White Roses -- Epilogue

A/N: I dedicate this entire story to my wonderful beta, RobisonRocket. RR, through your own personal triumphs and tragedies, you never gave up on me or this story. As a first time writer, I cannot tell you how much your dedication means to me.

For my wonderful readers... please read my footnote at the end of this story.

White Roses

Epilogue

Draco Malfoy stood nervously at the end of the aisle, waiting for his bride-to-be. Acting as his best man, Severus put a hand on Draco's shoulder and whispered words of encouragement. Draco looked at all the people gathered together to witness his and Hermione's wedding.

If someone had told him two years ago that he would be standing by the lake on the school grounds, with an audience full of Gryffindors, waiting to marry the most Gryffindor of all the Gryffindors, he would have hexed someone. However, here he was, the Slytherin Prince, waiting for his Gryffindor Princess.

He was beginning to sweat.

Suddenly, the large oak doors opened, and the sight that caught his eyes took his breath away. There she was – his Hermione. When this was all over, she would be his wife.

Hermione was glowing. He could tell by the smile on her face that she was pleased with the abundance of white roses. Draco wondered for a moment how many of the roses were for Hermione's father and how many of them were for Lucius. He did take note of the people who wore two white roses on their lapels. He couldn't help the feeling of pride when he saw the second rose

All of the guests stood as she began to walk slowly towards the marquee, flanked on either side by Harry and Ron. Draco was pleased to see her hair down, even though it was blowing wildly with the breeze.

Draco frowned a bit when his perfect view of his angel was marred by all of the guests standing. When Hermione had asked him if they could impart some of the Muggle traditions into their wedding, he gave a reluctant nod and a promised to behave himself. At the moment, though, he had to fight the urge to tell everyone to just 'SIT!' so he could

see her.

As she came into view, Draco watched as Hermione caught her mother's eye. They exchanged a knowing look, and Susan gave Hermione a huge grin. Draco would have to remember to ask Hermione about that later, but for now all he wanted was for her to get down the aisle so they could get married and get to the honeymoon.

She finally made it to the marquee and joined hands with Draco.

"Please be seated," Dumbledore said. Draco wanted to turn to the crowd and stick his tongue out triumphantly, but thought better of it. "Who gives this woman to this man?"

"We do," said Harry. At Ron's silence, Harry raised his eyebrows at him.

Ron shrugged. "Yeah, alright, we do." Hermione giggled when Ron gave Draco an 'I'm not really giving her to you' look.

Dumbledore gave the normal wedding speech, Draco and Hermione exchanged rings, and they were ready to end the ceremony. The sound of a small voice coming from a baby that was not quite a year old made the entire wedding party turn.

It was Violet, sitting up in Remus' lap with her arm outstretched, blabbering "Da Da Da Da" over and over again.

Draco grinned and looked at Hermione. She gave him an amused nod, and he ran over and picked his daughter up. Draco was ready to give Hermione a kiss so he could get on with things, but Dumbledore just smiled at him.

"You know," started Dumbledore, "I have performed hundreds of weddings in my lifetime for many of my ex-students. I don't believe I have ever performed a ceremony such as this, however. Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger have had a history of animosity, and yet they find themselves here today coming together in matrimony. They have a beautiful daughter, whom I predict will give her parents as many blessings as she will give heartaches, as children often do. But, with those blessings and heartaches, therein lies something else. That, my dear friends, is called forgiveness. It cannot be taught, and yet, it's the hardest lesson to learn."

Dumbledore observed the crowd with his usual twinkle back in place. With a small curve of his mouth, he thought of those who had finally learned the lessons of forgiveness. He, himself, had to learn the same lesson over and over again. Pulling himself out of his reverie, he spoke once more to the crowd.

"I stand before you today with the honor of presenting Mr. and Mrs. Draco and Hermione Malfoy and Miss Violet Malfoy."

Holding Violet tightly to him, Draco grabbed Hermione's hand and practically sprinted down the aisle.

**********

Hours later, after they left the reception and bid their daughter farewell, they took the carriage to Hogsmeade and to their cottage. Draco, recalling Susan's lessons in Muggle tradition, picked Hermione up and carried her over the threshold.

Once inside their bedroom, Draco didn't waste any time. He pulled out his wand, ready to hex Hermione's dress off, when she grabbed his wand.

"What are you doing?"

"Well," Draco said sternly, "I thought this was our wedding night. I thought we were going to, you know."

"We are, Draco, but we have the rest of our lives. I want to change into something a little more appropriate." Hermione started to turn toward the bathroom.

Draco grabbed her hand. "Hermione, I know you think I'm being too anxious, but I feel like I've been waiting a lifetime."

"Oh, honestly," said Hermione, throwing her arms up. "Alright, take it off."

Draco grinned childishly and divested them both of their clothes with two flicks of his wand. He stared at her.

"You are undoubtedly the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. If Violet is half as beautiful, I will have to lock her up."

Hermione giggled and wrapped her arms around him. Draco picked her up and carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently and eased in next to her.

"I'm going to take my time, Hermione. I want to remember this moment for the rest of my life." Draco started with a kiss. As the kiss grew deeper, so did his desire. He kissed his way down her body, leaving chills upon her skin.

"Draco, I can't wait any longer. I need you, please," Hermione pleaded. "We can do it slow and easy later. Right now, I need you inside me."

Draco looked into Hermione's eyes and sank into her. He closed his eyes as he melted into her tight heat. Where he was hard, she was soft – all woman. He started to move when he felt Hermione moving under him. It had been so long, he didn't think he'd last very long. He scrunched up his face in concentration.

"Let go, Draco, just let go. You don't have to wait for me," Hermione said.

Draco did wait, though. He sped up a little, and Hermione moaned from the friction. Hermione pleaded with him to go faster. He obliged her.

The heat and the excitement went straight to her core, and she couldn't stop it – she didn't want to. When Draco reached between them to rub her, she became undone. Her orgasm exploded around Draco, which brought his own to the surface.

After they caught their breath, Draco dropped beside her and pulled her close to him. "I want to tell you something. If I don't do it now, I might not have the nerve to be so mushy later."

Hermione didn't speak. There was no way she would interrupt this.

"I've been thinking a lot about what Dumbledore said about forgiveness. I just want you to know how happy I am that you were able to forgive me for all of my past transgressions. I wasn't kind to you when we were kids, Hermione. I know I never told you, but for what it's worth, I'm sorry."

"Draco, you don't have to---," Hermione started, but Draco stopped her.

"Yes, I do. I need for you to understand how sorry I am for everything I did to you and your friends. It's important for you to know that. I realize now why you asked for the white roses in memory of my father. At first I didn't get it. I didn't know why you would allow my father the same honor as your own. But, I get it now. You forgave him, and I guess it's time for me to do the same."

"I love you, Hermione. I'm sure I will disappoint you in our lifetime. I'm absolutely not perfect, but when I do, you have my permission to kick my arse. I am by far the luckiest bloke in the universe because you are not only an incredible witch, but you are a phenomenal woman, Mrs. Malfoy." Draco finished with a soft kiss.

Hermione gave Draco a sleepy smile. "You aren't so bad yourself, Mr. Malfoy."

*************************************************************************************************************************

Many Moons Later

Severus Snape sat heavily down at the bar where his godson was waiting for him.

"Hello, Severus," said Draco.

"Hmph!" was the only response.

"What's the matter, old man? You look like you've been hit by a Bludger.

"I just had a talk with your godson. The smarmy little git wants to marry my Lily," Severus said with a scowl.

Draco chuckled. "Ah, come on, Jamie's a good kid. He'll make Lily happy. Wonder what their kids will look like?"

Severus gave Draco a look that he usually reserved for anyone belonging to the Weasley family. It was hard enough to look at the young James Potter without seeing his namesake. With James' hazel eyes and messy, black hair, it was like looking at a ghost. He knew any grandchildren who looked like him would do Severus in for good.

"You don't understand, Draco, my daughter is marrying a Potter. Do you know how disturbing it is that the world will have to endure another Lily and James Potter? It's disturbing. If they have children, do you realize I could have a grandson named Harry? God, I hope they won't do that to me. I'll have to have a stern talk with Lily. I have survived Voldemort, Death Eaters, and the madness of Albus Dumbledore. I don't think my heart could take another Harry Potter."

Draco laughed.

**********

Draco paced back and forth in front of the flames. "Where is he?" Draco said out loud.

A moment later, the green flames came to life and Severus stepped out, wearing a grin that no one had ever seen before.

"Hello, Draco. What seems to be your problem this afternoon?" Severus asked with a snicker.

"You think it's funny, don't you? I suppose you've already heard the news?"

Severus barked with laughter. "I think it's wonderful, Draco. Besides, Prewett Weasley is a good kid,," Severus said, hoping Draco's own words would come back to haunt him.

Draco rolled his eyes. "I can't believe Vi is marrying a Weasley. It's just wrong."

"We might as well get used to it. At least Prewett has Pansy's blood. Their kids might turn out to be Slytherin," Severus offered.

"Probably be Ravenclaw like Lily and Violet," Draco added.

"Or Hufflepuff like the Longbottom kids." Severus gave Draco another evil grin.

Draco choked on his drink. The thought of his grandchildren going into the same house as any offspring from Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood made him cringe. "That's sick, Sev. Oh, thank Merlin Violet didn't end up with one of their kids."

Severus laughed. "You need to be careful, boy, you still haven't married Luca off to anyone yet."

Draco groaned and gave Severus a sideways glance. "My son has his eye on Fred Weasley's daughter, Isabelle."

Severus laughed again. "Well, that's trouble. Any offspring from one of the Weasley twins is likely to put you in your grave."

Draco smiled. "That's the truth."

**********

Abigail Potter sat splayed on the grass in the backyard of the Burrow. The summer breeze blowing through her thick red hair was just enough to tangle it, but she didn't care.

They had all gathered there for the first birthday of James and Lily's daughter, Rebecca. Abby had found herself a little niche next to the pond and away from the crowd. She loved her extended family very much, but sometimes a person could get exposed to too many Weasleys.

She smiled when she saw the familiar woman with the long, curly, blond hair walking in her direction.

"Hey, Vi, come sit down with me," called Abby. Violet grinned at her best friend and quickened her pace.

Abby laughed. "I see you were able to get away from the kids. Are my dad and Uncle Draco trying to teach them the basics of Quidditch again?"

Violet rolled her eyes. "It's ridiculous really. But, Ron is the funniest of all. He is trying to coax Luca and James into a game with him and Uncle Harry. My mother tried to explain that he's getting too old to play Quidditch. Of course Pansy completely agreed with her, and they shared a really nasty fit of giggles over the look on Ron's face. I mean, really, he and Uncle Harry are grandfathers now. He doesn't need to play Quidditch."

Abby giggled. "Hey, where is your Aunt Elizabeth? I thought she'd be here with your grandmother. I know Remus couldn't be here because of the full moon, but I really thought we'd see Liz."

"She's doing an internship at the Ministry. She's on some sort of retreat this weekend with the members of her department. But if you ask me, I think she's just going because of Edward Zabini. You know his dad was a friend of my dad's when they were in school."

"Yeah, I'd heard that," Abby said.

"Anyway, Mum's all freaked out about it." Violet continued in an uncanny impression of Hermione, 'My sister does not need to be fussing about with that Zabini lot. She needs to worry about her internship and stay away from boys.' Dad got a real kick out of that. I think he goads her just to see if he can get her temper up."

Violet eyed her friend for a moment. "So, Abby, who do you have your eye on these days? Here we are all married with kids, and I don't ever see you with anyone."

Abby grinned sheepishly. "Um, nobody, really."

"Come on," Violet urged.

"Okay, I have been seeing someone, but I haven't said anything. Can you keep a secret? I mean, it probably won't be a secret long, but I don't know how to tell my dad. He's so protective of me."

"I swear I won't tell. Who is it?"

"Albus."

Violet's eyes widened. "Albus Snape? My nephew? Abby, he's about three years younger than you."

"I know that, Vi. But now that we're both out of Hogwarts, I don't think it matters. You aren't angry, are you?"

"No way, but I think you should tell Uncle Harry. I don't think he'll be upset. Listen, we'd better get back to the party before little Molly starts crying for me."

"I'll be right there, Vi."

Down by the house, Draco and Severus were observing their granddaughters playing in the playpen. Severus smiled at little Rebecca. She was trying to take away a bear that was clutched tightly against little Molly's chest. There was another small boy sitting in the playpen watching with fascination at the two little girls.

Draco and Severus spoke with one another for a few moments about Draco's pending retirement from St. Mungo's. Ginny had retired the year prior to spend more time with her growing family.

"You know that Minerva is leaving Hogwarts, right?" Draco said.

"I heard. She needs to retire. After Albus' death, that poor woman took over the school with a vengeance. Any word on who will take her place?" Severus asked, with a grin.

"You know very well that my lovely wife will be the Headmistress. I'm very proud of her, you know."

"Ah, yes, as well you should be," Severus said.

"And just who is it that you're proud of, Malfoy?" Hermione appeared around the corner with a grin, handing Draco a drink.

"I said I'm pretty proud of my wife, Granger. What's it to you?" Draco loved this game.

"You're wife is pretty proud of you, too," Hermione said, and she kissed him.

"Merlin, can you two get a room or something? There are children here." This was from their daughter, who came over to put another teddy bear in the playpen.

Draco waggled his eyebrows. "Maybe we will; what do you say, Granger?"

"Later, you randy little boy, later. Oh, by the way, I'm going to go with Harry and Ginny tomorrow to see his Aunt Petunia. She's in the hospital, and she's very ill. Would you like to join me?"

"Yeah, okay. I'll go with you." Hermione kissed Draco again and went back to the guests.

Draco and Severus went back to their silent watch of the children. They watched as the little boy crawled over to the girls. The three children played silently together. Draco smiled again as he watched Molly give Rebecca a slobbery kiss on the cheek.

Severus laughed. "Babies are really incredible, aren't they?"

"Yeah, they are something," Draco said. They both chuckled when the little boy also gave Rebecca a slobbery kiss.

"Who is that child?" Severus asked.

"I'm not sure," Draco said, searching the crowd of their friends and family. "He might be Finnigan's grandson. I saw him earlier."

Draco caught Abby as she was making her way back to the crowd, and Albus, mused Draco. "Hey, Abby, who is that little boy in the playpen with Molly and Becca?"

"Oh, that's Jack Longbottom. He's Frankie's little boy. He came here with his grandparents, Neville and Luna."

"Alright, thanks. You can go see Albus now." He gave Abby a knowing smirk, which earned him a delightful blush from his goddaughter.

She walked on, and Draco exchanged a furtive look with Severus. "That's Neville Longbottom's grandson."

Severus said, very calmly, "Is that right?"

"Yep," said Draco.

"Well, they are only children, Draco. I'm sure it's alright that they play together," said Severus.

"Yes, you're right, Sev. They are only children."

They watched a moment longer, until shrieks of laughter shook them both. Turning toward the sound, Severus saw his son, Albus, with his arm around Abigail Potter, talking to Harry. Harry then shook Albus' hand and accepted a rib-crunching embrace from Abby. Her ear-splitting words of "Oh, Daddy, thank you for your blessing!" carried down to Severus and Draco.

Severus frowned. Then he looked about the yard. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Draco doing the same thing. All around them, the children of Potters, Weasleys, Malfoys, and Snapes, ran and played. They turned their attention back to their granddaughters, playing with the Longbottom boy in the playpen.

Severus caught Draco's eye. Draco sighed and said, "Right."

With a silent agreement, they each reached down and pulled the girls out of the playpen and into their own protective arms.

They shared an evil grin as they watched George Weasley drop his own granddaughter into the playpen.

Stepping back, George asked, "Who is that little boy?"

Severus and Draco gave each other a pointed look. Severus shrugged his shoulders.

With a very Slytherin smile Draco replied, "I have no idea."

Gathering the babies close to them, Severus and Draco shared a laugh as they rejoined their families.

Finite Incantatem

A/N: I really hope you all enjoyed my first full-length fanfic. For all of you that have reviewed, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you. Please continue to leave reviews for all the stories that you read. It really does give the author pleasure to get a nice pat-on-the-back.

Now, indulge me for a moment while I give a special "thank you" for special someone. I believe in the law of six degrees of separation. Every one of us is connected in some way or another. If this thank you ever gets to Jo Rowling, it would be wonderful; if it doesn't, that's okay too.

Jo, thank you so much for giving us Harry Potter. You are a remarkable woman, and you deserve every bit of good fortune that comes your way. You have brought together so many people – readers and writers. I picked up your last book on the day my grandmother died. The days following her death were pretty tough, but I lost myself in the world you created. It was nice to get a way and not focus on reality for a while. For that, from the bottom of my big Texas heart, I thank you.

I will always be a POTTERBRAT!