Chapter 17 – It doesn't end here, it begins here –

Emma opened her eyes and looked out the window and saw that the sun was up and the snow was shining in its light. Today was a special day, it was her birthday and Draco said his gift was special so she was curious about what it was.

Hermione was still asleep when Emma got up and walked to the bathroom.

"You're up?" Emma asked after she was out of the bathroom seeing Hermione sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Yeah, Happy Birth Day Emma" Hermione said while getting up and hugging the birth day girl.

"Thank you Herms" she said and smiled

"So, what do you think Draco got you for your birth day?" she asked her.

"I have no idea. I'll love it, I'm sure of that." She said grinning. Everyone else already gave her their gifts. Hermione bought her a silver necklace and 2 books, Harry and Ginny bought her a pair of earrings and 2 bracelets, Ron bought her a lovely personalized notebook in her favorite colors, green and yellow. Molly and Arthur gave her a new sweater and George some new products from their shop. Everyone else thought she wouldn't like George's gift but she loved it. She really did change. A year ago if anyone would have told her that she would spend Christmas at the Weasley's she would have told them they were crazy.

After a shower she got dressed and did her make-up a little more special today, being her birthday and all. She dressed with a simple red dress, she didn't want to be overdressed but at the same time she wanted to look different from the other days.

"You look great Emma. Draco will fall in love with you even more" Hermione said while brushing her hair.

"I do hope so. I don't want him to think I'm dull or something" she said

"Emma you are already dressed?" Harry asked when he saw the 2 girls in the living room.

"Yes and I plan to stay dressed like this all day long" she said and smiled

"Happy Birth Day Emma" he said and hugged her.

"Thank you Harry"

"Happy Birth Day Emma" Ron said poking his head out of the kitchen.

"Thank you Ronald. But please come here and hug me" she said and he came running and lifted her up. Ron grew a special feeling for Emma in his heart. He saw her like his second sister and he loved her very much. At first he didn't agree with Draco but in time he saw that he was a changed man and he deserved a second chance.

"Happy Birth Day Emma" Ginny said and hugged her.

"Thank you Ginny and thank you all. I really appreciate that you all care about me and I feel so lucky that I found you guys. I don't know why I was such a mean person. I was such a bitch." She said and they all laughed

"You weren't a bitch! You were just confused about who you really were" a voice from behind said. She smiled and turned around.

"Happy Birth Day Emma, I love you very much." He said and kissed her.

"Thank you, I love you too" she said and smiled.

"You'll have your gift later on, it's too early for it." He said and winked

"Ok, I'll wait for it with patience." She said and winked back.

"Draco, how did you know I was acting like that all the time?" Emma asked him

"Because I was the same and I realized that all that masquerade was put on only for everyone else." He said and she smiled at his answer.

"Emma darling, Happy Birth Day, I wish you all the happiness in the world." Molly said hugging her.

"Thank you. You are too kind" she said and smiled.

"Dad's not here. He had to go and help some relatives, but he wishes you happy birth day and happiness." Ron said

"I'll thank him when he's back" she said

"Happy Birth Day kid, hope your wishes come true. I'm sure Fred feels the same too" George said and hugged her.

"Thank you George. I'm sure Fred feels the same." She said and smiled at the tall boy.

She felt very happy and loved today. Everyone was hugging and kissing her. She was very curious what Draco got for her. What could it be?

"Draco, can I talk to you in private for a bit?" she asked Draco who was sitting on an armchair.

"Yeah sure, let's go up stairs." He said and took her hand.

"Is there a problem darling?" he asked worried.

"No. it's not that. I was wondering, now that we are back together are we sticking to our plan? Are we still moving in together?" she asked

"Of course we are. We are not going back to our families after what they did to everyone. We will find a way, I have enough money to buy a house in London and we will manage. We'll both get a job and we'll earn our own money." He answered Emma's question and she smiled in relief.

"Now let's go back because they'll think we are up to no good" Emma said and laughed

"Ron's mom will kill us for that" he said and laughed. They both went back down where everyone was sitting and talking.

"There you are. We were wondering where you were. Mom was asking questions. We told her you just went up stairs." Ron said

"We were up for like 5 minutes. Your mom can sure exaggerate sometimes." Emma said and laughed

"That's mom. You have to get used to it" Ginny said

"Mom said we are having a big dinner tonight for you and we'll celebrate your 17th year in this life" George said

"How do you feel now that you can use magic outside of school?" Harry asked her.

"Actually I didn't use magic today so I don't know. I'll use it when I'll feel like it" she said.

All the rest of the day they stayed there and talked about the past and about the future. Draco and Emma told everyone, except Molly, their plan. They were happy for them and said they will help them with whatever they can.

"Emma, where are your friends Derek and Ashley?" Harry asked out of the blue.

"Well, they are at Derek's place. I got a letter from Ashley a few days ago and she said that they are happy and that we'll see each other back at school." She said

"Dinner is ready everyone". They all went and took a seat at the table. They all had a good time and the food was great. Draco felt that the moment for his gift was here.

"Everyone, I have something to say" he began and everyone looked at him

"Emma, I never thought I would meet someone like you. You are the most incredible girl I ever met and the most beautiful girl in this world and I feel lucky that I have you. Even though when we were kids we acted mean towards each other I always loved you, since the day that I saw you and I plan to spend the rest of my life with you. I hope you feel the same and never leave me. With all that said I have to ask you something" he said and took from his pocket a little box and everyone looked at him with their eyes wide.

"Will you make me the happiest man alive and do me the honor of being my wife?" he asked and her mouth dropped open. Tears were running down her face.

"Of course I will! I couldn't imagine my life without you." She said almost crying. He slipped the ring on her finger.

Mrs. Weasley was crying and so were Hermione and Ginny. The boys were only pretending they weren't going to cry but Ron couldn't hold it inside anymore. This was Emma's best birth day ever.

3 years later.

„Is everyone ready? All things are in place?" Emma asked nervous.

"Yes Emma, everyone's ready. We can go now." Ron said getting hold of her arm. He was giving her away at the altar because her father passed away 1 year ago. Her mom was happy for her when she found out about her engagement and she was there at the wedding.

When they were walking towards the altar everyone was admiring her and her dress. Draco was smiling as wide as it can get and he felt tears starting but stopped them.

The ceremony was beautiful and without incidents. Everyone was there with them. Derek and Ashley were engaged too, George and Angelina were married now.

The party started and everyone was happy.

"So it all ends here? This is the end of our old life?" Emma asked Draco.

"It doesn't end here! It begins here!" he answered and smiled. He kissed his bride and took her by the hand and looked her in the eyes.

"I can't wait to have a family with you" he told her and smiled. She smiled back and kissed him.

They bought a house in London as they planed and are now living there since they finished school. They both worked at the Ministry and have a happy life.

Epilogue

16 years later.

"Mom next year when I'll be going to Hogwarts I'll be the smartest girl there and Tom will be the smartest boy." A little girl said to her mom.

"Yes Rachel, I know, you are the smartest girl ever"

"Mom, we'll be going now, James is waiting for us." A boy said and his twin was behind him.

"Ok darlings, be careful, I love you both" Emma said to her twin boys.

"Andrew, Robert, please be good and listen to your professors!" Draco said to his sons.

"Yes dad, we promise" Andrew said and they started to run towards the train.

"Rachel where is Tom?" Emma asked her daughter.

"He's there. Talking to Lily Potter" she pointed to the two ten year olds.

"Tom, come here darling" Emma shouted and the boy was there in a second.

"We have to go now. The train is leaving. You'll talk to Lily back home. They are coming to visit us today." She assured her son.

"Mom, I can't wait till next year when Rachel and I will be going to Hogwarts" he said happily.

"I'm sure you two can't wait." She said to the other pair of twins.

They were a happy family. They have two pairs of twins, Andrew and Robert and Rachel and Thomas.

Andrew and Robert were in their 3rd year at Hogwarts and Rachel and Tom were going to be 1st years next year.

Everything was as perfect as it could be. Andrew and Robert were sorted into Slytherin like their parents.

They watched the train leave and walked away with their other children.

"Are we going straight home mom?" the little girl asked

"Yes darling. We're going home and everyone is coming to visit us today. Just like old times" she smiled at her daughter, kissed her husband and walked away.

Everything was as they imagined it, even better.

THE END