Author's Note: I can't believe it, but my final post on this story is here! I'll be posting the final chapter today plus the epilogue. I really hope you have enjoyed the story and how I've wrapped it up. After you've finished reading, please leave me a final review and let me know what you've thought. I've really enjoyed writing this story and interacting with the readers. Writing this was something completely new for me; before now my main writing was proposals and reports. But I'm hooked now - I'm about 15,000 words into a new original novel that I'm really excited about, so maybe you'll see something more from me in the future. Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to read along with me. Your support means the world to me. Enjoy!

Chapter 19: Vows

December 27, 1998

The next day, Oliver woke early as usual. He looked over at Katie, still sleeping soundly next to him, her body curled around her large belly. He rose silently from the bed and headed downstairs. As he was pouring himself a cup of coffee, Sean entered the kitchen.

"Oliver, good morning," he said politely.

"Good morning," Oliver responded. He turned to leave the kitchen when his brother turned to face him.

"Oliver, I wanted to speak with you," he said. He gestured to the table for Oliver to sit. He obliged. Sean sat opposite him.

"Look, Oliver," he began. "I know we've had our differences over the years, and we haven't always seen eye to eye. Sometimes I worry that you're too impulsive and careless, and I know you think I'm sometimes an arrogant prat."

Oliver offered his brother a chuckle but didn't argue with his assessment.

Sean continued, "I just want to tell you that, reckless and mad as it was, I'm really proud of the bravery you showed during the war and during the battle at Hogwarts."

"Thank you," Oliver said, giving his brother an examining look.

"And, I know I haven't done a good job of showing it," Sean acknowledged, "but I am happy for you and Katie."

Oliver looked at his brother for a moment, not quite believing that he was hearing his words correctly.

"So, you don't think that we're way too young and careless and about to jump in completely over our heads?" he asked with a smile.

"Oh, I definitely think all of those things," Sean said, smiling as well. "But I've seen you grow up a lot in the last year, and I'm proud of the man you've become. You're going to be a great father, Oliver."

Well, shite, Oliver thought. He looked at his big brother appreciatively.

"Thank you, Sean," Oliver croaked, his voice breaking with emotion.

Sean slapped him on the shoulder.

"Aye, now let's get you married," he said with a grin.

xxxxxx

The ceremony had gone off without a hitch. It had been a small gathering of close family and a few friends in a beautiful old abbey near Oliver's parents' home. Katie looked radiant in her blush-pink dress with delicate long lace sleeves. She had worn her hair in loose waves down her back. Oliver couldn't take his eyes off of her.

When they were finished with their vows, they were met with hugs and congratulations from their guests. They ate cake. And then they danced. By that point, Katie had shed her shoes and as Oliver held her in his arms, he was reminded so clearly of their first dance.

"Remember when we danced on the beach?" he asked her sentimentally as they swayed.

Katie smiled at him. "I do," she said. "I was so nervous to be with you that night."

"All I could think of that night was kissing you," he told her.

"And now that you've kissed me?" she asked as she gazed at his eyes.

"I'm so glad you're mine to kiss every day," he told her sincerely. "I love you, Katie."

Katie rested her head on his chest. "I love you too, Oliver," she said.

xxxxxx

January 28, 1999

Five Weeks Later

Following the wedding, Katie and Oliver returned home to the cozy bungalow they had bought outside Norwich. Although Oliver would have liked to be closer to Scotland, he knew it was important to Katie to be close enough for her family to drive up to see her.

After the break in the season for the winter holidays, Oliver returned to Quidditch practice with Puddlemere United. It concerned him to be away from Katie when she was so close to giving birth, but she assured him she would send an owl if she felt the baby was on its way, and that he would have plenty of time to get home. First babies usually take a while to arrive, she had told him.

Finally, in late January, nearly a week after Katie's due date had passed, Oliver was packing up his gear to return home from practice when Quaffle soared through the pitch and landed on the bench next to him. He dropped a small piece of parchment next to Oliver's bag, then flew away. Oliver snatched up the scrap and read Katie's hurried note.

Baby's coming. Get home.

Nervous energy shot through Oliver's veins as he grabbed his bag and Apparated home. He arrived to find Katie leaned against a wall, her eyes closed, breathing deeply. After a moment, she stood up straight and looked at him.

"I hope you're ready," she told him. "This wee one is on the way." She smiled at him, but Oliver could see the trepidation in her expression.

"You've sent for the midwife?" he asked her.

She nodded as she again leaned on the wall, her face wincing in pain. Oliver gently took her hands and guided her to him. She leaned against his chest and let out a small groan. Just then, the Floo roared and the midwife appeared.

As Katie had predicted, the baby took a good while to arrive. Katie's labor was long and her delivery difficult. There was only so much that magic could do to assist with childbirth, Oliver learned, and in watching Katie struggle he was reminded of the helplessness he had felt when he had visited her at St. Mungo's.

Finally, after what seemed like endless hours, a baby boy was laid on Katie's chest. His head was covered in dark hair and his hearty cries immediately filled the air. Oliver was in awe of him. He kissed Katie's forehead and brushed a tear from his own cheek.

xxxxxx

The day after their son was born, Oliver and Katie sent word to their families that they were ready to see visitors. Kinna was back in Australia, so Oliver had sent her an international owl with a letter and a photo. Oliver's parents arrived to visit first. His father declared the boy a bonny wee lad, and his mother reminisced about when Oliver had been born. Sean and Claire arrived shortly after. Claire hogged the baby, insisting that she would not be returning him, all the while giving Sean hinting looks.

"No more babies, Claire," he laughed.

Annis and Isla cooed over their new baby cousin as though he were a new doll just for them. After the Woods had all left, Katie's parents arrived. Katie's mum cried for several minutes as she held the little one, and her father hugged Oliver heartily and congratulated him.

Last to arrive was Ryan, who had encountered bad weather on his commute. He jokingly grumbled about being the only one who had to drive in order to visit. Ryan had been hesitant to hold his nephew for fear of dropping him or holding him the wrong way. Katie dismissed his worries and gently placed the baby in Ryan's arms. He stared at the sleeping boy for a few moments, a look of reverence on his face.

"He's so small," Ryan said in awe.

Katie gave a laugh.

"Hardly, Ryan, he's nearly ten pounds," she told him

"He's amazing, Katie," Ryan said, looking at his sister. "What have you decided to call him?"

Katie smiled.

"Callum Robert Wood," she introduced. "Callum's a Scottish name meaning dove, or peace. We figured since he was born right after the war was won, it was appropriate."

"And Robert … like my middle name?" Ryan asked with a look of surprise.

"Aye, after his godfather," Oliver replied with a proud smile.

Ryan gaped at his sister and her husband.

"Godfather?" he asked. "Me? Are you sure? Don't you want someone from, er, your world?"

"You are a part of our world, Ry," Katie told him with a smile. "Besides, he'll have plenty of people to show him how to ride a broom, but you're the only one who can teach him how to properly kick a football. What do you say?"

"I'd be honored," Ryan said, gazing down on Callum's sleeping face. "He may be a Wood, but I'll make sure he's a Bell as well."