Epilogue

One Blissful Couple


So it turns out Harry and I are happily together, even after all the crap we put each other through. We have had our differences in the past, but now that we are together, things are wonderful.

I'm sure you all are wondering how this tale ends. Well, I suppose I might as well tell you nosy gits.

The day after Valentine's Day, Harry and I spent the day together in his room. No, don't let your panties get in a twist. We kept everything very innocent. Sure, there was the occasional kiss and all that, but what do you expect? We're bloody teenagers, for Merlin's sake!

Like I was saying, we spent the day in Harry's room, just talking. I learned more about Harry that day than I've learned about Vin and Greg in the entire time we've been in school together. I suppose that could be because the prats can barely string two words together without getting confused, but still.

What about classes, you say?

Classes?

Who needs classes?

And besides that, would any of you go to classes when you're alone, in a bedroom, with the hottest man alive?

Not bloody likely!

Oh, stop it Harry. You are too the hottest man alive. Well, yeah, of course besides me. Can I get back to the story now?

Ahem.

For a while after that, we kept our whole relationship a secret. Wouldn't you? After so many years of being at each others' throats, our Housemates backing us up one hundred per cent… So we kept it to ourselves.

After about a week or so, we told the important people. Harry told Weasel and the Mudbl-. Fuck. Still can't stop that. Ron and Hermione. Anyway. Harry told them, and I told Vin and Greg. We swore them to secrecy, of course.

Heh, Harry actually found this nice little spell that made it so if they told anyone, they would go bald for the day and the person who they told would get instantly Obliviated. I almost wanted Mu-. Ergh. Hermione. Damn it! Anyway. I wanted her to try and tell. Seeing her bald would be bloody hilarious. Shame those two are so damn loyal to Harry. I suppose I should really get used to them. You'd think I would have by now.

Where was I? Damn you people for getting me off-topic!

Then about a month after Valentine's, we went public. We walked into the Great Hall together, holding hands.

It was the funniest damn thing I have ever seen! Severus and Old Lady McGonagall passed out. Sev was sitting down, luckily, so he just slumped over in his chair. Mickey-Gee, though… Heh heh. She was just about to sit down, so she fell over the damn table. Did a header clear across the thing and nearly broke her own neck. I suppose I shouldn't be amused by it, but I can't help it. I've never liked McGonagall anyway.

OW! Bloody hell, Harry. I haven't! It's not my fault! No need to poke a hole clear through my middle for stating fact! Damn it, let me get back to my story, will you?

Anyway.

Dumbledore's eyes just twinkled even more than usual, like he knew it was coming. Not that I wasn't expecting him to know. Barmy old codger manages to know everything about everybody in his school at all times. Damn him and his omnipotence. Anyway, you could tell he knew.

OW! Stop poking me! I can call the old man whatever I want for crying out loud! Argh. Again, getting back to the story…

We walked in, and just about the whole school was staring at us. I was loving the attention, of course. A Malfoy should get that kind of attention. So most of the school was staring, eyes popping out like, what are they called, Harry Love? Right. Like cartoon characters. Jaws were wide open all over the room. At least two dozen girls passed out along with Sev and McGonagall. Heh, I'm sure seeing Hogwarts' two most eligible bachelors walking in together was quite upsetting to many girls, and a good-sized handfull of blokes, too.

Once everyone noticed that we walked in together and had pretty much gotten over that shock, we gave them another one.

Hey. Enough with the poking! Ow! Alright, alright!

I gave everyone another shock. I grabbed Harry, and gave him a good sound kiss on the lips. Right there, in front of everyone. Harry tried to pull away for a second, but the Malfoy charm was too much for him, and he gave in fast. Heh heh. Can't resist me, this one! Ow! Stop it!

Anyway, after the nice little snogging session, Harry and I spilt and went to our usual seats.

Over the next few months, we had to deal with everyone, trying to get them over seeing us together.

Father was royally pissed. Almost killed me when he heard. But he got over it. Everyone got over it after a while. The gossips got over it. The Daily Prophet stopped paying that brat Creevey for pictures of us snogging…

Now everyone is really supportive. No one gives a shit about us seeing each other anymore. It's nice to finally be out of the limelight.

Wait, did I just say that?

Yeah, I guess I did. But Harry was right. Being a celebrity isn't all it's cracked up to be. Cameras in our faces, and stupid cow reporters writing nonsense articles about us.

It's been just about a year now. Harry and I are going to celebrate our one year anniversary on Valentine's. I'm really excited about it. And funny thing…

So is Harry.

~ " * " ~

Draco Malfoy sat in his normal seat at breakfast on the morning of February the fourteenth. Vin Crabbe and Greg Goyle surrounded him as they had for the last six years. Snuggling up to each of them on their other sides were their newly acquired girlfriends, Millicent Bulstrode and Pansy Parkinson respectively.

Draco smiled. It was nice to see all his Housemates and friends so happy. Hell, it was nice to be happy. He stole a glance across the Hall at his boyfriend, Harry. Harry was again encircled by gifts and well-wishes from his many fans and admirers. Draco was proud to know that most of those gifts were courtesy of himself. This year, Harry did not look as bothered by the presents, though. In fact, he seemed flustered and honored, really.

Draco's eyes were drawn toward the enchanted ceiling as a tawny barn owl came sweeping down toward him. A long, thin black box was deposited on the table directly in front of him. Tied neatly around the middle was a brilliant green fabric ribbon. Draco smiled again and peered back at Harry. His Gryffindor beau was currently grinning into his pumpkin juice and refusing to meet Draco's eyes.

Draco shook his head fondly, a loving smile on his lips. He tugged the ribbon free and watched as it sparkled and turned silver. Copy cat, thought Draco.

Inside the box was a pure white rose, glittering with the magic that was so obviously penetrating it. He plucked the rose out of its box and lifted it to his nose. As soon as he inhaled its sweet perfume, a stark white envelope appeared inside the box.

He exchanged rose for envelope and extracted the parchment. As he read, a small voice resounded in his ear. It whispered the words aloud as Draco's eyes hit them.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dearest Draco,

I have loved you for so long, it has become second nature. A part of my daily routine, even. Seeing you every day for almost seven years has been such a joy for me. Your smile has the power to brighten even my darkest hour.

I would like to show you tonight just how much you mean to me. Please meet me at the bottom of the Main Staircase in the Entrance Hall. Tonight at ten.

You know what to do to approve of the date and time.

All my love,

One Handsome Phenomenon

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Draco grinned brightly. He picked up the rose again and set it under his nose. As he breathed in the fragrance, the same small voice whispered to him again.

"See you tonight, my love."

Draco's grin widened. He was definitely looking forward to that night. He and Harry would be spending it together for the second year in a row. And they were going to celebrate the first annual memorial of their end as enemies and beginning as partners.

The day went fast for Draco. For that, he was immensely happy. To his and his yearmates' amusement, Snape finally gave in and taught them all how to mix love-related potions. Draco swore at least half the Gryffindors were going to pass out when Snape actually smiled at them and wished them a happy Valentine's Day.

The night came, and Draco readied himself for his date with 'One Handsome Phenomenon,' who he knew would be Harry. Who else could it be? He approached the staircase that night at ten, and was met with an interesting sight.

Waiting for Draco was a tall figure shrouded in black, just as he had been the year before. He painted a look of mock fear on his face as he approached.

"Who-who are you?" he stammered, repressing a chuckle.

The robed figure stifled a laugh. "The man with whom you shall spend the rest of your days."

Draco nodded reverently, holding back a smile. "Oh, I see. And what do you have planned for this evening?"

"Take my hand and you will see." The robed figure held out a gloved hand. Draco took it. A second later, he felt a tug behind his navel that told him the glove was treated to become a port key. Another second more and his feet landed firmly on the carpet he had come to know so well. They were in Harry's room.

Draco smiled finally. "Please, at least let me see the face of the man I am destined to be with for the rest of my life."

Hands moved to strip away the hood, and of course Draco was met with the beautiful face he knew and loved so deeply. And on the sweet satin-like lips was a blinding smile.

The pair met with a soft kiss. Harry stepped back after a moment, still smiling. "Would you like to receive your present now, my Love?"

Draco grinned. "But of course, my dear." He looked around the room for a gift-wrapped box of some kind. "Where is it?"

Harry brought Draco's face back so Draco had to look at him. "Here." He snapped his fingers, and the black robes were replaced by a red satin robe, held closed by a shining silver bow tied around his waist. Draco's eyebrows ran for cover under the fringe of his hair.

He stepped forward and undid the ribbon around his boyfriend's waist. It fell away, and the folds of the robe separated to reveal Harry's scantily clad body. The only thing on his toned frame was a pair of black silk boxers with tiny red hearts.

Draco's breath stopped as he took in the sight before him. But he only hesitated a moment before pouncing his Gryffindor.

The two stumbled over to Harry's bed somehow and stayed there for the remainder of the night.

~ " * " ~

That night, Draco and I gave each other more than just the Valentine's Day presents.

That's right.

We made love for the first time on our first anniversary. And my God, it was amazing.

But I'll spare you the details.

Oh, stop moaning, all of you! I'm not telling! That's between me and Dray!

Anyway. Ever since that night by the lake, I have been so lucky! Oh, geez, Dray. Stuff it! Stop bragging! Ahem.

Where was I?

Right.

I've been so lucky. Like Draco said before, everyone is really supportive. Sure, Sirius flipped a bit, but he's alright now.

Draco and I live together now. After graduation, we got this great little house just outside Hogsmeade. I have never been happier. We both work for the Ministry. And of course, we're both in the Order.

We brought down Voldemort a couple months ago, so we don't have to worry about that sodding prick anymore either.

Life is so good now.

If you had told me a couple years ago that I would so happy now, I would have insisted you were a complete nutter.

If you told me I would actually look forward to Valentine's Day, I would have told you it was time for you to get your arse over to St. Mungo's.

If you'd told me that not only would I be happy and enjoy Valentine's Day, but that I would be living with Draco Malfoy for the rest of my life, I would have taken you to St. Mungo's myself and made sure you were tucked back in some distant corner of the psychotics' ward.

But I do look forward to it.

A lot.

That Valentine's Day was the turning point in my life.

Ever since Draco sent me that letter, signed "One Delectable Mystery," I've learned what love really is. Heh heh, and he is a delectable one, too. Although he's no mystery to me anymore.

Anyway, once he took off that masking spell, I knew my life was going to be so much better.

That night, I found out about Draco's love, and I finally got to tell him how I felt. I feel so much freer now.

Now, with Draco by my side, I feel like I can handle anything life throws at me. And I know I can. Just because Dray loves me.

Oh, Draco, stop blubbering. Here, have a Kleenex. He's such a pushover when it comes to lovey-dovey stuff.

Then again…

So am I.

~ " * " ~ The End ~ " * " ~