AUTHOR'S NOTES: If y'all want me to do an epilouge with Harry and Hermione's kids I will, otherwise I think I'll just leave the story here

And as for my poignant 9-11 poem... I've decided to leave it up. It deserves to be there, so it's staying.

Read, review, and show your love!

Chapter 19

The end of the term came and went in a flurry of brilliant, sunny days, as if even the weather was celebrating the end of Voldemort.

Dumbledore had canceled all end of year exams and had awarded all the students the appropriate grades but that didn't stop Hermione from begging McGonagall to give her the examinations anyway.

For Harry, it was the first time he was eager to leave Hogwarts. For once, he didn't have to worry about going back to Privet Drive. Instead, he'd be going to the Burrow with the Weasleys

--

At the end of year feast Dumbledore was conspicuously absent. Up in his office, the headmaster was reflecting on all that had happened the past school year.

Harry Potter—the most resilient young man he had ever met had once again proven himself by recovering from a crippling injury.

"Sir?"

Looking up, Dumbledore saw Sirius Black poking his head into the room. "Mr. Black. Can I help you?"

Sirius nodded as he entered the office. "Casey and went to #4 Privet Drive and we found the letter you wrote to Petunia. We saw the letters saying that she didn't bring Harry in for yearly physical exams."

"It is hard for a wizard of my years and experience to admit when he has made a mistake of tremendous proportions," Dumbledore said, quietly. "But the greatest mistake of my life was my mishandling of Harry's future." Standing up, he added, "I should have given Harry to you that night."

"You wanted to protect Harry," Sirius said, evenly. "But in doing so you placed him in danger. Why? And don't give me some garbage about a blood bond."

Dumbledore sighed. "I wanted Harry to grow up away from the fame surrounding him. I didn't want a spoiled prince like Mr. Malfoy. I wanted Harry to be free to become who he wanted, not what history had made him. I should have taken him away from his aunt when I found out, but I believed that what I was doing was for the best. That having Harry arrive from humble beginnings would make him a greater wizard. And a better man."

Sirius tried to think of a counter to that but couldn't think of anything to say.

--

2 Years Later

The Great Hall was immaculate and even the rustiest candle holders were gleaming in the sunlight.

The floor was filled with chairs except for the altar at the front.

As people started filling the chairs, and the ghosts took their places around the edge of the room, Albus Dumbledore walked up to the altar looking at everyone who had shown up for Harry and Hermione's wedding. In the front row were the Manhattan Special Victims detectives that had helped Harry years ago along with Casey Novak, and the members of the Order of the Phoenix.

Off to the side was Ron Weasley, Harry's best man, and Ginny Weasley who was Hermione's maid of honor.

"Are we ready?" Harry asked, as he limped over. After two years his legs were stronger, but he still leaned heavily on one of the ring crutches he'd first used after starting to walk again.

"We're ready, mate," Ron said, nodding. "I think you're mental, but…"

"We've been over this, Ron," Harry replied. "I love Hermione. I want to marry her. I've never wanted anything more."

Ron gave his best friend a pat on the back, grinning like crazy. "Then go for it, Harry."

Music filled the air as the main doors opened and Hermione came walking down the aisle on her father's arm.

Harry's knees felt weak as he saw the beautiful wedding gown she wore and the way her normally frizzy hair was in beautiful shining ringlets around her face. Holding out a hand, Harry smiled as Hermione took it and gave him a kiss on the cheek before turning to Dumbledore.

'I don't like to be alone in the night

And I don't like to hear I'm wrong when I'm right

And I don't like to have the rain on my shoes

But I do love you'

"Friends, family, and honored guests," Dumbledore said, smiling at the crowd before turning to Harry and Hermione. "We gather here to unite two hearts in the bonds of love and matrimony: Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."

Sitting in the front row, Sirius couldn't help but think back to James and Lily's wedding. Back then Sirius could swear he'd never seen two people more in love… Until he'd seen Harry take Hermione's hand in his. They looked so perfect together…

"Harry… Hermione… if you would exchange your vows?" Dumbledore said, smiling at the couple.

Harry grinned. "What can I say that I haven't said? You've always been there for me, 'Mione. Every danger, every risk… every adventure you've been there. And now we're taking our own adventure together. I can't imagine anyone I'd rather share the rest of my life with. I love you now, forever, and for always."

Hermione's eyes filled with tears as she said, "I… I…" as softly as she could, she whispered, "I forgot what I was going to say."

Harry laughed. "There's actually something Hermione Granger didn't memorize?"

Hermione smacked him in the arm before smirking. "Go on, rub it in."

"Thanks," Harry replied, still grinning madly. "I will."

Giving her soon-to-be husband a glare, she said, "Even when you're… when you're being an arse… I love you." Hermione suppressed her laughter as she realized that that had been the first line of the vows she'd written. Trying to regain her composure, she went on. "I have never stopped being surprised at your compassion for others. The way you're open to all those who are open to you. You are truly an amazing person, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

Taking the wedding band from Ron, Harry slipped it on Hermione's left hand, saying, "I promise to be forever yours. Through good luck and bad… and I vow that my heart will be yours and yours alone."

Taking the thicker band from Ginny, Hermione put it on Harry's hand as she said, "I promise to be forever yours. Through good luck and bad… and I vow that my heart will be yours and yours alone."

Holding hands with his wife, the only words that registered in Harry's mind were 'kiss the bride'.

He didn't even hear the applause as he kissed Hermione on the lips.