Sirius took a deep breath then went out to the blinding lights of hundreds of flashing cameras, a smile plastered on his face.
"I have one thing for all of you. Change. For far too long we've hidden. For far too long we've done nothing. I am telling you now that is going to change. I know there will still be prejudices; I know some of you won't like this. But it is happening." Sirius declared. "This war that we're immersed in. It doesn't have to be like this, with fear running through our veins. We will overcome this, we've done it before and we'll do it again. The first thing I am going to do is simply be in the know. I want to know at all times what is going on. If I don't know the full story I can't do anything. Well now I am going to do something. Then I am going to set up the Werewolf clinic, for far too long you've feared and hated werewolves, I am telling you now that is one fear you no longer need to keep hold of. This clinic will provide a safe place for both the werewolves and for us. Wolfsbane will be created in large numbers by the best and we will support the people infected rather then fear them." Sirius declared, and for a second he got no response, and then in the crowd a woman yelled to him.
"You'll help my daughter? You'll actually help her?" She was hysterical with happiness.
"Not only that, it is completely free. We-I Don't feel they deserve the treatment they receive. I'm just trying to help everyone." Sirius said.
"Thank you!" The woman called and burst into sob, clinging to her husband, and slowly but surely cheers started to fill the area. And he knew it would work.
Hermione smiled at him.
"You did it." She said.
Draco was thrown straight into work. He'd gotten his place at the ministry's potion division, and right now they were making a lot of wolfsbane, he was all too happy to do found it slightly odd to be working with only one or two people he knew, but he managed to settle into it pretty quickly. And soon he was managing to make three potions a week, which is pretty amazing when you know how hard it is to make the wolfsbane.
Harry was tired, Moody, his instructor, was working the new Aurors tirelessly, everyday they worked seven to six, and suddenly he found himself wanting to be with Ginny more and more, but she was still in hospital, she had another two days before she would be allowed to go back for her final day at school.
Ethan was so happy, he had, unlike most of his friends and family, opted to go for something muggle, he was right now working in a bar part time while he worked up a little money to go and do a bit of travelling, and he was doing it all off of his own back.
Keira loved what she was doing, right now she'd managed to get herself some training and was working with a man by the name of Jude Riley, he was teaching her the rules when working with a Quidditch team, and right now they were with Puddlemere United.
Christopher was helping Moody rein in the training Aurors, truthfully he found it somewhat amusing, Harry was doing brilliantly though, so he was proud.
Ron was training with the Chudley Cannons currently. He was doing well, and was their best hope.
Pansy and Fleur had gotten together to share dress designs and such and were on their way of working together to set up their own little fashion store, with all their own designs.
Blaise was at law school, right now, still loosely dating Susan Bones who was working at the daily prophet.
"How is it going?" Blaise asked as he called the Potter Home one night just weeks before Christmas.
"Ah it's been better, but saying that it's been much worse. The Weasleys are better. Ginny has gotten out of Hospital," Harry told him.
"I got word from Luna that Melanie's been getting into trouble at school," Blaise said.
"She's better now, but she was, I think she missed Gin, but since she got back into school Mel's calmed down," Harry replied.
"Oi Harry who you talking to?" Ron shouted as he walked into the room.
"Blaise." Harry replied.
"Gimme the phone!" Blaise heard what he thought was a struggle and then Ron was son the phone.
"You're smart right?" Ron asked, Blaise laughed at this.
"I guess," He said with a chuckle.
"What do I get Luna?" Ron asked. "For Christmas, I would ask Hermione but she'd say a book, and Draco has a lot on his mind."
"Get her something like a weird flower, she'd like that, and what's up with Draco?" Blaise asked.
"He's looking at rings," Ron whispered.
"Sweet Circe."
Molly was delighted when Draco came to her looking for help.
"I want to get Melanie a ring," Draco said to her.
"What kind of ring dear, a promise ring?" She asked.
"No an engagement ring," Draco said slowly. And Molly froze.
"Engagement?" Molly asked.
Draco nodded.
"You want to get your eighteen year old girlfriend an engagement ring?" Molly asked.
"I love her, I want to marry her. I've been thinking about this for the last three months, going over everything, I want to Marry Melanie Potter, I want her to be Melanie Malfoy," Draco said.
"Well I can tell you that her mother wore an emerald ring, with a diamond either side, it was simple and delicate," Molly said pointedly. "Are you certain?"
"More then I've ever been in my life," Draco replied.
That's why the next day Draco was out with Keira, carrying a photograph of Lily Potter, and looking for a ring, he wanted to get it exactly right.
"So when do you plan on proposing to my baby sister?" Keira asked.
"Christmas, I know it is very cliché but, it's perfect at the same time," Draco said.
"How are you going to go about it exactly?" Keira asked.
"I was hoping for snow, late at night, out in the garden, under the willow tree, waiting there for us will be two glasses of champagne and two cupcakes, place on top of the cup cake will be the ring," Draco said straight away.
"Merlin! You really have thought this out." Keira exclaimed with a laugh.
"Just a bit." He said with a small sheepish smile.
They carried on walking until at the same time they both exclaimed "THAT'S IT!"
Sitting in the window of a small jewellery store was a slim white gold band, it held a oval shaped emerald with a small round diamond either side. Instantly Draco was in the shop and bought the ring.
"You think I'm doing the right thing don't you Keira?" Draco asked.
"No Draco, I know you're doing the right thing," Keira said then hugged her soon to be brother in law.
For Draco time just flew by, he had gotten nearly everyone's permission, he just didn't want anything to go wrong, and was delighted when, standing on the platform waiting for Melanie, he finally saw her, walking off of the train, she looked up and beamed at him, then ran towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, she kissed him deeply.
"I missed you," She said softly.
"I couldn't tell." Draco replied with a grin.
Beside him Harry and Ginny were embracing, having gotten back on track, Harry was kissing the top of Ginny's head as she held him to her.
Ron was also there carrying a giggling Luna bridal style, kissing her deeply. Spinning her around. Anyone passing could see the love between the three couples.
When they got home there was a great meal waiting for them, Sirius was sitting at the table talking with Hermione, for some time now there had been rumours of a relationship, however Hermione found it so amusing she shot butterbeer out of her nose.
Blaise had returned home from school for Christmas. And all the Weasleys were back.
When Fleur sat down Pansy gapped. No one noticed Fleur hold a finger to her lips to stop Pansy from saying anything.
Everyone was talking happily, laughing and joking, even if it was the first time in a while that anyone had been missing, though Luna's presence drew away from that slightly.
As Pudding was served by Molly and Emma, Fleur caught everyone's attention.
"Bill and I 'ave some news," Fleur said happily. "I'm pregnant." She said. There was a shriek from Molly, who rushed to Fleur and started talking very fast. Fleur laughed as Molly started fussing. "Four months." Fleur replied when Charlie asked when she was due.
"April!" The Twins declared excitedly and then went on to hope the baby will be born on the first.
Fleur beamed, and for the first time Harry noticed she hadn't before looked quite so beautiful.
Everything settled back down, though Molly forced Charlie out of his seat so she could talk baby stuff with Fleur, Ethan turned to Harry.
"I met a girl." He said.
"What like a muggle girl?" Harry asked.
"Yes she's muggle, or well I think she is, she hangs out at the bar," Ethan said.
"Well does she seem interested?" Harry asked.
"I think so she generally hangs out by the bar, talking to me when she can. And a few times we've danced. But I dunno." Ethan said.
"Well do you like her?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, she's stunning, but not only that she's got this great sense about her, I mean she's our age, but she's really smart, she works at the family bakery, loves it," Ethan said.
"What does she look like?" Harry asked.
"She is gorgeous, she has long brown hair, it's curly, kinda like Mel's, and she has this really small little frame, and the biggest brownest eyes ever seen, they are like chocolate," Ethan said slightly dreamily, Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Well what her name?" Harry asked.
"Kate, Kate Sexton." Ethan said.
"Why don't you ask her out?" Harry asked. "It's just a date, can't hurt much."
Ethan nodded, but didn't comment further.
Harry grinned at his brother before turning back to Ginny, he smiled at her, she had cream on the corner of her mouth, he kissed it away.
"Hmm, tonight in your room?" She asked with a wicked smile on her face.
"Most certainly."
Draco took a deep breath, the chaos of Christmas had just passed, it was about eleven at night, and everyone had settled down to listen to music on the radio while sipping eggnog, talking to each other and basically feeling really comfortable. With a smile and wink from Keira Draco stood up and beckoned Melanie to follow him.
He was lucky so far, it had snowed, the night was clear, a dark sky with what looked like hundreds of diamonds scattered across it. Melanie asked what he was doing, but he didn't answer instead he led her towards the willow tree and let her go through first, sitting there was a picnic blanket and two glasses of champagne.
"What are you planning Draco?" Melanie asked smiling at him as she sat down and took a sip of the champagne he offered her.
"I want to ask you something," Draco said, Melanie smiled at him in such a way he knew to continue. "I want to ask you something very important." He said softly.
"What is it Draco?' Melanie asked.
He picked up a small fairy cake and held it up to her, she took it from him and gasped, in the icing was a stunning ring.
"Marry me?" He asked. Melanie looked up at him beaming, her eyes were watery, she just stared into his steel grey eyes.
"Yes," She breathed, Draco beamed, and slipped the ring onto her finger, she smiled at him then laughed, she was so happy. When the ring was secure he placed his hand either side of her face and kissed her deeply.
When they returned to the house an hour or so later they were met by eager faces, all of which burst into great big smiles when Melanie held up her left hand, showing off her ring. Ginny, Hermione, Pansy, Emma, Molly, Belle, Luna and Fleur were all by her side instantly inspecting the ring, they all knew one thing though. It was going to be one hell of a wedding.
Mind you a couple of days later they were pulled into another wedding, Severus and Emma.
The morning brought a stunning sunny day. Emma awoke with a smile, January first; she was going to become Emma Snape today. Slowly she got up, she changed into a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a zip up top, when there was a knock at her door. When she opened it there stood Molly Weasley carrying a tray of breakfast.
"Didn't want you to have to go downstairs and bump into Severus. So do plan on children perhaps now?" Molly asked innocently.
"No I'm in my forties now, Severus in his late forties, I know we could if we wanted to, but I dunno, My parents were older when they had me, I mean they didn't look it, but I think we might shock the kids then, they probably think fifty is it, but of course, as you know, we can carry on until our sixties. Hmm, I dunno, I have my children, maybe I didn't give birth to any of the children living in my house, but they are still my children, even the Weasley boys, I consider them somewhat my own." Emma said.
"I know, I feel all the people under this house are my family, it's nice though," Molly said. "Now eat up, it's nine o'clock, we need you ready for one."
Emma smiled at ate her breakfast, she showered and washed, finally at eleven o'clock Fleur, Belle, Hermione, Pansy and Molly walked in.
"Melanie and Ginny are sorting the boys out. Harry lost his tie, Ron lost both shoes, Blaise lost his dress socks," Molly said shaking her head.
Pansy and Fleur zipped open the dress bag they had to reveal the dress they designed, with some a basis from Emma, and made themselves. It was strapless and beneath it was a very simple silk dress, nothing too much, but on top there was this crossover and the bust, which went down to the floor and into a tail. It was designed with a red and gold pattern. Emma slipped it on and smiled at her friends.
"You look stunning." Belle said.
Next Belle sat her down and did her make up the muggle way. Natural but like a china doll. When she had finished Hermione curled Emma's, long, black hair, so it was in soft waves, then added a small veil.
And to finish it all off Molly handed Emma her bouquet of red and white roses.
"Whoa, I'm getting married." Emma said suddenly.
"Excited?" Hermione asked.
"Terrified, but blissful," Emma replied, just then Keira walked into with Melanie, they were wearing matching pine green dresses, they were simple, with two thin straps, the bust and waist was fitted and it flared out at the hips.
"I feel very, very, very girlie," Melanie said with a smile.
"Deal with it," Keira said grinning.
Fifteen minutes later Severus was standing at the alter with Sirius as his best man, in the same place Bill had stood only a short while ago. Harry, Christopher and Ethan were sitting in the front row, behind them, Draco, Blaise and Ron. Hermione, Belle and Pansy took there seats on the other side in the front, and from then on, the Weasleys spread out, there was also Minerva, Hagrid, Remus, Moody, Tonks, and a few other Order members and staff members. Harry was somewhat surprised, only three years ago he was under the impression Severus hated them all, but now his kindness had made him quite friendly, and he seemed to get on with most people.
Suddenly the music started and everyone stood up, Melanie walked down the isle, closely followed by Keira, both of them looked very pretty, and then Emma walked down the isle. She had never looked better.
When she reached the alter she was beaming, as was Severus. Molly was crying again, she was a sucker for weddings.
Albus stood before everyone in the crowd towards the end of the ceremony and beamed.
"I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride!" Severus took Emma into his arms immediately, and kissed her deeply as cheer broke out. Then in the background he heard Harry exclaim 'Oh God Snape's my uncle!'
He heard his Nieces laugh, and Ginny sigh.
"I'm dating an idiot."
They walked back down the isle arm in arm and enter the Living room, immediately as they walked in it transformed into a reception room, and extended quite a bit.
Everyone filled in and the music started and Emma and Severus had their first dance as Husband and wife, she couldn't have been happier. Emma didn't even notice the bird that flew through the window and straight to Hermione, who received all of Sirius' owls.
Hermione took the letter and opened it immediately.
She rushed to Sirius.
"There's been an attack at Diagon alley, its not looking good; in fact the situation is desperate." Hermione hissed, Sirius straightened up, he didn't know what to do, abandon the wedding, or the people in trouble. When he thought about it that way he knew what he had to do.
"Emma!" Sirius called, the couple walked towards him smiling. "There's been an attack. It's bad, I've got to go." Sirius said. Emma nodded.
"Well you're going to need help. GUYS!" Emma shouted the music stopped. "Attack at Diagon alley." Emma called to everyone and nearly straight away all the order members left with some of the teachers and Aurors.
"I'm sorry Emma," Hermione said giving the older woman a fleeting hug before disappearing for the Ministry.
"Let's dance Severus," Emma said leading him to the now half empty dance floor.