Disclaimer: I own nothing, see prologue.

Epilogue

Saturday, 14 November 2009

Twenty-nine year old Harry Potter stood at the gates of Hogwarts, looking towards Hogsmeade. He was looking at the empty space where Ron, Hermione and Remus had just disapparated from. They had come up to the castle to join the Potter family for dinner. His friends had been thrilled, but not surprised when Ginny announced that she was pregnant with their second child. Harry took a deep breath enjoying the cool, crisp fall air. He was living the happily ever after and he felt like he had earned it.

With the sudden need to kiss his wife, he ran across the grounds and though the castle to the professor's living quarters. He stopped outside his door to catch his breath. He knew he wouldn't get very far if he started his little game winded. He ran his hand over the name plaques at the door. After eight years, they were finally starting to lose the shine and didn't look quite as new as they once had.

Harry J. Potter

Defense Against the Dark Arts

Ginevra M. Potter

Potions

As quietly as he could, Harry opened the apartment door. He was trying to sneak-up on Ginny but was caught by his three-year-old son, Jamie.

"Up, da. Up." Jamie raised his small hands to Harry. Harry picked him up and spun him over his head causing Jamie to laugh loudly. Harry adjusted Jamie so that he was holding him properly and they could look into each other's eyes. Jamie was a good blend of his parents. He had dark brown hair that was full of red undertones. He seemed to have been lucky enough inherit Ginny's thick hair rather than Harry's messy hair. Jamie did, however, have Harry's brilliant green eyes.

"Shouldn't you be in bed little man?"

"I believe that is my fault, Harry." At that moment Ginny and Minerva emerged from the small kitchen that was part of their quarters. Ginny was floating a small tray with three cups of tea and biscuits.

"It's fine, Minerva. Why don't I just put him down then?"

"Good luck." Ginny laughed. Harry shot her a look that spoke volumes. Ginny and Minerva just laughed at him.

"So, Jamie, you need to go to sleep or you're going to make me look bad." Harry told Jamie, who didn't look the least bit tired. Harry spent the next fifteen minutes attempting to get Jamie to sleep. At last he was successful and returned to the front room. As he flopped into the chair he, ran his hands through his hair.

"He's impossible."

"Forgive my bluntness, but you should have known what you were getting into when you named him James Sirius." Harry looked shocked and Ginny laughed. "Ginny informs me that congratulations are in order."

"Yes, thank you."

"Well, let's hope you have a girl," Minerva said sipping her tea.

"Let's hope." Ginny replied.

The three chatted for the next hour about the Gryffindor Quidditch team, the on goings at the ministry and just life in general. After Minerva had bid them goodnight, which included a quick check on Jamie, Harry finally made a start at that game he tried to start with Ginny earlier. As Ginny passed by where he was standing he grabbed her hand and pulled her back to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and her hands slid up his chest ending on the back of his neck.

"What are you up to?"

"I'm planning on loving my wife." He bent his head and kissed her deeply, which she happily returned. He teased her with his tongue until she couldn't stand it, and finally he gave her what he knew she wanted. When they broke apart he breathlessly asked her, "Any objections?"

He immediately began nuzzling her neck, kissing her softly and just generally driving her crazy. When she replied that she had no objections, he bent and wrapped his arm under her knees so that he could carry her. She laughed at him until he made it to their bedroom and kicked the door closed.

Later that night as they lay wrapped in each other's arms, Ginny moved Harry's fringe and gently touched his faded scar. He took her hand in his and kissed her wrist.

"Are you happy Harry?"

"Why do you ask?"

"It hasn't been easy and I just want to make sure."

"Ginny you know better than anyone else what it took to get here. There a few things in my life I would have liked to have done differently. He looked at her and gently kissed her lips. "I love you. I love Jamie. I love our child that you're carrying. I have a good life."

She touched his face and ran her fingers over his lips. "But are you happy?"

"I am. I am. Are you?"

"More than I could have imagined." She ran her hand through his hair and they kissed deeply. When they broke apart, Ginny laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes. Eventually she drifted off listening to his heartbeat.

Harry stayed still, letting Ginny sleep. He softly stroked her hair as he thought about his life. He was grateful for those two weeks that he spent with his parents. He missed them and Sirius everyday, but then he thought about the life that he had now; his beautiful wife sleeping his arms, his son safely sleeping in the next room, and a world at peace. Oh, yes he was happy.

Fin

A/N: Many thanks. To Cliodne for all of her awesome beta work. She really helped make this piece more solid. Her comments often made me laugh or think or sometimes both.

To OrionTheHunterfor allowing me adopt one of his shorts. Without that, this story wouldn't exist.

Finally, to all of my readers and reviewers my most heartfelt thanks. It's good to know that people enjoy what I write.

It's a little sad that it's over, but I have another idea or two for Harry and Ginny so I will be back.