A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I think my subconscious doesn't want me to end, but I'm kind of tired of this story. I want to finish FML and move on to some of my other ideas (which I'm really excited about). It shouldn't be as long for the epilogue; it's going to be quite short.

Thanks to BlewStarr101 for giving me a cool idea for this chapter!

And also, you're all in for a big surprise :) You all assume too much...

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

Severus never thought it possible to love a child as much as he did. He felt like he never wanted to let go of his son. "You're going to have to let me hold him sometime, Severus," Hermione sulked. She had only held her child for a brief moment since he was born about an hour ago.

"You'll have plenty of chances to hold him," Severus commented without looking at her.

"Severus!" Hermione cried.

"Fine. But only if you take back what you said earlier," he glared at her.

"Come on, Hermione, you need to keep pushing," Poppy instructed.

Hermione didn't reply. She just bit her lower lip as tears trailed down her cheeks. Severus knew what her problem was. She hadn't uttered a word throughout the entire day and knew she was keeping it in for his sake. "Just let it out, love," he whispered to her. "Just bring our boy to this world."

Hermione looked at him with love before her face contorted into pure anger as she glared at him. "I wouldn't be having so much trouble if it weren't for you. I don't think Snape males are normally large babies, I think just their heads are too big!" It wasn't soon after her son's 'big head' and the rest of him was born.

"You can hardly call me on that! I was in a lot of pain, plus you told me to let it out. Now let me hold our son!"

Severus knew he had gone far enough and did as his wife asked. "I apologize," he said softly. He contented himself with sitting next to Hermione and holding them both.

"Me too," she leaned against him as she unwrapped the boy of his blanket, counting his fingers and toes as if taking inventory. The child slept on, not noticing anything that went on around him. Already he had a head full of dark hair, but his eyes still remained a mystery as they were still the dark blue all babies were born with.

"He's really here after all this time," Severus murmured. "We've waited so long, and he's here."

Hermione looked up and was surprised. She'd never seen his face so full of emotion before. Severus never wanted anyone to see him in what he saw as a weak state. Suddenly overcome with emotion Hermione grasped at his shirtfront and whimpered, "Say it again, Severus."

Confused, he turned his head to look at her. "What are you on about?"

"Say what you said at the wedding."

Severus glanced around them to make sure of their privacy. Apparently whatever had caused him to share his feelings at the wedding were now gone. "Again?"

"I've waited years to hear you say it and I'll never tire of hearing it. Do you tire of hearing me saying I love you?"

Understanding flashed in his eyes. "Never. I love you." He lowered his head to kiss her. It wasn't until they heard a polite cough that they realized they weren't alone. Severus immediately turned crimson and turned around to see Poppy.

"Sorry to interrupt," she said with a large smirk on her face, "but there's a crowd waiting outside to meet your little one."

"Are you up for visitors?" Severus asked Hermione softly.

"Might as well get this over with. Bring them in, Poppy," Hermione said as she swaddled the baby again.

The doors opened and a mess of people peeked in before they all entered, young Essie Ann leading the way. "I have a brother?" she asked as she neared the bed. Severus lifted her onto the bed and she settled near Hermione's feet. The rest of the party included Ginny, Neville, Ron, Luna, Harry, Patrick, and Draco. Hermione felt sorry for the poor soul who was left in charge of the other children.

"Ron, Luna you two just got married. You shouldn't be here," Hermione protested.

"And miss seeing this little guy? Hardly." Ron gave Hermione a quick kiss on her cheek before stationing himself behind his new bride.

"He's adorable, Hermione," Ginny cooed.

Luna tilted her head to the side as she looked at the boy. "He looks like a miniature Severus."

"Does that mean you think Severus' adorable?" Draco smirked.

"Shut it, ferret," Ron's fists clenched.

"Boys, don't start!" Hermione ordered tiredly. "It feels like I'm back in school."

Severus glared at his godson and redhead friend. "If you are just here to upset Hermione, you can leave."

"So what do you call him?" Patrick stood on tip-toes next to the bed to catch a glimpse of the baby.

Severus looked at Hermione. "Go ahead," she invited.

Severus looked back to his sleeping son. "Artemas Albus Snape."

Harry bit his cheek for a moment. "It'll be a hard task—Albus was a great wizard—but I'm sure he'll live up to the name."

Startled by the comment, Severus looked at his long time enemy with a new found understanding. The boy is trying, he thought as he nodded briskly in thanks.

Ron suddenly caught sight of something on Artemas. "You're worried about him growing into his name? I'd be more worried about him growing into that nose! Too bad he didn't get you, 'Mione."

Hermione looked down at her son. True his nose was a little large, but it wasn't as gargantuan as Ron made it out to be. Normally Hermione would have lashed back at Ron, so she didn't understand why she had tears in her eyes. I don't upset this easily! What's wrong with me?

Squeezing his wife's waist tightly, Severus glared at Ron. "Leave Weasley. Didn't you just get married? Go snog your wife somewhere."

"Come on Ronald," Luna tugged on his arm lightly.

"Oh, come on," Ron complained. "You know I was just kidding!"

Just then Artemas woke and looked around at the group. He finished looking up at Severus and Hermione before letting out a wail. "Sounds like he's hungry," Hermione spoke softly to him to calm him down as she lifted him closer.

"Merlin!" Ron grumbled as he turned away. "Don't any of you women have any modesty? Come on Luna."

"We should go too, Ginny," Neville said softly to his wife.

"But he's so cute," Ginny whined as she allowed him to pull her away.

"You can coddle our two at home."

"Let's go, Annie," Patrick was obviously done with the baby business and grabbed his new friend's hand as they dashed out of the room.

Severus scowled at the sight of them. His first thought was to lash out at Harry for his son's behavior towards Esther Ann, but he held it back. Patrick needs all the attention he can get now.

Ginny smiled back to Severus as the kids ran by her. "It looks like you've traded chasing off Hermione's admirers for chasing off Essie Ann's."

Hermione snorted, "Chasing off? Half of my 'admirers' are here."

Severus looked over to Harry and Draco. Draco was looking lovingly at Artemas and Hermione and Harry was glaring at the blond. Severus then realized his godson still hadn't given up hope for a chance with Hermione. I'm going to have to talk with that boy.

Draco then stepped closer and kissed the top of Hermione's head as he stroked her messy curls.

And soon.

--

Draco was just leaving dinner that night when he heard his name being called behind him. If he had known who it was, he would have feigned ignorance and kept going. As it was, he turned around to see his godfather. "Severus. I'm surprised to see you away from your son so soon. I hope everything is alright?"

"Yes. When I left, both Hermione and Artemas were sleeping. Do you have a moment?"

I thought I'd have a few days until I'd be confronted with the baby's birth. "Sure. Here in the hall or my room is just ahead."

"I believe your room would suffice."

Once they were settled, Draco asked, "So what brings you away from that boy of yours?"

"You," Severus said bluntly.

"Me? What did I do?" he almost squeaked. Good Draco...you don't sound suspicious at all.

"You think I didn't see that display in the hospital wing? You were just short of drooling over Hermione. I bet even Potter could see something."

Sighing in defeat, Draco knew it was time to suck up. "Severus—"

"I wonder what your wife would think of this. Or does she already know?"

"Wife!?" Draco actually squeaked this time. He coughed and tried again, "What wife?"

"Dahlia Malfoy."

Draco laughed. "She's not my wife."

Severus rose from his seat. He was always more intimidating when he was standing; maybe because he could look down his long nose at his victim. "Come now, Draco. I know you and Lucius are the only two Malfoysleft, so you can't pass her off as a long lost relative."

"Exactly; me and my father. He was swept up in the marriage law too, you know."

"Your father?"

"Yes," Draco relaxed in his chair. "I thought you know my father got married again."

Severus sat down again. "The last time I heard anything about Lucius was when he was trying to get Hermione."

"Father was one of the biggest sponsors of the law. He wanted a pretty little witch in his bed. Once he realized Hermione was out of his reach he looked for another and found Dahlia."

"How long after Hermione did they wed?"

Draco pinched the bridge of his nose. "A week. They were married on her eighteenth birthday."

"And a child?"

"My half-sister Madelyn. She's a year younger than Essie Ann. You should have seen Father's face when she was born. First female to be born in the Malfoy line for over fifteen generations."

"I can imagine." I can imagine a lot more. Poor witches; another wife and child to live with the mistreatment of Lucius Malfoy.

"When I left here I went back home to get Dahlia and Maddie away from Father. Dahlia didn't love Father, but she was reluctant to leave him. She decided in the end she had to get Maddie away from him, so they're with me now. It's my duty to take care of them."

"I doubt Lucius accepted without quarrel."

"Actually, Father's found another witch to share his bed with and was glad to be rid of Dahlia." He was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in!" Draco called. The door opened and Dahlia shyly peeked in.

"Sorry, Sir. I didn't realize you had company," she spoke softly, but her angelic voice carried across the room.

Draco smiled and stood to greet her. "Nonsense. Severus is too much family to be called 'company.' Come in. Is Madelyn with you?" A giggle from behind Dahlia revealed the answer. "Come greet your brother, young miss," he said playfully.

The door opened and a little girl came in. "Good evening, Draco."

Clearly a Malfoy, Severus thought, white-blonde hair, ice-blue eyes, alabaster-pale skin, and with the best possible manners.

Draco picked up his sister and turned to Severus. "Madelyn, this is my godfather, Severus Snape. Severus, this is Madelyn, the best little sister ever."

This made Madelyn giggle again and she said, "Nice to meet you, Sir."

"Likewise." He stood and took a step towards the door, where Dahlia was still hovering. "Forgive my rudeness, but I must be getting back to the hospital wing. Hermione must be wondering where I am."

Just as he was about to leave, Dahlia's voice caught him. "If you need anyone to watch Esther, please let us know. We'd be glad to watch her."

Severus looked at her; more surprised she actually spoke than her offer. She immediately bowed her head in submission and her neck blushed. "Thank you, although you may have to fight the rest of Hogwarts for that privilege."

"I don't get any points for being her godfather?" Draco asked.

"With Boy-Wonder Potter and Quidditch-Legend Weasley here? You'll have to rethink that." He nodded his goodbye and stepped into the hallway.

It wasn't until he was halfway to the hospital wing when he realized he hadn't confronted Draco about his feelings for Hermione. Stupid ferret...

--

"So you're saying Dahlia is actually Draco's step-mum? Is it strange that she's almost two years younger than him?" Hermione was relaxing in bed while Severus held Artemas. She could never get her hands on him besides when she was nursing.

"I've witnessed stranger things in this world."

"The poor girls. I'm sure Draco spoils them though." She hesitated before asking shyly, "Did Draco seem close to Dahlia?"

Severus finally looked away from Artemas to his wife. Seeing her distressed look, he sat next to her on the bed. "Nothing more than a friend. Would you be upset if she really was Mrs. Draco Malfoy?" He regretted asking as soon as the words left his mouth.

"Yes and no. I want to see Draco find someone, but yet I'm feeling stubborn about his feelings. Like how much he claimed to have feelings for me and then he moves on from them so quickly. It sounds horrible of me," she groaned into her hands.

"Your Gryffindor spirit is rearing its ugly head," he smirked, happy with her answer. At her scowl he laughed quietly. "I believe your feelings are coming from your temporary high emotions."

"You think so?" she asked hopefully.

He nodded. "You did not feel this when Weasley picked up an attachment to Luna, did you?"

Hermione thought for a moment. "No, you're right. It's probably my emotions playing tricks on me." She smiled mischievously at him. "So do we get to play matchmaker on them?"

Severus groaned, "Must we?"

"Don't you want to see your godson happy?"

"He looked quite content," he complained.

"As happy as you with your beautiful wife and children?"

"You're getting cocky. Did Poppy accidently give you the wrong potion?"

Hermione smiled and looked over his shoulder at Artemas. "I almost forgot how small they are; though he's a lot bigger than Essie Ann was when she was born."

"I remember." Once again he was entranced.

Hermione leaned back and closed her eyes. "Goodbye sleep, I'll miss you," she said to nobody in particular.

Severus looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"Having to get up at all hours of the night to feed him or change him or just because he's not sleepy. No more peace and quiet. You're going to love being a father," she smiled at him as she peeked out one eye.

"I don't remember hearing Esther cry at all."

"Silencing charms."

"Oh," came his undignified response. Was he such a terrible husband and father in the past she had to put up silencing spells to ensure he didn't get angry? This time is different. I'll be the best father Hermione could ever imagine.

--

"Come here, Draco," Essie Ann called to her cat from her bed. The blonde feline meowed lovingly as she jumped onto the bed with her master and began purring loudly. Essie hugged her close, "So much is different now. I have a baby brother now. His name's Artie. Mummy and Daddy called him something else, but Aunt Ginny told me to call him that." She didn't know 

Aunt Ginny only did that to get a rise out of Severus. "He's pretty too. Everyone says he looks like Daddy, so I guess Artie has to be.

"I also got a new cousin and uncle today. Uncle Harry and my cousin Pat. He said I could call him Patrick if I wanted to. Said I'm the only one who can. He calls me Annie. I like him, but he's really crazy! He doesn't know anything about magic! It's okay. I'll teach him everything he has to know.

"Oh! And guess what!" Essie's enthusiasm caused Little Draco to jump. "Uncle Draco is back! He's got a wife and daughter too! So I guess I got another aunt and cousin too.

"And I can't forget Aunt Luna and Luc and Stray. They're my family now too." Essie laughed as she realized how many family members she had acquired that day. "I like having a big family. I'll have to tell Cassius we have to have lot'sa kids."

Her 'conversation' was cut short by a big yawn. "Goodnight Draco. I can't wait to see what's going to happen."

--

"So did you find the girl of your dreams while you were away?" Hermione asked Harry as she watched him closely. He was holding Artemas for the first time and Hermione wasn't sure if he even knew how to hold a baby.

Harry snorted. "Right, Hermione. I ran away from marrying someone from our world to marry a muggle."

"There's a headline," a voice sneered behind them. "'Boy-Who-Conquered Marries Muggle.' Then it would go on to describe your torrid affair and how you ran away from the law to be with her. It is a 'her' right?"

"Draco!" Hermione scolded as she pulled him down into a seat next to her. "I've wanted to talk to you for a while now."

Draco leaned in and gave her his knee-weakening smirk, "How foolish of me; hiding from you, love."

"Draco, stop it," Hermione growled lightly.

"Uh, Hermione?" Harry asked timidly. She looked over and saw him looking at the baby strangely. "I think he's going to cry—" he was cut off by Artemas' wail. "Take him!" he urged.

Hermione held her hands up. "Nope! Bring him to Severus. He said he'd take care of him today and I'm supposed to sit and look pretty."

"Which won't be hard," Draco said smoothly.

Hermione ignored him as she looked for her husband. "He's over there by Minerva. Go bring Artemas over there." She watched Harry to make sure Artemas made it to Severus safely. When Harry dumped Artemas into Severus arms, Severus looked over to Hermione who gave him a charming smile. Severus scowled at her as he began to calm down his son.

"You wanted to talk to me about something?" Draco reminded.

"Oh yes. When are you going to marry that sweet witch?" she gave him a pointed look.

"Who?" he took a sip of his drink.

"Dahlia!"

"Dahlia?!" Draco choked as he swallowed suddenly. "Why do people keep thinking I'm going to marry her?!"

"Well, you did show up suddenly with her, introducing her as a Malfoy and she had that large diamond on her finger."

"She took off the ring just this morning. She thought she loved Father. As for the Malfoy part, she isa Malfoy; even if not by blood." As he talked he was staring across the room where Dahlia was talking to Neville. Or at least he thought they were; they were both too shy to start a conversation.

"I know that look. When are you going to marry her?"

"Never!" he hissed at her. "Isn't that like incest or something?"

"No, you're not related by blood."

"But she's my stepmother! I'd be my sister's stepfather... or would I be considered my own stepfather? I—Just—No! It isn't going to happen."

"But—"

"Hermione," he whispered, "I said once that I'd always love you. That hasn't changed."

Hermione felt tears in her eyes, "Draco I want you to be happy."

"I am happy. I have a family now. I have you back in my life now."

"But don't you want a wife of your own? To have your own children?"

"Essie Ann and Madelyn are enough for me. And if I can't have you for my wife, then I'll pass." He looked at her hopeful.

"That's enough, Draco." Severus stood in front of the couple. He would have looked more intimidating if he wasn't holding Artemas wrapped in a baby-blue blanket. "I won't have you pestering my wife like this." Hermione stood and took a whimpering Artemas from his arms.

"Eavesdropping, Severus? So unlike you," Draco smirk and stood as well. "I apologize; it wasn't my intent to make you uncomfortable, Hermione. I was just seeing if there was some hope remaining."

She met his gaze. She could still see the same look in his eyes, but she believed him when he said he'd keep it in check for now on. "Does that mean you'll consider Dahlia?"

"No! It would just be weird," Draco shook his head.

"Dahlia? Does that mean she's single?" Harry had eavesdropped on Hermione and Draco's conversation as well and followed Severus over.

Draco glared at his long-time enemy. "Not for you."

"I don't think you have that kind of authority. She is your step-mum, not the other way around."

Draco's fists clenched, "Stay away from her, Potter."

"I think I'll do quite the opposite." Harry looked around the room and spotted Dahlia and Neville in the corner. "In fact, I might just go introduce myself right now."

"Potter," Draco growled, but Harry ignored him as he moved towards the woman. "Potter, I'm talking to you," he said louder as he stalked after him.

Severus ignored the boys with the thought, Maybe I will play matchmaker with them if they'll move on from Hermione. "Are you alright?" he asked her softly.

"Yes. I never thought he'd be so persistent, but hopefully with Harry chasing after Dahlia, Draco will realize his feelings. Thank you for being so rude enough to eavesdrop," she smiled up at him.

"Anytime."

--

Late one evening, Luna Weasley made her way to the master bedroom in her small cottage. After she had married Ron, it needed to be expanded, but she still loved the small place. She and Ron had been married for almost two months now and she just happened to be... two months pregnant. Ron blamed the Weasley genes, but neither of them were upset. In fact, they were both very excited about having a child together.

She finally made it to her bedroom door and smiled. The kids were all in bed and she was looking forwards to the comforts of her soft bed and husband's arms. Her thoughts remained on her husband as she opened the door and laughed softly at the sight. Ron was lying on his back with six-month old Estrella on his chest. Then wrapped in both of his arms were Lucretia and Emma snuggled into each of his shoulders.

As she stepped into the room the floor creaked and Ron's head jerked up. He was about to sit up, but the weight on him made him look down and around him. "What time is it?" he asked sleepily when he saw Luna.

"Late. I see my spot has been taken," she eased herself next to Emma. She had come to consider the girl her own daughter. Emma had started calling Luna 'Mummy,' but the boys still called her Mama Luna. She hoped they'd drop the 'Luna' someday, but knew they'd been through a lot.

"Daddy," Lucretia sighed in her sleep as she snuggled closer to Ron. She had started calling Ron 'Daddy' before they were even married. She and Estrella still held Alexei's name at Ron's request. As much as he loved the girls, they deserved to carry their father's name. Once they were older they could choose to change their name to Weasley if they chose to.

"What took you so long?" Ron had relaxed back in the bed as he stared up at her. His arm around Emma slipped off and his fingers lightly stroked his wife's knee.

"I was enjoying the stars. They're so bright tonight and it would have been sad to miss it. What happened with the girls?"

"I don't know. Stray was fussy so I just went to lay down a bit with her and must have fallen asleep. I don't know when Emma and Luc came in."

"And the boys?"

Ron looked at Luna's side of the bed. "They must still be in bed." He closed his eyes tiredly and was soon dozing.

Luna sighed loudly. "I guess I can always find a spot to sleep with them."

Ron's eyes shot open. Since they'd gotten married, they hadn't gone a single night without one another and Ron didn't like the idea of changing it now. "Take Estrella." Luna cradled her youngest against her shoulder as Ron slid out from the other two. He picked them both up in his arms and followed Luna to their rooms before going back to their room. Ron slid back into bed while Luna changed, aware of Ron's loving gaze while she did. As soon as she slid into bed, Ron's arms were around her pulling her close. "Much better," he sighed into her hair.

"Goodnight, Ronald," Luna tilted her head up for a kiss.

"Goodnight, Luna." He kissed her again and was brought one hand to her stomach, "Goodnight, Baby." He shifted again and was asleep within seconds.

A/N: See? I told you you all assume to much! There was more than one Malfoy male who could have married sweet Dahlia. Tsk Tsk, I hope you all know what assuming does ;)

Only the epilogue left... how sad... FINALLY!

Hope all is well! :)