Quick Pre-chapter AN: This is the final chapter of this story. The first bit takes place a year after the previous chapter and the epilogue takes place 16 years later. Enjoy!

Chapter 10

Hermione climbed up the final set of stairs towards Gryffindor Tower. Standing outside the Portrait Hole, she was surprised by how familiar yet unbelievable being back here was. It was only a year ago that she and her two best friends left Hogwarts, expecting never to return, but they were finally back.

She could hear the chatter of voices coming from far off in the castle, and couldn't hold back a groan at the fact that someone had evidently decided to follow her. She was bone tired and wanted nothing more than to get away and relax, but deep down she knew that it wasn't meant to be, not when there was plenty of reason to celebrate.

They won. Voldemort is dead and the Wizarding World is at peace once again. An impossible task and a journey that stretched on for what seemed like an eternity had finally ended by a single spell.

Finally making the steps inside the Common Room, her eyes immediately went to her favorite spot, hoping to find the one person she wished to talk to more than anyone else. Sadly, he wasn't present and Hermione deflated as she took a seat in front the extinguished fire. Harry had taken his invisibility cloak and vanished shortly after they had returned from Dumbledore's office. Her and Ron had stuck around for a while before Ron eventually went up get some rest. The attention became too much by herself so she went try and find Harry but with no luck.

Her gaze drifted from the small embers to a nearby window, from which she could Dumbledore's tomb in the distance. Her mind began to drift to the conversation her and Harry had after the funeral.

Flashback

"No."

Hermione couldn't believe her ears. Here she had attempted to open her heart up to Harry and yet he claimed to not feel the same way. Had she misread the signs? Was Luna wrong?

Her eyes were on the verge of tearing up, she bent her head down for a moment to try and compose herself. She finally had the resolve to look up and meet Harry's eyes, and when she did, she saw something in his eyes that were telling. There she found the sadness that she expected, but it was coupled with other emotions, like compassion and longing.

Suddenly, everything made sense. Harry, stupid noble Harry, wasn't rejecting her because he didn't love her, it was the exact opposite. He was rejecting her because he wanted to keep her safe. Though she didn't agree with the sentiment, and couldn't deny that it made her a little upset, she understood it and tried to fight through the negative emotions.

"I don't believe you."

His eyes widened just as it had moments ago, but she wasn't about to let him try and deter her again.

"You're scared Harry, scared something between us would make me a target but I'm already a target. I'm Muggleborn and your already my best friend."

"But if they caught you and found out we-"

"I'm not afraid Harry. Nothing will keep me from helping you beat him. You shouldn't be afraid Harry, but I know you have to work through that yourself, but believe me when I say, I'm not giving up on us Harry."

Harry's mouth seemed like it was locked perpetually open, surprised by her statement. Slowly, a small smile grew on his face and Hermione's heart grew warm with love and affection.

"I don't deserve you Hermione. I know I have no right to ask this of you, but wait for me Hermione. When this is all over and we survive this-"

She put a finger on his lips to stop him from talking, before taking his head in her hands and kissing his forehead, like he did to her before the attack. When she pulled away, they exchanged smiles before turning towards the Black Lake, relishing in the few moments of peace they had left. War was coming, and they would be fighting in the thick of it

Flashback End

Hermione remembered that she made a promise to herself that day. She promised that she was going to do whatever it took to survive the war. She promised to fight for a better tomorrow, a world where he, her parents, and others could live away from oppression and fear, More importantly, she fought for Harry, for the love that she felt for him and the love he felt for her, and though he wasn't ready, she fought for them.

And fight for them. Throughout their nearly year-long journey, she attempted to change Harry's mind about their relationship and to let go of his fear. Harry, however, was adamant about his choice, making Hermione wonder a few times if what she was after was worth it, but there were a few moments now and then that convinced her otherwise.

Despite his refusal, Hermione had managed to get through to him and they even kissed on three separate occasions. The first one was the night before they left for their mission Harry's birthday. She had cornered him and kissed him softly on the lips in the bedroom that she and Ginny were sharing. She was presently surprised that he didn't pull away, relaxing into the slow kiss for a few moments before rebuking her once again when they parted.

The second occasion was after he was attacked by Nagini at Godric's Hollow. He was unconscious for nearly two days afterwards, and the nagging worry that he would never wake up thoroughly wrecked her nerves. When he finally did wake up, she couldn't stop herself later that night from launching herself into his arms and pulling into a demanding kiss. It seemed to go on before once again Harry pulled away. She was afraid that they might never get a chance to be together and told him as such. Harry told her that when they got together, a statement that made Hermione smile despite herself, he wanted to be because they wanted to not because they were afraid. He later revealed to her that their future together was what he was fighting for, she agreed with him but didn't truly understand until a few months later.

Their third kiss was after they were taken to Malfoy Manor, after she was tortured by Bellatrix. Harry remained by her side every moment for the first few days after they escaped to the Shell Cottage. On the 2nd day, once she had enough strength to leave her bed, her and Harry ad once again found themselves wrapped in a passionate embrace, this time initiated by Harry. This time, she was the one to pull away, echoing Harry's words after Nagini's attack, telling him that she wanted him to be with her despite his fear not because of it. He begrudgingly agreed, and their relationship started to turn even more intimate.

During their stay, Fleur had sked her if her and Harry were together, and when Hermione said they weren't, Fleur was surprised, saying that the two of them acted exactly like a couple, just without the kissing and intimacy. Hermione wanted to ask Harry if he was ready to try for something between them, but things she never got the chance. Once she was deemed strong enough, they immediately began planning to infiltrate Gringotts and never had the opportunity.

Now the war was finally over, and all that was left for her to do was to find Harry and have the conversation that she's been dying to have with him. She started to sift through possible places he could be in her head when a disturbance from the other side of the room caught her attention. Turning her head, she saw Ron leaning at the bottom of the dormitory stairs, smiling fondly at her.

"He's here you know", he began, having obviously deciphered what was going through her head at that moment. She felt glad that they were all so in tune with each other and that their friendship had survived another near breaking point. "Found him up in his old bed, try to get some rest. But we both know that there is something more important that he needs to do."

She nodded her head and got up from her seat, readying herself for whatever reaction she would get from Harry about this conversation. She had waited nearly a year for this moment, and she wasn't about to squander it. She had made all of two steps before Ron grabbed her by he wrist and stopped her in her tracks.

"Listen, there's something I need to get off my chest."

"Ron, if this about you leaving, I know it was the Horcrux, there's nothing to apologize for that hasn't already been forgiven."

"But that's just it Hermione, the Horcrux didn't make me think that way, it just made it easier to believe my own jealousy." He paused briefly and took a deep breath before speaking again. "I'm not gonna lie Hermione, during those first few months after we left, I was convinced that things would work out and we would end up together." He raised his hand to stop he from arguing against him, and continued once she understood that he needed to say this. "I know we had said that we both moved on, and for the most part I did, but in the back of my mind I kept up hope, and since Harry seemed like he wasn't going to pursue you anytime soon, I made myself believe that you would eventually come back to me. I understand that that would never happen now, my abandoning you too, and you staying despite my attempts to convince made me see that. So, I just wanted to say I'm sorry again, it shouldn't be enough and I'm grateful that both you and Harry still treat me like family."

With tears in her own eyes, Hermione launched herself at Ron, enclosing him in a hug that was both sturdy and affectionate. She pulled back to kiss his cheek, and saw in his eyes that he understood that all was forgiven.

"Now get up there see Harry. You deserve some happiness, both of you."

With one last smile, he departed from the Common Room, where he was headed, Hermione didn't know but her conversation with Ron strengthened her resolve to see Harry. She made the climb up to the top most dormitory. She wasn't sure what state Harry would be in, so she carefully opened the door, and smiled at the sight that waited her inside.

Harry was lying down on one of the four poster beds, one arm laying underneath his head, his face and general posture more relaxed than at any point she had ever known him. She began to make her way towards his bed, but it didn't seem as though he had noticed her presence. At first, she assumed that he was sleeping, but could tell that he wasn't yet due to his breathing still moving at a normal pace. Still, she couldn't help but feel the joy at the peacefulness that the young man in front of her exuded.

"How long were you planning on staring at me?"

Harry's unexpected question caused Hermione to physically jump back from the bed. Harry flashed her a teasing smile, making her want nothing more than to be annoyed with him, but she was happy that he was in a good enough mood for jokes. She sat down on the edge of his bed and the two fell into a comfortable silence. There was so much that needed to be said between the two of them, but Hermione wanted Harry to start, it was his fault that they waited until now to have this talk.

"So…I don't know if you've noticed but the war is over."

"I kind of noticed Harry. Twice today I thought it was over, though, the first time wasn't nearly as pleasant."

She saw him visibly cringe when at the mention of him supposedly turning up dead. He could tell that there was anger underlying her words. He understood when he left her and Ron on the Grand Staircase that he would break her heart but he had to do. He quickly sat up and gently grasped one of her hands as he attempted to apologize.

"I'm so sorry Hermione, but I was sure it was the only way."

"But why didn't you tell us that you'd survive again?"

"Because I didn't think I would," he replied. He explained everything, from his conversation with his parents, which caused her to briefly forget her anger and hug him, to his conversation with Dumbledore. She seemed content with his explanation, there was still something on her mind.

"I believe you Harry, but you made it seem like it was easy for you to leave me behind. Why?"

He had the decency to look ashamed by her question. "I convinced myself that it was for the best, that if nothing came between us, then it would be easier for you to move on."

"That's not for you to decide Harry!" she was close to shouting at this point and though he recoiled slightly, he seemed ready to accept whatever punishment she had for him. "I wanted you Harry, and it seemed that it meant nothing to you."

"Please believe that that's not true Hermione. I do care a lot about you but I didn't want to cause you anymore pain."

"A lot of good that did you."

He immediately looked down, but didn't immediately realize his mistake. He suddenly felt a sharp pain on the side of his head as Hermione smacked him upside the head.

"Ow! Blimey Hermione!"

"That was for dying on me Harry Potter!" He met her eyes as he rubbed the spot where she had hit him. "And this is just for being you." She grabbed his head with both hands and pulled him in for a passionate kiss, but this time, there was no war over their heads, preventing them from enjoying this. This kiss went on for several minutes until Hermione felt she got her point across, and when she pulled away, she nearly giggled at the look on Harry's face.

"I love you."

She couldn't find the will to fight off the grin that was forming on her face. "I know."

This time Harry pulled her in, and they right back where they were moments ago, not that Hermione was complaining. She had waited for this moment, and judging by Harry's enthusiasm, so had he. The passion continued to increase until Hermione was half laying on top of Harry, and one of her hands had found its way up his shirt, while his found rest on her bottom.

This time Harry pulled away, and Hermione let out a whine that she normally would have been embarrassed about but she currently couldn't care less.

"Not that I'm not very interested in seeing where this was going," he slowly pulled her down until she was lying on his chest, sense of peace settling in her chest and the effects of the past few days finally catching up with her, as her eyes began to droop shut, "but we just beat the greatest dark wizard of our time and I want to finally get a good night's sleep." He dropped a quick kiss to the top of her head as sleep claimed the two of them, but his last words floated to Hermione's ears just as she was losing consciousness.

"Besides, I think we have the rest of our lives for that."

15 Years Later

King's Cross was busy as it was on every September 1st within memory. Especially in the last couple of years, the number of wizarding families who elected to have kids increased, meaning that Hogwarts has more students than ever before. How so many families managed to make it on to Platform 9 3/4 without getting noticed each year is nothing short of a miracle.

One such family was calmly strolling towards the barrier that leads to the Hogwarts express, three students moving at an excited pace in front of their parents. Harry and Hermione smiled fondly as the oldest of the trio, 15-year-old Teddy Lupin, helped his adopted siblings with their belongings. Three years after the war, Andromeda's health had taken a turn for the worse, leaving her unable to care for him full time. Luckily, Harry and Hermione were completely willing to take over custody of him, while still letting Andromeda spend plenty of time with her grandson, until she passed away peacefully four years later.

The two younger ones were Harry and Hermione's twin daughter and son, Jamie and Will. They were fraternal twins, Jamie sporting her father's dark hair with her mother's eyes, while Will inherited the opposite features. Both kids had recently turned 11 and were about to embark on their first trip to Hogwarts. Jamie seemed anxious to run on ahead and run straight towards the barrier, but her father's hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"Easy now Jamie. We've got to make sure the coast is clear first. We wouldn't want any poor muggle to get suspicious, now would we?"

"Sorry Dad," said Jamie, her cheeks blushing as her father ruffled her hair. Once they had decided that the coast was clear. The five of them ran towards the barrier and onto the platform. The sight of the Hogwarts train was still a sight to behold, even after 15 years of being out of school.

"Took you guys long enough!"

Harry and Hermione turned to catch Ron approaching with his wife Padma and their son Panju.

"Had a few things that we needed to get ready for before the school year starts."

Since leaving school, all three of them had decided to enter the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, with Harry and Ron joining the Auror Corps and Hermione became a prosecutor. Within the next 10 years, Ron left to join George in running Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, while Hermione and Harry both rose to the top of the department as Director and Head Auror respectively.

Ron patted him on the shoulder and gave Hermione and their kids a hug before heading off to help Panju with his trunk. Teddy also went to get on the train, stating that he had prefect duties to attend to, but everyone noticed the presence of Victoire Weasley beside him as he got on.

Harry turned to his kids and got down on one knee to talk to them briefly. "Alright, it's time you two. Now I want you two to write your mum and I as soon as your settled in. We both want to know what house you two have made it in."

"But dad," began Will, the more reserved of the two siblings, "what if we get put in different houses. What if neither of us get into Gryffindor?"

"And why should that matter Will?"

"Knowing all the stories about what you and mum have done, I just want to make you guys proud."

"And you will make us proud son, both you and your sister, even though she claims that it doesn't bother her."

"Hey!" came the girl in question and even though she attempted to harden her expression, he could still tell that what he said was true. He was their father after all.

"Whatever house either of you make it in, I know you will excel, and even if you're both separated, being in different houses doesn't mean that you won't be close anymore." He was aware of how close his son and daughter were. They went everywhere together and he couldn't help but smile that the thought that they would be sorted into different houses affected them so much.

"You really think so?" Jamie had allowed her mask to fall her eyes wide as she stared at her father.

"Yes, I really do."

He suddenly found himself engulfed into a pair of hugs by both of his kids, one that he gladly returned. He gave them both a kiss on the cheek, before they ran to say goodbye to their mother and before he knew it, the train was pulling away, taking their kids away from the for the first time.

"Do you think they'll be alright?"

He turned to Hermione and stared at the women that he married almost 12 years ago. He still found himself enraptured by her beauty even after all these years together. Instead of immediately answering he gave her a quick kiss to reassure her that she had nothing to fear. When he pulled away, he smirked as her eyes slowly opened and a matching smirk appeared on her face. Sighing contentedly, they both turned as the Hogwarts express pulled out of sight, as their kids began their own adventure.

All was well.

AN:

So here it is the concluding chapter. Thanks to everyone who stuck with this story from the start to end. I'm not usually a fan of most epilogues in fanfiction, but I felt like I had to write at least one and I figured this story was as good of a place as any.

If you're wondering about any of the names, I decided to use the whole Ron/Padma/Panju thing because I guess it is at least semi-canon. As for Will and Jamie, I liked the name Will Potter and it works with Bill's actions in the previous chapter, whereas I haven't seen any stories where Harry has a daughter named Jamie so I figure I'd try. I might revisit the end scenario in a future one-shot or something but I make no guarantees.

I hope this story has been satisfactory and I plan to keep writing more stories that I hope you all can enjoy.

As always, thanks for reading!