Epilogue

Epilogue

Hermione scanned the crowd in the hall; people were dancing, drinking, laughing, and generally being merry. She beamed, pleased that they were enjoying themselves.

“My-Kneeeee,” Teddy drew his version of her name out into three syllables as he tugged on her dress. “You gotta dance with me. Daddy said so.”

She smiled down at her newly adopted son. “Of course, luv.”

She lifted the three-year-old into her arms and maneuvered out onto the dance floor. As she swayed with him, she couldn’t help but feel like the luckiest woman alive. She had the love of two good men and the adoration of a young one. Her family was finally whole again.

Hermione, with the help of Harry and George, worked tirelessly for months to get Severus’ and Remus’ sentences overturned. Luck was on their side; Cresswell didn’t last long as temporary Minister of Magic, and Shacklebolt was given the job. His first order was to grant clemency to all war heroes.

Once Severus and Remus were free, they found they did not want to go anymore than Hermione wanted them to leave. Theirs was an unconventional relationship, but it worked, bringing the three of them more happiness and peace than any of them had in quite some time.

When they announced their intention to marry, no one was really surprised. Hermione was pleased with the support she received from her friends and the Order members, none of whom seemed bothered by their relationship.

She looked across the floor to see Severus and Remus dancing together. She smiled at them. It still shocked her when they did something so public that acknowledged their relationship. After playing spy for so long, Severus had trouble learning to live without constantly looking over his shoulder. It was only in the last few months that he seemed secure enough to relax his guard and allow himself simple pleasures, such as dancing with a loved one, without worrying about the consequences. She knew how astonished Severus had been to find himself not only tolerated but welcomed after he had bonded with Hermione. She thought he was finally accepting that it wasn’t an act; people did respect and even like him, snarkiness and all.

She hugged Teddy closer to her, as if he were a physical representation of her joy. In a way, he was. Once Remus was cleared of all charges, there was nothing Andromeda could do to keep Teddy from his rightful father. It had been a day of great celebration, full of sundaes, chocolate, and lots and lots of candy when Teddy came to live with them in their new home in the English countryside. Even Severus indulged, teaching Teddy the perfect way to slice a banana and just how much sauce one should use to top his ice cream. Teddy had laughed and then dumped half a jar of strawberry sauce in his bowl. Severus simply sighed and did the same thing, much to Teddy’s delight.

And now, they were legally a family. It was a year ago that they had performed the Soul Mating Ritual, the results of which never did fade. And today, they performed rituals of another kind. Shacklebolt, himself, presided over their wedding and then the adoption ceremony that made her, Severus, Remus, and Teddy a true family. No one would ever be able to break them apart now.

She kissed the top of Teddy’s head.

“What was that for?” he asked.

“Because I love you.”

“Good,” he said, “because I love you too.”

She smiled at him, doubting it would be possible to feel any more love and happiness than she did right then.

“You look very bootiful,” he said suddenly.

She giggled. “Did Daddy tell you to say that?”

He shook his head. “Daddy Sevy did.”

“We must work on your sense of secrecy,” Severus said, coming up behind the couple and ruffling Teddy’s hair. “And I thought I told you not to call me that,” he said in a tone that made it clear this was an old and pointless argument.

“But you are my daddy now, too,” Teddy persisted. “Just like ’Mione is my other mommy.”

“That we are,” he said, looking intently at Hermione.

“Yes, we are,” she agreed.

“Hey, buddy!” Remus said, taking Teddy from Hermione. “What do you say to dancing with your old man?”

Teddy laughed as Remus whisked him out onto the floor.

“Can I tempt you with a dance, wife?” Severus asked her, extending his hand.

Hermione felt herself glow. She never thought she would love to be called “wife.” “Just a dance?” she said suggestively.

“I think our guests would be rather gobsmacked if we shagged on the dance floor, but if you wish—”

“Maybe later,” she said, tucking her hand in his.

“Definitely later,” Severus insisted. “With Teddy spending the weekend with the Potters, we won’t have to worry about innocent children wandering in on activities they are definitely not meant to see.”

She laughed, remembering the time they had forgotten to lock the door and were caught “wrestling” by Teddy, who thought Hermione’s moans were caused by bad dream like the ones he had after Severus told him a scary bedtime story.

Severus liked to act put upon by Teddy, but the truth was he absolutely adored the tyke. She would often spot them cuddled together on a chair as he read to the boy or find them in Severus’ lab, Teddy playing with his toy potions kit as Severus brewed. And on the night of the full moon, Severus would do all in his power to keep Teddy occupied and not worried about his daddy.

It never ceased to amaze her. Judging by how Severus acted at Hogwarts, she never thought he might have a soft spot for any child. She was relieved to see how wrong she was.

The song ended, and Severus led her back to the table. No sooner had she sat than Teddy flung himself on her lap.

“I believe we are the parents of a monkey,” Severus sighed.

“Nope,” Remus said. “Just a typical three-year-old who is heavily sugared.”

“Well, maybe we’ll have better luck with the next one,” she said, gliding her hand over her stomach.

Severus followed her movements and then paled with realization as Remus gaped. Hermione’s laughter rang out through the hall.

The end

Author's note: I apologize. I thought I had posted this ages ago. Real-life issues removed me from fandom for quite some time. I am just now coming back and finding I left you hanging. My deepest apologies.