Epilogue

Land's End, July 1663

Mary walked barefoot on the sand between the steep cliff and the ocean, watching the waves sparkle and crash. She wore no bonnet and the strong wind played freely with her curls, though she did not care: her face conveyed nothing but unfathomable peace and pure happiness.

It had been so long since she had last seen the sea – and back then, it was a different one, a different beach with gentle hills behind, not harsh rocks.

She breathed deeply, filling her lungs with the salty air. She liked these rough, weather-beaten cliffs stretching out into the Atlantic and though Demetrius had been more than willing to take her back to East Anglia, she had no desire to visit the places from her younger days.

No other place in the world could be as wonderful as this.

A few yards back, at the bottom of the cliff, sat her husband of ten days, watching her with his shoes and stockings still in hand.

At first he had been unsure about that trip, but now he was glad he had agreed: Mary looked radiant and happy, even if Cornwall was a little too close to the Weasley family for his comfort.

He heard her give a short yelp and immediately jumped to his feet, wand already half-drawn but relaxed when he realized she had just been sprayed by a wave. She laughed and threw him an apologetic glance. Demetrius returned her smile and put his discarded clothes behind a rock, next to his cloak, relieved the Charms barrier had not let any Muggle through – he knew Mary was still afraid of them.

As he moved to join her, he couldn't help but think about how lucky he was: with her pure blood and her past history, she could have easily married into one of the big families. Instead, she returned his love and had happily accepted his courtship and proposal.

Mary was still playing tag with the waves, advancing and retreating from the water edge like a child.

Demetrius came up behind her, a mischievous light in his eyes. "Shall we look closer?! he asked and, before she could answer, he picked her up and strode in the shallow water, pretending he meant to dunk her.

She held on tightly to his shoulders, half-shrieking and half-laughing, "Nononono!"

Demetrius started to laugh as well and a stronger wave made him lose his footing: both newlyweds ended up sprawling in the water, drenched from head to toe.

Mary, spluttering a bit, tried to get up but stepped on her skirt and fell back down, spraying more water around.

"Wait," her husband said, standing up and helping her to her feet. Laughing and leaning against each other, they climbed back onto dry land, clothes and hair in disarray. Mary squeezed sea-water out of her hair while Demetrius tried to smooth his shirt.

"Here, let me…" she said, finishing out her wand and muttering a few spells.

"Only if thou allowest me to help thee." He grinned sheepishly, taking out his wand as well.

Within seconds, their bodies and clothes were warm and dry again, as if they had never been touched by a single drop of water, though Mary's ruined hairstyle still spoke of their little misadventure.

She raised her wand to charm it back in place, but he gently placed a hand on her wrist, halting her movement.

"Please, leave it…Thou art so beautiful with thy hair down." He added, moving his hand to cup her cheek.

Her gaze met his hazel eyes and she stepped a little closer, standing up a little straighter. Demetrius could feel her soft skin and her vaguely damp hair against his fingers as he kissed her.

Breaking apart, he stepped to her right and slid an arm around her waist. "Shall we continue our walk?"

"With pleasure, Demi" Mary replied, leaning her head against his shoulder.

Side by side, they strolled up the beach as the wind mixed her black locks with his dark blond hair and stole all the words they exchanged.

Seagulls flew overhead, watching over those visitors of their realm, while at the sea fishing boats swayed in and out of sight.

The End

I must say I had a great time writing this story. It wasn't easy, but it was very fun.

I hope it was a good time for you too.

Whether you liked it or hated it, leave a review and let me know.