.
"Right," Harry affirmed, "Arthur, can you make sure Ron isn't late…"
"Hey!" Ron interrupted, seemingly offended.
"You were late to your own engagement party Ron," Harry reminded him with a grin.
"Well, Luna wanted to…"
"I don't want to know!" Harry laughed, before giving his friend a brotherly whack on the shoulder, "just don't be late. I'm off to do some things before the ceremony…"
"Not planning to run off are you Harry?" Ron joked.
"No show," Harry replied happily, "I've been waiting for this day all my life - the start of a family of my own. See you at twelve thirty."
With a parting wave, Harry left the little house and started the familiar trek to the Estate. There were three things he wanted to do - no, needed to do - before the ceremony at one and they were things that he had to do on his own. Ron understood this as Harry explained the reasons the night before when the two sat around talking about the old times over bottles of butterbeer.
Detouring off the road, he entered the town cemetery and made his way to the two graves that he now visited regularly. Harry gave a small snort of amazement when he saw that there were fresh flowers already there - Hermione had already been. Still smiling to himself, he stopped in front of his parents graves and sighed.
"Hey mum and dad," he began, his voice soft as if he didn't want anyone else to hear - which, in fact, he didn't, "well, this is it. Today I'm marrying Hermione. You remember her don't you? The girl that had always been by my side, who was and still is my conscience. The first girl and only girl I've ever loved," Harry paused, looking down at the flowers that had been placed on his mother's grave, "I see she's already been here. She really is amazing. I mean, it's been hard for her, planning the wedding and everything, without her mum. And not having her dad to walk her down the aisle. They should've been here.
"I wish you two were here as well. And Albus and Sirius. But you aren't though hopefully you're watching somewhere and are happy for us.
"The Weasley's have been brilliant, Arthur and Molly doing so much to help make today special. We really feel like we're one of their own but the Weasley clan is so big now, that its quite easy to join in and not really be noticed," Harry paused again, getting his thoughts together. After a few moments, he continued.
"I hope you're proud of me, that you agree with the choices that I've made. I know everyone expected me to be an Auror, I mean, that's what I wanted to be when I was asked back in fifth year! But this feels right, the right path to take. Hogwarts is my home and it will be good to go back there and teach. Professor Potter. Doesn't that sound bizarre?" Harry laughed a small, quiet laugh, "Professor Potter, teacher of Combat at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I still can't believe it. And with Hermione working there too…it's going to be weird. But not weird - am I making sense?" Harry stopped as if expecting an answer, but there was only silence. Glancing down at his watch, he realised he needed to go.
"Right, well, the next time I come here, I will be married. Wish me luck, not that I need it mind. Love you." With a sad smile, Harry regained his bag and left the cemetery to return to the road.
A few tourists were ambling through the grounds as Dowrgi came into view. Harry knew he looked strange, all dressed up and beaming like he had just won the lottery, but he didn't care. It was his wedding day.
He headed into the building, that had only just opened for the day, said hello to Sarah, the woman taking admissions, then made his way up to the private suites on the top floor. Martin met him halfway and easily fell into step with Harry, who was nearly at his destination - his bedroom.
"Morning Harry," the estate manager welcomed, clipboard in hand, "how you are you feeling?"
"Perfect Martin," Harry said happily back, "how's it going here?"
"Well, the ladies left half an hour ago," Martin informed him, "and the rooms have been changed as you requested them."
"Good," Harry smiled, pausing outside his bedroom door, "and Hermione doesn't know any of this?"
"No, it was done only after she had gone."
"Excellent. Is everything in there?"
"Yes, everything that was requested…"
"Right," Harry put his hand on the doorknob, but before turning it, he looked back at Martin. The Estate's manager had become a friend over the years, and a wonderful source of information on his parents and his family as a whole. The commercial side of Dowrgi still ran like clockwork and the tourists that inspected his home were generally unnoticed by Harry.
Hermione had shifted in soon after Ron and Luna had got married and Ginny had moved to Diagon Alley with Neville as they ran Fred and George's store (Fred and George looked after the store they opened in Hogsmeade). Hermione had her own room down the hall as she hadn't wanted to 'live in sin', determined to save herself until their wedding night. Which was tonight. It had been a long three years for Harry - very long.
"The estate will be closed tomorrow," Martin continued, "so you will have the place to yourselves."
"Thanks Martin," Harry acknowledged, "so I'll see you and Judy this afternoon?"
"We'll be there," Martin grinned, "have fun Harry and see you back here next week."
Harry nodded then entered his room that will soon become their room. It was just as Harry had asked for - hundreds of candles were placed around the room, ready to be lit when needed, while Hermione's clothes were now next to his in the wardrobe. They had discussed how things would be after they were married so it wouldn't come to any shock to her that she had been shifted into this room. What will be a surprise is the extras Harry had in mind.
He was slightly nervous about tonight as it was all going to be…new. They had done a lot of things as a couple, but never crossed the line that they were allowed to cross tonight. It was such a big thing that he wanted to make sure they were relaxed. Along with the candles were roses, many, many roses. He had also placed the revised edition of Hogwarts: A History on the bedside cabinet, her name as the author emblazed on the front cover. He knew that this particular butt of many a joke would be a good ice breaker if it was needed.
Harry put his overnight bag away in his closet then made his way to the bed. On his bedside cabinet were two photos and a picture - his parents with Remus and Sirius, Ron, Hermione and himself and a piece of paper that had three handprints - his parents and his own. For the second time that day, a wave of sadness hit Harry - but it only lasted a moment. Time was marching on and he had one more important thing to do before the ceremony.
A bottle of wine had been placed in the corner, two glasses sitting on the dresser - just in case. A jug of water was also there - just in case. Fruit and Hermione's favourite biscuits also sat on the dresser, in case she was a bit peckish. Harry was trying to cover all scenarios. He knew that all he'll want to do is what he's been wanting to do for a long time now, but he also knew it will be a special night for his new wife and he wanted to do everything in his power to make sure she was okay.
Satisfied, he took a final look at himself in the mirror to make sure he still looked like a groom, then Apparated to Hogwarts.
He arrived just outside the gates, which were guarded by Aurors, to an Apparation point that was concealed from the small throng of people set up outside the school in the hope they will see either the bride or groom. Harry peered out carefully from his hiding spot and saw that most of them were girls. Great.
His fame only grew after Voldemort's defeat to the point where he saw his image plastered everywhere and a fan club had been formed in his honour. Things started to calm down after his personal plea to leave him alone and the security of Dowrgi hadn't been compromised meaning he basically disappeared for long periods of time with no-one knowing where he was. People soon got bored, stopped harassing his friends and left him alone.
Until the engagement was announced and then a new wave of hysteria started.
Hogwarts had been the obvious place to get married for both Harry and Hermione. It had been such a huge part of both their lives that neither of them had thought about anywhere else. Added to that was the security the castle offered and with the new wards raised after the Final Battle's attack on the hallowed grounds, no one but invited guests were able to enter.
Harry knew he could make it to the gates undetected but he decided what did he have to loose. Taking a deep breath, he strolled out of the hide-away and made his way to the gates, causing a flurry of photo-flashes and screaming. He gave the girls an embarrassed wave.
"Hello Mr Potter," one of the guards welcomed, a smirk hinting on his mouth.
"Hey Stuart," Harry said back, recognising the young Auror as a seventh year Ravenclaw when he had been in his fifth year, "any problems?"
"Nothing we can't handle," Stuart replied, "you enjoy your day, now."
"I will," and with one more parting wave to the screaming hordes, Harry made his way to the castle.
A few of the guests were already there - Hagrid, Charlie and the twins were easy to spot as he made his way up the steps. He didn't stop though, and just waved in greeting before being engulfed by the entrance hall. Without hesitation, he passed the House hourglasses and made his way to the headmistress's office.
Professor McGonagall finally accepted the role of Hogwarts Headmistress after the Final Battle, overseeing the repair work on the buildings and the farewelling of the two lost staff - Professor Flintwick and Madam Hooch. The following year, the number of students was the lowest it had ever been, but steadily increased as things became more settled.
Knocking on his new boss's door, Harry waited for the permission to enter and then did so, smiling at the feeling of homecoming he always got when he came into this office. The professor was at her desk doing some paper work, but she was dressed in her dress robes, ready for the wedding. She looked up at him and smiled.
"Ah, Mr Potter," she enthused, putting her things together and standing, "or should I say, Harry - oh dear, but that will be a hard habit to break. Professor Potter will be even more so."
"I agree," Harry grinned and made his way to the desk, "Professor Potter doesn't sound quite real."
"I assure you that it is," she continued, stopping him and then holding Harry out at arms length as she looked at him, "you are so different from the scared little boy that came into this castle all those years ago. You are now a fine, fine young man."
"Thank you professor," Harry replied, slightly embarrassed.
"Well, I'm sure you are wanting words with Albus, so I'll leave you to it," McGonagall continued, returning to her brisk manner, "see you downstairs Harry."
With a swish of tartan she was gone, leaving Harry to make his way to the portrait that was standing, watching him.
"Hello Harry," it said with its wonderfully familiar voice.
"Hi Professor," Harry answered, sitting in McGonagall's abandoned chair and facing the picture.
" That suits you," Dumbledore smiled, indicating to the fact Harry was sitting in the headmasters spot.
"Maybe, one day," Harry said, "when I know enough, have experienced enough and am able to lead with the knowledge and wisdom needed to run this school. Like you."
"You are your own man, Harry," Dumbledore stated gently, "you lead your own life, there is no need to try and copy mine."
"I could never be you Albus, your shoes are definitely to big to fill," Harry continued, "but I want to do things that would've made you proud…"
"Oh Harry, I really don't think I could ever be more proud of you! Not only did you face insurmountable odds and over came them, you are a wonderful, caring human being. And today you are doing something that I was never able to do - give my heart to another."
"Not just my heart," Harry corrected, "she's getting everything - head, heart and soul."
"Then there is nothing left to make me more proud," Dumbledore smiled, "if the road you choose leads you back to this chair, I will be with you. If that road leads to other destinations - I hope you come back to visit."
"Accepting a position here, at Hogwarts, felt so right that I can't see the road changing," Harry stated, "but thank you for your support."
"Shouldn't you be off getting ready for your wedding instead of sitting in here talking to an old man?" Harry looked into the twinkling eyes, took a deep breath and began to say what he had come to say.
"I know you are only an essence of the man you once were," Harry announced, "but over the years, talking to you has helped me deal with what happened and I can never thank you enough for that. Hermione and I, well, things were tough, but you were there and helped us become stronger instead of falling apart…"
"That strength was already there in both of you Harry, I just helped you see it."
"I know. Thank you."
"It was my pleasure."
The two wizards looked at each other with respect and fondness before Harry stood with purpose.
"I better get going," he told his old headmaster who grinned broadly.
"I wish you all the happiness in the world Harry, and Hermione too."
"Thanks," Harry smiled then made his way out of the office and back the way he had come.
The wedding was to take place in the Great Hall and as Harry entered the place where he had spent so much of his time, his contented smile grew back into a grin. With only half an hour to go, the seats were filling up with the select group of people.
As soon as he entered, he was surrounded by Weasley's - the twins draping their arms around his shoulders and drawing him away to the side of the hall, their older brothers joining in laughing.
"Here he is," Fred started, the scars of his near fatal injuries from the Final Battle barely visible.
"How're feeling Harry," George continued, "nervous?"
"No, not at all…"
"Of course you are," Fred said, nodding with understanding, "after all, you're a young man, minutes away from committing yourself for life with a young lady…"
"A wonderful young lady, I must add…" George put in.
"Yet, she will be all available to you for the rest of your life," Fred finished with a flourish, "for ever and ever. No other girls. None. Zip. Just the one girl until the day you die."
"And I wouldn't have it any other way," Harry confirmed smugly, laughing along with Bill and Charlie as the twins scowled.
"Bloody hell, we had Ron nearly running off with fear," George frowned, "oh well, good for you Harry!"
The rest of the Weasley boys gave him their congratulations (Bill having to hurry off to help a pregnant Fleur catch their escaping two year old son) and Harry continued on.
"'Arry, oh my stars, you look a real treat, you do!" Harry turned and was engulfed in a hug that could only come from Hagrid. Dressed in his favourite moleskin suit, he looked a treat himself and already had tears in his eyes.
"Come on Hagrid," Harry admonished, smoothing down his robes, "this is a happy day - you shouldn't be crying!"
"But me little boy…I'm jus' so proud." Harry smiled at his large friend and continued to the front of the hall where Arthur and Ron were talking to Remus.
"Here you go Harry," Arthur said as he got closer, "one best man, showered, dressed and delivered on time."
"Thank you Arthur," Harry laughed, standing next to Ron.
"Right, well I must dash and make sure Molly hasn't driven the girls into distraction," Weasley senior stated, and with a departing wave, dashed off.
"Where's Tonks and Remi?" Harry asked Lupin, who is now very rarely seen without his wife and six month old baby girl.
Fortunes had definitely changed for the ex Marauder - working for Harry, he and his wife live in a fantastically re-vamped Grimmauld Place (which was a gift from Harry, again under protest but Harry wouldn't give in and the Lupin's had relented) and he was no longer shunned by most of the wizarding community. Hermione had made it a priority to enhance the wolfsbane potion so it wasn't so difficult to make and the side effects weren't as bad. It took her over eighteen months but she finally developed a potion that made the monthly change for Remus a lot less dangerous and painful.
"Tonks is feeding the little one in the hope she will sleep through the ceremony," Remus explained with a proud grin, "we really don't want to use a silencing spell unless we really have to."
"To be honest, my goddaughter can make as much noise as she wants," Harry confessed happily, "I won't really care."
"See, I told you," Ron piped up, straightening his tie, "sickening happy. Goes around with this stupid grin on his face. Mad." Remus just laughed.
"Gentlemen," the Minister who was officiating the service had joined them, indicating to a spot by the podium that the school is usually addressed from, "it's time to take your positions."
Harry just smiled and went to where he was supposed to stand, Ron by his side with Remus next to him. Harry looked out at the thirty or so guests and each face that looked back at him brought with it a memory or two. Neville, the clumsy wizard who was now a trainee Auror. Tonks, the clumsy Auror who was now married to a werewolf and a mother to their child. Teachers who had guided him through his school life, Hagrid - the first magical person he had ever met. The Weasley family which was now his family, Madam Pomfrey who had brought him back from near death more times than he could remember. There was Martin and his wife Judy, part of his new life outside Hogwarts, Dobby and Winky - dressed in their mismatched best.
To the side sat a perch were Hedwig and Fawkes, snow white and brilliant red, sitting and watching everything with silent eyes. At the foot of the perch was Crookshanks, his tail twitching with a satisfied laziness as he eyed all before him.
Harry's attention was taken by a flushed Molly Weasley, making her way to her seat next to her daughter-in-law, tears already in her eyes.
Suddenly everyone stood and looked towards the great doors as a harp began to play, echoing magically throughout the hall. Ginny was the first to arrive and looked beautiful. She was wearing an emerald dress that helped make her red hair, long and straight, stand out. Behind her was the very pregnant Luna, also in emerald green, looking as ethereal as ever.
But neither mattered to Harry as Hermione entered the hall, her hand gently laying on the arm of Arthur Weasley. She was the most beautiful thing Harry had ever seen. Her hair had been pulled up into a loose bun, small tendrils framing her face. She had a small veil on that fell down her back with tiny crystal drop earrings and her otter necklace her only jewellery. Her dress was the purest of white, slightly off the shoulder with the bodice tight then flowing out into a soft skirt. She was holding a bouquet of three lilies bound by an emerald ribbon - simple and understated, beautiful. He was lost in her, she was all he could see.
She was soon by his side, Arthur giving her a small peck on the cheek before handing her tiny hand to Harry.
"You look…wow," he breathed, making her smile.
"You look pretty wow yourself, Potter," she whispered back then turning her attention to the Minister, she began to listen to what he was saying. Harry kept looking at her profile until he felt a little squeeze of his hand telling him he should be concentrating on the Minister himself, and reluctantly turned his attention to the man in front of him.
"We are gathered here today to join Harry and Hermione together in matrimony. My understanding is that this young couple have been together so long, this is just a formality so we hope to keep this officialdom short.
"However, before we continue, let us take the time to remember those who should be here, celebrating this occasion but have been taken from us. Please let us all bow our heads for a minute's silence and remember
"James Potter
"Lily Potter
"Richard Granger
"Emily Granger
"Albus Dumbledore
"Sirius Black
"Seamus Finnigan
"Grawp (a huge sob was heard)
"Severus Snape
"And the many others who paid the ultimate price for our freedom."
Harry bowed his head and remembered and with a slightly heavier heart, he looked back at the Minister when the minute had passed.
"Though the pain of the loss of our friends and loved ones is immense, today is a day for happiness and our departed will be watching with pride and understanding as we join these two as one.
"Harry and Hermione have asked to say their own vows so Hermione, this is your time."
Harry turned to face her, holding both her hands in his and waited as she gathered herself together so she was able to speak - he gave her what he hoped was an encouraging smile.
"I was twelve years old when a boy named Harry remembered that I was crying alone in a bathroom and came to save me from a troll, dragging his best friend along with him. From that moment I pledged to myself that I will repay the debt, that he had saved my life and I would do everything in my power to make sure he was safe.
"I realised that I was in love a few years later and I realised that you were my life when I nearly lost you, when we lost a great man and mentor. We have been through hell and back yet you have never lost the ability to care, to think of those around you before yourself, to feel.
"Harry James Potter, you are the most amazing, unique, special man I have ever met and I am honoured that you have chosen me to spend your life with. I love you with my heart, head and soul - you make me feel like I can do anything I want to, that I am the most beautiful, intelligent amazing woman on this earth and that is a gift I could never repay. Thank you for being just you."
She stopped speaking and looked at him with watery eyes, her lip trembling as she tried not to cry. Gently, he placed his finger on her lips, instantly stopping their quivering.
"Harry? It's your turn," the Minister prodded. Taking a deep breath, Harry started to speak, voicing the thoughts that were running through his head.
"I never knew love. I didn't recognise it until it was shown to me by a stranger. But now I know that part of me have always loved you and all of me always will love you. If I make you feel beautiful, intelligent and amazing that's because you are. You are my everything Hermione and I want to spend the rest of my life proving to you just how special you are. I love you so very much. That's all. Head, heart and soul I am yours."
Silence.
"Hermione, have you got the ring?"
Harry watched as if in a dream as Luna came up and handed Hermione a plain gold band; she turned back to him.
"Take Harry's left hand in yours and repeat after me…"
"I know what to say Minister," Hermione interrupted, then looked back to Harry, "I Hermione Jane Granger take you Harry James Potter, my best friend, my soul mate, to love and honour, in happiness and tears, sickness and in health, richer and poorer for as long as we both shall live," she paused as she slipped the band onto his finger, "this ring is made of gold, precious and strong, and is shaped in a circle - never ending, as is my love for you. The ring is merely a token for my love and life is truly the gift."
"Wonderful Hermione," the Minister acknowledged before turning to Harry, "Harry?"
Ron came up and gave Harry the small gold band that was meant for Hermione. Taking her hand once more in his, he looked to the Minister for guidance.
"I may need help," he admitted causing a small flutter of laughter from the on lookers.
"Please repeat after me…I Harry James Potter,"
"I Harry James Potter…" as Harry repeated the words Hermione had just said to him, he felt a huge sense of pride, he was just moments away from being married. The ring was now on her finger and the words he had been waiting for for so long was heard.
"With the power invested in my by the Great British and Irish Ministry of Magic, the Great British and Irish Governments and God above, I now pronounce you man and wife. Harry, you may kiss your bride."
With a grin, he gently held her face in his hands and kissed her, as instructed, trying desperately to ignore the whistles and applause from the guests. Pulling away, he looked out and saw that everyone were on their feet, clapping enthusiastically.
"I would like to proudly introduce Mr and Mrs Harry and Hermione Potter!" cried the Minister from behind them.
"Hello Mrs Potter," Harry grinned to Hermione, who grinned back.
"I like the sound of that," she said, "let's go and enjoy our day!"
It was a weary Harry that carried his new wife over the threshold of the Dowrgi Estate, but the event caused much giggling and laughter that he was quickly restored. It was only ten o'clock and the celebrations were still continuing in Hogwarts Great Hall - but without the couple of honour. They had decided it was time to call it a night and left amongst many catcalls and whistles.
Harry didn't care, he just wanted to spend some quality time with his new wife. Taking her hand, he led her up the lightly lit halls, stopping outside his room, their room. Hermione suddenly stopped giggling.
"Wait here," he instructed - a small frown crossed her face.
Quickly, he went into the room, and with a wave of his wand, every candle lit, causing a flickering glow. He cooled the wine, made sure everything else was in place, then opened the door for Hermione. Her reaction was exactly what he wanted - she was happily surprised.
"Harry, this is beautiful," she gasped, "did you do all this?"
"Yeah," he acknowledge, before adding, "with a little help from Martin."
She turned from him and went over to the bedside cabinet, seeing the copy of her book sitting there - she chuckled.
"It's been a brilliant day hasn't it?" she asked, running her hand over the top of the bed, her white dress shining in the candlelight.
"An amazing day, perfect," Harry agreed.
"I'm just, well, exhausted."
Harry stopped making his way to her and instead went to the other side of the bed, hoping that his disappointment wasn't too obvious. She was too tired. Bugger.
"Yeah, it was pretty tiring," he said quietly, poring himself some wine. Suddenly, he felt her arms around his waist, swivelling him around so they were face to face. She took the wine glass from his hands, put it back down on the counter, then began to unbutton his shirt (his tie discarded a long time before).
"I was kidding Harry," she breathed, kissing his chest each time a new button had been opened, "our night isn't yet over."
Relief flooded through Harry along with so many other emotions that he forgot to breathe. His shirt fell to the floor at the same time his lips crashed into hers, moving her back towards the bed which she fell back onto, her lips never leaving his.
"I love you Mrs Potter," he gasped when he came up for air then proceeded to kiss down her neck and shoulders. Hermione just groaned.
Emma Jane Potter was born at the end of September after a relatively easy birth and witnessed by an extremely proud father. As he held his little girl in his arms, Harry cried. His dreams had come true, he had a family of his own. Her little eyes stared up at him, searching, and as he bent down to kiss her, a little hand reached out to his face. Harry didn't know if it was purely coincidence that his daughter's newly formed hand rested on the spot where there used to be a scar, but in reality, he didn't care.
Harry Potter was happy, deliriously happy. Life was good.