Epilogue: Forever's Kiss
The thick covering of leaves that lay on the ground deadened the sound of Harry's footfalls. It had been several months since he had last visited and the signs of neglect were showing. Harry drew his wand from his jacket pocket and swept the leaves and other debris away from the three headstones before him. He knelt down and placed a bouquet of flowers in front of each of the markers. Slowly he raised a hand and traced the three names and words etched in stone before him:
Lily Potter
Devoted Wife and Mother
Kind and Loving Friend
James Potter
Beloved Husband and Father
Faithful Marauder
Sirius Black
Cherished Godfather
Loyal Friend and Marauder
Harry took a deep breath inhaling the crisp fall air. He spoke quietly.
"Sorry I haven't been to see you in a while…things have been a bit hectic…made the English National team…"
He touched the marker bearing his father's name and smiled.
"We won the Cup…I made a brilliant catch…kind of a looping, spiraling dive…looked almost like I was feinting…I was so low to the ground and flat to my broom I could feel the grass hitting against my robes…the Romanian seeker got ploughed…"
Harry nodded back and forth between his father and his godfather's headstones as he imagined their proud smiling faces.
"You would've loved it…Hermione nearly had a fit…said if I ever did anything like that ever again she'd hex me good"
He touched his mother's marker as those words left his lips. For a moment he just sat there his fingers tracing and retracing the letters in his her name. He looked down and checked his watch.
"Today's the big day. In a few hours I'll be getting married…I wish you could be here. You'd love Hermione…she's really something…she's really something special…smart…beautiful…keeps me in line she does. Handles my moods…knows me better than I know myself most days…Sirius can tell you two all about her. Brightest witch I've ever known…though I'm not sure what she sees in me I'm sure as bloody hell glad she chose me. Well I guess I should be going…gotta get ready and all…I just wanted to see you today and…and…"
Harry's voice faltered as he took another deep breath and pushed on.
"I promise not to stay away so long again. Next time I come I'll bring Hermione along…give you a proper introduction…"
Harry stood to his feet and turned to leave, stopping abruptly he turned back and said his voice full of emotion.
"I hope that the sacrifice you made was worth it. I hope I've made you proud of me…I…I…I love you all…"
Once again Harry found himself unable to speak. Suddenly he felt a hand gripping his shoulder and he turned around and found himself staring at Remus. Remus smiled sadly and said.
"Lily and James…and Sirius are very proud of you…how could they not be…look at the fine man you've become"
Harry nodded and wiped at the tears in the corners of his eyes before he spoke.
"How did you know I was here"
Remus stared at the gravestones before him and replied.
"I had no idea you were here actually…I just fancied a chat with my mates. I come up here quite a lot…update them on the goings on in our lives or just sit and pass the time"
Harry stared at Remus and responded in a voice that was but a whisper.
"You really miss them don't you"
Remus smiled and turned back to face Harry.
"Yes I do miss them. But the very best part of them I see often enough"
Harry's brow knitted together for a brief second as he took in what Remus meant. Smiling he asked.
"You really think they're proud of me"
Remus nodded.
"Certain of it…I certainly am"
Harry posed a question to Remus.
"Remus…do you think that one day when Hermione and I have children of our own…will you…will you tell them about my mum and dad and Sirius"
Remus smiled his old marauders smile and said.
"Harry it would be my pleasure to tell your children about Lily James and Sirius. But first things first…I believe we have a wedding to get you to"
Harry nodded and the two apparated with a crackle and a pop.
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"Tell me why we're wearing these bloody things again"
Ron snatched his bow tie from around his neck and tossed it onto the table in front of him. Harry shook his head and walked over to where Ron was standing, picked up the tie and began tying it around Ron's neck.
"Because it's a wedding and you wear bow ties at weddings Ron"
Ron snorted scathingly as Harry finished and retorted.
"More like we're wearing them because Hermione said so"
Harry chuckled.
"That too…you have the rings"
Ron patted his jacket pocket and replied.
"That's the fourth time you asked me that…they're right here mate"
Harry nodded. Ron eyed him and said.
"Having second thoughts…you can still back out you know…I'll hold her off so you can make a clean getaway"
Ron whipped out his wand and did an intricate series of twirling and swishing movements as he pretended to blast a path to freedom for Harry. Molly Weasley's voice brought his shenanigans to an abrupt halt.
"Ronald Weasley you'll do no such thing! What on earth are you doing encouraging Harry to skive off his own wedding…and stop all that jumping about you're ruining your suit"
Harry chuckled at the horrified expression on Ron's face as his mother pulled a gigantic lint brush from her handbag and commenced dusting him off. Arthur Weasley walked into the room and gently tugged the brush from his wife's hands.
"Now, now Molly Ron was only joking I'm sure…Harry hasn't the look of a man whose changed his mind"
Molly turned her attention to Harry then, she stared at him for a moment then she leapt on him and burst into a furious howl.
"Oooooh look at you Harry all grown up and about to be married…oooooh it seems like it was just yesterday you were asking how to get onto the Hogwarts express…now look at you…about to be married…a young man off to build a new life…oooooh I couldn't be prouder if you were my own flesh and blood…oooooh"
It took both Ron and Arthur to pry Molly off of Harry.
"Mum, stop it you're leaking all over him"
"Come along now Molly…its almost time to for the ceremony to start let's go"
Ron shook his head as his father escorted his mother out the door.
"Barking I tell you…absolutely barking"
Harry grinned and shook his head as he turned to the mirror and checked his reflection one last time. Straightening his tie Harry glanced down at his watch and saw that it was indeed time. He gave himself one final look in the mirror and turned to Ron and said.
"All right then we best get out there"
Ron nodded and then with a smirk gestured towards the back door and said.
"Last chance"
Harry smiled turned and strode out the door leading to the chapel calling to Ron over his shoulder as he went.
"Have you got the rings"
Ron hurried after him saying.
"Ask me that one more bloody time and I swear to Merlin I'll hex you"
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Harry stood transfixed as he watched Hermione walking towards him on her father's arm, he had not thought it possible that she could be more beautiful than she already was but as he gazed at her he knew that never had she been as lovely as she was right then. Her hair was done up in flowing curls a few tendrils framed her face. Having decided against the traditional white wedding gown she instead wore a stunning form fitting silver satin gown. Harry swallowed convulsively as she drew nearer and ascended the stairs. He came down to meet her. Once he felt Hermione's hand slip into his own everything else faded away. There was nothing else, and no one save the two of them existed. The voice of the minister sounded .
"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today…"
Hermione gently squeezed Harry's hand. They turned to face each other, Harry mouthed the words `I love you'. Hermione smiled and mouthed the words `I love you too' in reply. Harry scarcely remembered the ceremony and the words he spoke though he meant them from his heart. When he came to himself again the voice of the minister broke through loud and clear saying.
"I now pronounce you man and wife you may kiss the bride"
Harry smiled as he drew Hermione into his arms…slowly he raised his right hand to her cheek and gently caressed her face he then took his thumb and lightly traced it over her beautiful lips; they were slightly parted in anticipation. Harry lowered his head and nibbled her bottom lip, feeling the soft fullness of her lips and tasting their sweetness. When their lips met he ran his tongue along the edge of her lower lip then repeated the action with the upper lip caressing it as he had done the lower one seconds before. As his mouth descended to hers a moan of anticipation flowed from him as he felt her tongue connect with his. Tongues intertwined they deepened the kiss and gave themselves over to the moment. Harry slipped his arms around her delicate waist, molding her body to his, moaning softly into her mouth reveling in the scent, feel and taste of Hermione.
Ron watched as Harry and Hermione kissed for what seemed to be ages; he wondered if the pair of them recalled the detail that there was in fact a chapel full of people waiting to congratulate them. The minister looked from Harry and Hermione to Ron as if pleading for assistance. Ron nodded dutifully, reached over and grabbed Harry's collar pulling him back far enough to separate his lips from Hermione's. The minister smiled indulgently at the beaming couple and said.
"I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter"
Everyone present rose to their feet and applauded as Harry and Hermione rushed down the aisle and out the front doors of the chapel. Hermione turned to Harry positively glowing and asked.
"Are you happy"
Harry grinned broadly and drew his new wife into his arms and replied.
"Ecstatic"
He lowered his head and captured her lips with his own.
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