AN/ WOW! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. But all things must come to an end. This is the last chapter, although there will be an epilogue. I hope you have enjoyed the story. And big thanks to April for wonderful beta services and encouragement.

Comfort XVII

Victorious-evincing moral harmony or a sense of fulfillment : FULFILLED

****

It was Christmas Eve and the Gryffindor common room was warm and cheery, decorated with baubles and ribbons. Snow was falling heavily, the white glistening flakes making intricate splotches against the panes before melting into droplets of water. Students relaxed and chatted before the roaring fire. More students had opted to stay over the holidays this year, claiming that they had to study for the upcoming NEWTS or OWLS. The unspoken reason was that Hogwarts was the safest place in the Wizarding World with the rise of Voldemort. The Daily Prophet grew thicker each week, with more stories of tragedy, death and destruction.

"Nice T-shirt, Harry," Ginny teased as she sat down at the table where Ron and Harry were playing wizard chess.

"You'd think it was the only one he owned," laughed Ron.

Harry blushed. Tonks had given him the black t-shirt with the 'Weird Sisters' emblazoned in bright pink on the front.

"Something to remind you of me," she had told him the night before he had to leave for Hogwarts. Then she had kissed him. Harry smiled, thinking of that kiss that had sent sparks through him.

"Checkmate," Ron said with satisfaction as his queen smashed Harry's last knight. "Ten to zero. Care for another game?"

"No thanks," Harry laughed. "I am beginning to feel like a loser."

"How about Exploding Snap then?" Ginny asked. "Maybe Hermione would like to play too?"

"You ask her," Ron said with a shudder. "She's in one of her 'thinking' moods."

"Oh," Ginny said soberly, looking around for Hermione.

"I'll do it," Harry said, getting up.

Hermione sat in a chair by a window, her Ancient Runes text lay on the floor at her feet. Crookshanks was curled up in her lap purring contentedly as she stroked his head.

"Hermione?"

She jerked out of her revelry to look up at Harry. "Want to play a game of Exploding Snap with us?" he asked tentatively. He never knew how Hermione would react nowadays.

The first couple of weeks back at school, Hermione had been withdrawn and melancholy. Her sad eyes often filled with tears. They hadn't known how to comfort her, even Ginny seemed at a lost. Harry couldn't imagine losing a child but sympathized with her. It was hard losing anyone, even someone you didn't know yet.

"No thanks."

"Okay." Harry started to leave then asked. "Are you thinking of Remus?"

She eyed him carefully. "Ginny tell you?"

"Yeah. About Remus offering to annul the marriage."

"I guess you are going to tell me it's for the best," she snipped.

Harry shook his head. "Well, if two people love each other I think they should be together."

"IF it was meant to be you mean," she said sarcastically.

"No. I mean if two people care for each other they need to come right out and just say so. They could wait their lives away for fate to throw them together."

Hermione looked at him in wonderment. "When did you become so wise in matters of the heart, Mr. Potter?"

"Tonks," he muttered, his cheeks turning red. "I guess it comes down to one thing Hermione. What do you really want to do?"

She turned and looked out the window once more. Harry waited patiently for a few minutes.

"I want to go see Dumbledore," she said firmly, getting up and giving Harry a hug.

****

"Hermione," Remus said in surprise as he opened the door to number 12 Grimmauld Place. What are you doing here?"

"Freezing," she said with a nervous laugh. "Are you going to let me in or am I going to stand here till I turn into an ice block?"

Looking dazed, he stepped aside. After locking the door, he turned to look at her "How..."

"I Apparated. I got my license last month and, yes, Dumbledore knows where I am. Also I came because I couldn't bear the thought of you spending Christmas alone," she explained quietly, eyeing the curtain covering Mrs. black's portrait.

Remus shook his head as a broad grin graced his face. "Let's go to the kitchen," he said, softly putting a hand on her elbow. "The fire's warm and I will fix you some tea."

Sitting on a footstool, Hermione warmed her socked feet before the fire. "Here you are." Remus handed her a cup a tea. "One sugar and milk."

"Thanks," she said, sipping the hot liquid. The cup clattered on the saucer as her hand shook a little.

Remus sat down on the floor in front of her, picking up her feet and placing them in his lap. He rubbed one between his hands as he studied her. "Getting warmer?"

Flushing she nodded. He looked so good to her. The firelight reflected in his smoky gray eyes and made gold streaks in his hair. Dressed in faded jeans and the jumper she had made him last Christmas, he looked very handsome. But there was something different... "I like the glasses," she said, admiring the gold frames.

Remus chuckled. "I think they make me look respectable, don't you think?"

"Very," she said smiling into her cup.

"Hermione, I appreciate that you didn't want me to be alone, but wouldn't you rather be with your friends or your parents? I feel like there is another reason you came here tonight."

She swallowed her tea hard, wanting to say that he was her family, her best friend, but she couldn't form the words.

"What's the matter Hermione?" Remus asked gently, moving to kneel beside her. He brushed a damp curl off her cheek. "I feel how nervous you are and you are afraid. Is there something you want to tell me?"

"Yes..."

"I won't bite," he said with a small smile.

She felt such a wave of sorrow rush over her that she almost sobbed. Looking into his eyes, she tried to smile. "I just wanted to say... I love you."

He brushed her cheek with his fingers. "I love you, too, but there is something else you wanted to say, isn't there?"

"I...I...I need to go to the loo," she said, getting up.

Feeling her anxiety flow through him, Remus watched her leave. .He stood and rested his arm on the mantle, staring into the fire. 'She's going to tell me she wants her freedom,' he thought wearily. 'And I will let her go, for her sake.'

"It will be better this way," he said bitterly.

"What will be better?"

Turning to look at her, Remus' arm slipped off the mantle as he lost his footing. He straightened up quickly and stared. She was standing in the doorway, wearing the black negligee she had worn on their wedding night at her parents. His blood raced as his body started to react to the delicious sight of her. Her hair was damp and disheveled, her cheeks pink and her eyes bright; she was intoxicating. His nostrils flared as she neared him, the aroma of her perfume, a light flowery scent, didn't mask the smell of 'her' that he had come to love.

"Hermione," he groaned softly, "What do you think you're doing?" He fought the desire to grab her. If he touched her now, there would be no turning back.

"I'm here to be with my husband and to claim my wifely rights," she said shyly, though there was a glint of determination in her eyes.

"Hermione..." his hands reached out to her instinctively. Grasping her around the waist, he pulled her closer but kept her body from touching his.

"You promised me you would think about what I said about being free."

"And I did," she said defiantly. "I have done nothing else but think about 'it' and you. Do you know, Remus Lupin, that I am going to fail my NEWTs and it will be all your fault?"

"Moi?" he asked teasingly.

"Yes, you. I want you, to be with you. Nothing will change that." She moved closer, running her hands up his jumper.

Remus' hands moved to encircle her waist. He was trembling with need. "Hermione, be sure. There will be no changing your mind later."

"I will never change my mind," she murmured, standing on her toes and pressing her lips to his.

Her moist lips against his created a moan deep in his throat. Crushing her to him, he kissed her back with all the longing and love that had been repressed these last months. Their mouths sought each other's again and again, until Remus wanted to taste the sweetness within. Parting her lips, he tasted her, urging her to do the same.

"Remus," she whispered when he broke the kiss at last, his hot kisses trailing down her throat and back up to her ear.

"I want you so much Hermione," he groaned. "But I want you to be sure."

Lifting one leg, she urged him to pick her up. He obliging lifted her as she wrapped her legs around him, his hands on her butt, holding her. "How can you ask that?" she asked, nibbling on his neck and grinding against him. "You are part of me. How can I live without all of me?"

"I love you," he said fiercely, claiming her mouth once more. He moved towards the dining table, sitting her down. Hermione smiled and lay back on the cool wood.

"Hermione," he growled, leaning over and running a hand down her body, across her breasts, down her stomach and to her knees. "We should go upstairs..."

"No, I need you now," she urged, whimpering a little as his hand slid upward, pushing up the negligee.

"My beautiful wife," he murmured, as he pushed the negligee up above her hips. He could feel her desire coursing through his veins as strong and demanding as his own.

"Remus, I want you to make love to me now," she said huskily.

Drunk on desire, he stood up; never taking his smoky eyes off of her as he quickly shed his clothes. Taking his wand out of the pocket of his jeans, he pointed it at her.

"No," she said quietly, meeting his gaze steadily.

He drew in a sharp breath. "Are you sure?"

She laughed softly, holding her arms out to him. "Quit asking so many damn questions and come here."

Remus moved between her legs, shaking with the intensity of the emotions running through him. Leaning down he kissed her gently. "Forever," he said huskily as they joined.

"Forever," she said, gripping his back and pulling him closer.

Their lovemaking was intense, each feeling the others emotions and kindled with the reality that their commitment would be complete. He could feel himself within her, reeling once more at the sensation the bonding spell allowed them to share.

"Sweet Hermione," he gasped as he felt her tighten around him, as her hands gripped his forearms, her nails digging in as she urged him to go deeper.

She exploded around him and with a shout he followed.

Collapsing against her, Remus lay there panting, feeling her stroke his sweaty back. Finally he rose up to look at her. Her face was shining with sweat and happiness. "I love you, Mrs. Lupin," he said softly, overwhelmed as he felt tears in his eyes.

"And I love you, Mr. Lupin," she said, a quiver in her voice and he knew she was as overwhelmed as he was. He kissed her tenderly, thanking the heavens that she hadn't changed her mind about being with him.

Holding out his hand, he helped her off the table. She giggled.

"And just what is so funny?" he asked in mock dismay.

"I was just imaging Mrs. Weasley if she knew what we had just done in 'her' kitchen away from home."

Remus laughed, hugging his blushing wife in pure enjoyment. "It wasn't the first time," he said slyly, not feeling any remorse about that evening so long ago.

"No," she sighed contentedly, snuggling in his embrace.

"We need to get you upstairs and in a warm bed before you get chilled."

"Remus, maybe we could just stay here tonight? Remember how you changed the rug that night?"

Smiling, he picked up his wand and transfigured the thin rug into a thick comforter. "Accio pillows, Accio blankets," he said. In moments, the pillows and blankets came speeding into the kitchen. Remus spread the blankets over the comforter then held out his hand to her.

"Just a minute," she said. Hermione hurried over to her cloak that was hanging on a nail near the stove. Her smile was wide as she came back and crawled beneath the blankets. Remus lay down beside her. They turned on their sides to look at each other.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered sincerely, lovingly stroking her cheek. She took his hand and pressed something soft into it. Opening his fingers he saw the gold silk ribbon.

"Forever," she said.

"Forever," he agreed, cuddling her to him.

****

"I can't believe it's June already," Ginny said yawning wide.

"I can," moaned Ron. "First those NEWTs and we still have the end of the year exams next week. I've had a headache for a week now."

Hermione smiled behind her Arthimacy book. She felt sad that her life at Hogwarts was coming to an end, but was excited about her new life with Remus and her new job. The owl had arrived two days ago saying that she had been tentatively accepted at the Ministry in an entry-level position. She hadn't shared the news with her friends yet for she wanted Remus to be the first to know.

With McGonagall's permission, she was allowed to talk with Remus by floo network every Friday night for one hour. There had been weeks he wasn't available but it was much nicer than sending letters.

"Has anyone seen Harry?" asked Ron.

Hermione frowned. "I haven't seen him since dinner. He said he had a meeting with Dumbledore." Since February Harry had been called to meetings with the Headmaster to discuss the movements and plans of the Order. Since he was the one that had to defeat Voldemort, Dumbledore had inducted him into the Order. Ron was a bit put out by this when he had asked why he and Hermione couldn't be inducted also. He had received the same response George and Fred, who were now working for the Order, had several years ago. 'We only want those who are out of school and of age.' Harry however, was a different story.

The booming voice of Professor McGonagall startled the students. Several jumped and Crookshanks' hair stood on end as her bodiless voice came from the ceiling. "All Prefects to the front Hall. All Prefects to the Front Hall." Hermione jumped up quickly as did Ron. The other Gryffindor Prefects were heading towards the portrait hall. "All students are to stay in the common rooms. Any student caught outside his or her own house will be severely punished."

They arrived in the Great Hall with the others. McGonagall stood with her wand out, looking grave. "Attention," she barked, quietening the whispering students. Hermione noticed that the Slytherin Prefects were not there.

"You have noticed that some of your fellow Prefects are not in attendance. I must stress the seriousness about what is happening. Hogsmeade is being attacked as we speak." There were gasps and one fifth year screamed. "Silence! You must keep calm. The Death Eaters are trying to gain entrance to the school. The possibility of this is almost nonexistent. The grounds are protected, however we must be on guard. Because of the nature of those in Slytherin," she lifted her chin. "Professor Flitwick has warded the Slytherin house so the students cannot leave."

"But professor, what if something happens..."

"Nothing will happen, but if the worse does occur the wards will come down quickly and the students can run or fight. Your job tonight will be patrolling the castle and the grounds. I only want seventh years outside and no one, I repeat, no one, will attempt to engage an intruder if at all possible. Those outside will send up red sparks if they are in trouble or spot someone. Those in the castle will use the portraits to send a message to the other teachers. You will pair off in threes. Any questions?"

Hermione wanted to ask her about Harry, but knew that now was not the time. McGonagall began to assign parts of the castle to each group. "Miss Granger," she motioned her to come nearer. "You, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Finch- Fletchly will take the east side of the grounds. Do not go into the Forbidden Forest. Are you clear on what is expected?"

"Yes," Hermione said. Ron and Justin echoed her response.

They went out into the dark night. Light rain had dampened the grass and chilled the air.

"So, what's the plan?" Justin asked.

"We will walk around the edge of the forest to Hagrid's, check his hut, then continue to the greenhouses," Hermione said.

"Right," Ron agreed. Their eyes met briefly, their concern for their friend unspoken.

Quietly they made their rounds. When they got to Hagrid's, Ron went in first. Fang the boarhound met him with a bark and promptly slobbered all over the front of his robes. "I think we can say no one's in here," he said with a nervous laugh. "Fang would be hiding under the bed."

Exiting the hut, they saw something in the distance, hovering over Hogsmeade. Hermione gripped Ron's arm hard.

"It's the Dark Mark," Ron whispered in fear. "Does that mean...?"

"We can't think that way," Hermione said firmly, though she felt the dread run through her also. "Let's check the greenhouses as planned."

The trio neared the long line of greenhouses. "Let's each take one and meet in the middle," Ron suggested. "It will be quicker that way."

"I agree," Justin said quietly.

"I don't know, McGonagall said to stay together."

"We won't be that far apart. Come on, Hermione. You take this one; I'll take greenhouse three and, Justin, you take four. We will all meet in greenhouse two. All right."

"I suppose," she said reluctantly. They split up.

Hermione entered the greenhouse cautiously. The dark greenhouse resembled a jungle, heavy fronds cast strange shadows across the tables and the aroma of dragon dung filled the air. Not daring to use a light spell, she carefully made her way through the long aisles, heading for the door at the far end. Satisfied there was no one in the green house, she exited and entered into the next one.

She was halfway through the greenhouse when she heard a yell. Her heart began to pound, knowing it had been Ron. Running down the long aisle, she exited. Trying to catch her breath, she entered the next one catiously. "Ron?" she said as loudly as she dare to. Moving slowly down the narrow aisle between the tables, she held her wand in front of her.

Her foot caught on something and she fell, rolling as she did. Looking behind her, she saw Ron lying on the ground. Crawling over to him, she held her breath until she saw that he was breathing shallowly. There was a shuffling sound behind her and she looked back quickly. Nothing. Then to her left she saw something dart pass her and she almost screamed until she recognized the bald tail of a rat disappearing out of sight. 'Don't freak out over a rodent' she laughed inwardly. A rat...'Scabbards?'

Something gripped her right wrist and dragged her to her feet. Hermione gasped as she looked into the sweating face of Peter Pettigrew. "Well if it isn't the bushy haired Mudblood," he said gleefully. Holding her wrist with his silver hand, he squeezed it hard, causing Hermione to cry out in pain as her wand fell from her limp hand.

"Let me go!" she screamed, kicking him in the leg. Wormtail grunted and slapped her across the face with his other hand. Hermione's head jerked back but she still tried to kick at him. He pointed his wand at her. "Locomotor Mortis."

Her legs locked together and it was only his grip on her wrist that kept her from falling forward. "What did you do to Ron?" she demanded, still trying to wretch away from him.

"He's alive," Peter said with a nasty laugh. "I thought I owed him that much for all the years he took care of me as Scabbards. Of course he will probably wish I had killed him once the others overrun the school."

"They will never win," Hermione said with conviction.

Wormtail laughed. "Foolish girl. We already have. The Dark Mark signaled my Master to the spot where Potter was. I am sure he is dead by now as you will be. Pity I couldn't wait for dear Lupin to witness this but there are places to go, people to kill. Imagine my surprise to hear my old friend had gotten married and I wasn't invited. A mudblood was the best he could hope for I suppose."

"Remus is worth more than all your so called purebloods," she said angrily.

"Such devotion. I will be sure to let him know your last words were in defense of him." He raised his wand. "Avada Ked..."

The side of the greenhouse exploded, sending shards of glass everywhere as two beams of light hit Pettigrew, lifting him off his feet. Hermione instinctively threw her hands over her head as glass pelted her.

"Hermione!"

She lifted her head to see Remus and Bill climbing through the hole in the greenhouse. Remus reached her side first. "Are you okay?"

"Yes. Remus what happened? Is Harry..." her words trailed off as Remus turned away from her and picked Wormtail off the floor with his hands clasped around Peter's neck.

"You damn bastard!" Remus spat.

Pettigrew squirmed as Remus lifted him high. "Rem...us..." he gasped, gripping Remus' arms trying to break the crushing choke hold. Pettigrew tongue lolled out as his lips turned blue.

"Remus, no!" Hermione shouted. "Bill, stop him."

"Remus, let go," Bill urged, trying to break Remus' hold on Pettigrew.

"He deserves to die!" Remus growled.

"But not by you," Bill reasoned. "You don't want to go to Azkaban for murder."

"Please Remus!" Hermione begged. "Don't, for me."

Remus' shoulders sagged and he released Peter, who fell to the floor unconscious.

He released her from the leg lock spell. She was bleeding from the shards of glass sticking everywhere on her. Remus cast a spell and the glass flew towards his wand like a magnet. "Oh love," he whispered gathering her in his arms as she sobbed against his chest. "I am so sorry to hurt you, but it was the only way."

"We were following Pettigrew when he transformed. If we hadn't heard someone cry out, we would have never came this way," Bill said. "Didn't know what kind of spell Wormtail was about to cast at you, but we figured it couldn't be good."

"Ron!" Hermione cried, remembering him. "He was the one who cried out. He's over in the next aisle. They ran quickly over to Ron. "He's only stunned," Bill said in relief, enervating his brother.

"What happened?" Ron asked, looking dazed. "Bill? Is the school under attack?"

"It's over," Remus said with a smile. "Voldemort is dead."

"But we saw the Dark Mark," Hermione gasped, unbelieving what she had heard.

"That was part of Dumbledore's plan. Snape had brought us detailed information on the attack tonight. Voldemort's instructions to his Death Eaters were to find Harry and signal by casting the Dark Mark in the sky. Harry was with Dumbledore and Snape, waiting in a small clearing outside Hogsmeade. Phoenix members were to keep the rest of the Death Eaters occupied so the fight would only be between them. Snape conjured the signal when Dumbledore instructed," Bill explained excitedly.

"Then it's really over?" Hermione whispered.

"Yes love," Remus sighed, wrapping her tighter in his arms. "There are still skirmishes with the Death Eaters going on, but once they realized Voldemort is dead they will flee or surrender."

"And Harry's okay?" Ron asked, a grin on his face.

"Yes. He will be. The spell he used on Voldemort drained him," Remus said solemnly. "In time he will be."

Justin came in, his wand at the ready. They quickly explained to him what had happened.

"We need to head for the castle," Bill said, putting an arm around his brother's shoulders. "I have a feeling there will be a celebration going on."

Exiting the greenhouse, Hermione felt the rain on her face. Looking up in the sky she no longer saw the hideous visage of a green skull and snake. "It's truly over, isn't it," she said softly. Remus took her hand.

"Yes." He pulled her to him and lifted her chin. "But it's just beginning for us." He lowered his mouth to hers and she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately.

"Hey you two," Bill teased. "You will be late for the celebration. Unless you want a private 'celebration'."

"I didn't need to hear that," Ron groaned.

Remus and Hermione broke apart and laughed. Hand in hand, they followed after the others.