Chapter 10 A New Beginning
A year after Penny's "apprenticeship" in the palace, the family of witches and wizards made their own way in life. Tommy and Kasey went off on their own. Neal returned to Mastonia where he later became King Justin's High Wizard. And Penny and Draco remained in the castle. They helped raise the youngest Pendragon, named after Michael, Howl's old apprentice. Howl and Sophie took Penny and Draco as their apprentices. The years past and the two friends finished their apprenticeship.
"Howl," Draco said, avoiding the five year old Michael. "I want ask you for something."
"Yes, Draco?"
"Permission to marry Penny."
Howl looked away from the spell he was working on and looked at the younger wizard. He knew Draco was his daughter's life long friend, but did not know how that would work out.
"Given."
Draco smiled and left the wizard to his spell. He made his way up to Penny's room where she was cleaning.
"Penny, I wan to ask you something."
"What is it?"
Penny was still cleaning her room, and was not fully paying attention.
"Will you stop cleaning so I can ask it?"
Penny stopped and joined Draco on her bed.
"What is it?"
"Will you marry me?"
"Marry you?"
"Yes."
Penny thought for several minutes, causing Draco to anxiously and nervously wait for her reply.
"I will," she finally said.
Draco's face lit up at Penny's answer. He leaned over and kissed her and pulled away and left the room. Penny went back to cleaning her room. The wedding plans began, and within the year, the two friends were married. Howl and Penny retired from their "flower" business and settled down with their family. Penny and Draco helped raise Michael in practice for their own expected child. One day, when Howl and Sophie were out, Penny got a feeling something happened.
"Looks like you inherited the castle," Calcifer said.
Penny went out to see if what the fire demon said was true. She was back a minute later with the look of one who had lost someone close to them. She looked to her six year old brother and knew he would grow up close with his one year old cousin Jenkins.
"What does that mean, Cal," Draco asked.
"It means that the castle's Penny's and will respond strongly to her. And Jenkins later when he gets older.
"And you?"
"I'll stay if you want me to."
"Thanks, Calcifer," Penny said with a smile.
Penny was handed Jenkins by Draco as they went out into the yard the castle had and enjoyed the view passing by. It was the start of a new beginning.