A/N: I wanted to assure Makura Koneko that this is the last chapter (except for the four appendices). A heartfelt thank you to everyone who reviewed.
Epilogue: The Grey Havens
It was almost one hundred and fifty years since that fateful day. Ron Weasley stood on the docks of the Grey Havens, holding Hermione in his arms. He felt it deep inside, the call to go to the west, but he regretted leaving his wife behind. Hermione demanded that he go when she could see him off. It was better, she thought, than to let him find out about her illness, and have him watch her waste away. Those were not the memories she wanted him to have.
They watched silently as the ship sailed into the Grey Havens, only to be disturbed by movement behind them.
Draco had arrived, in his own style, on a flying carpet, with leather armchairs for each passenger. His grandson, Liam, did the flying. When the carpet landed, he stood up, and waved to the Weasleys. Draco was feeling his age, and walked slowly to the old couple. He had offered to leave at the same time as Ron, although it would be hard for him as well. He stood in grim humor as the ship docked.
"My Lady," a voice called out from on board. Faramir Took, looking as hale as he did at his coming of age, greeted her from the ship. "I came in hope to see you here. I never said goodbye when I left." It made Hermione glad to see her dear friend one last time.
Ron hugged Hermione goodbye, but Draco gave a harsh laugh, "Now he'll have to do it again," he told the old woman, "you have to go on board to say goodbye to your Protector."
"And then I get to hug Ron one more time," Hermione said, returning the laugh.
She followed her husband on board the ship, and went to greet the hobbit, but Earendil, the Mariner, stepped up saying, "this is not allowed. Only those who travel may come on board. There are only two children of men who may come."
"Then take those two," Draco called out in anger, "and I'll stay here. Ron doesn't want to leave his wife, and I don't want to leave mine." He turned his back muttering a few words, and began to leave the ship.
"That cannot be done," Earendil called after him..
"Yes, it can," Draco replied, turning around, "All you have to do, is do it."
Earendil glared at Draco, but then the shining stone on his brow grew bright for a brief moment. "It seems you are right," he said, with a surprised smile. "She will take your place."
Hermione came over and hugged Draco, "Thank you, for one more happy ending."
"You're wrong," he whispered after he walked from the ship, "Two more happy endings."
Draco walked back to the armchair and sat down. His exertions had tired him, and he needed to rest. He watched as the ship sailed, taking the straight path to the west, and shed a happy tear.
Fiona walked up to him and said, "That was a good gesture, Husband, for her and for me."
Draco looked up and said, "You are as beautiful as the first day I saw you."
Fiona laughed, "You've told me that too many times for over a hundred years for me to believe you anymore."
"It is true," Draco said, "even as I look at you, I feel like the boy I was when I first walked off that boat."
Fiona put out her hand and helped him stand up, saying, "If you feel that good, we should go for a short walk." She put her arm in his, and they walked slowly to the trees.
Liam Malfoy looked at his grandfather and his peaceful smile. With his hand, he closed Draco's eyes, then raised the carpet gently and flew home. They would lay him down next to grandmother, so the two could be together again.
- FINIS -