"Certainly sure that very few that would want to come after us now when this is all cleaned up.", Dalinda sighed as she just leaned into his hug once more. "I... is this a dream? I feel like I'm going to wake up at any moment...". She started to tear up.
Harry brushed her hair, kissing her gently on the forehead, "No, you ain't dreaming. I'm just as real as the grass. Feel my heart, hear it beat, my angel.", closing his eyes as he took in her scent. Even under so much dirt, gore, and all, her scent is alluringly heavenly.
Dalinda smiled, happy to feel that it was real, that she wasn't dreaming or her mind was being played with. They had won, and Harry got to live... "Harry...", she whispered as she gave him another deep kiss.
Harry sighed happily as he returned the kiss, barely hearing the shouts as the Aurors arrived, arresting the wounded Death Eaters, and the cheers from the Hogwarts fighters. Even with many losses, it finally felt like the light is burning much brighter at the end of the tunnel than ever.
"I think we've earned some quiet time, don't you?", Dalinda chuckled. "After all, your triplets would like to know that their Daddy is still alive.".
Harry grinned, "They may not be able to see yet, but they sure have excellent senses of smell. Dumbledore and Bones will handle everything.", and Dalinda smiled softly, taking his hand and they walked back in Hogwarts.
Many familiar faces were hugging, cheering, and comforting all over the place, and with a brief stop to tell Bones of Voldemort's final resting spot in the courtyard, the couple then headed on, with glimpses of Daphne showing Ron her Animagus form, Neville proposing to Luna, and Luna saying yes, their parents kissing each other as gator and human, and Snape reuniting with Pryde, confessing his feelings to the shocked ex-Professor.
"Next month is going to be a mess... might take as long to patch up Hogwarts to more decent form.", Harry admitted. "It still stands, along with many of her defenders.", Dalinda said. "Still the price...".
"Mad-Eye and the others, their memories will live on with us. They died, knowing full well the risks, and gave their lives for the rest of us.", Harry rubbed her shoulder as they kept walking.
Dalinda sighed heavily, "It's gonna be hard with some of those funerals...", leaning her head on his shoulder, "Still, Hogwarts will be fixed sooner with the help of everybody...Gosh, I missed two months of schoolwork..And the married dorm...".
"Hey, hey, hey...", Harry stopped her. "Let's just take this one day at a time now... it's all over... we're safe.". He kissed her lips. "And our families got through it too. The dead would want us to enjoy our lives now that Voldemort is gone. Just like my parents told me.".
Dalinda looked at him, "You saw your parents?", with awe, and Harry nodded with a smile, "They truly loved each other and me..Mum couldn't stop touching me, and Dad..He called me Prongslet, teasing me and Mum..They love you, Dali..They are over the moon with the cubs...They're watching over us whenever they want to..They saw our wedding..".
Dalinda's heart nearly burst hearing that. To get that approval... "Come on, Dali... you honestly think that you might not be good enough for their approval?", Harry chuckled as Dalinda rolled her eyes.
"Well, you never know, Harry. Mother wasn't the most onboard for you for a few months.", she teased. Harry laughed, "True, but that was when she was stuck with Lucius and all. Now, look at her and Pops! They're parents once more, and grandparents to boot too!", with a grin.
Dalinda giggled heartily, "Indeed. Either way, our family is all safe now.", kissing him on the cheek as they continued on to check over their children.
Sure enough, over the month of November, with trials and such, the corpse of Voldemort aka Tom Riddle Jr., and almost all the army got thrown into the Veil, and Bones set a new mission for the Department of Mysteries; decimate the Dementors.
It would be difficult in terms of dealing with the Dementors, but one thing was for sure; they would have no more purpose to the Ministry, never again. Bones also was using Shacklebolt as the newly appointed head of the Aurors to not only help clean up the Ministry; as they discovered if given more time, how successful a Death Eater coup could've been, but also help track down the remaining Death Eaters who fled the battle in panic. Most would join the same fate as fellow Death Eaters through the Veil or rot in Azkaban that had been re-staffed with more Aurors. No one was going to escape again nor come break them out again.
In the meantime, the cubs finally opened their eyes, with Simba's eyes a spring green, Midnight's eyes hazel just like her grandfather, and Obsidian's eyes a teal color which is a combination of green and blue.
And then they shifted to human at last by the fourth week, and they kept their eye colors through it. Jasper has dirty blonde hair, Harry's dark tan skin, while Rose got dark red hair, and Dalinda's tan skin, and with Draco, he got black hair, and Narcissa's pale tan skin.
The happy couple were so pleased to see their little babies, even if the little ones were crying and begging for their mother's milk. One of the little downsides of being the parent to a baby; they're completely on their own schedule and won't take no for an answer there.
Dalinda, being slightly late for two months, got help with Hermione, catching up on schoolwork while she and Harry got one of the married dorms to themselves with a nursery of sorts for the triplets.
Just the fact that the two of them could sleep in the same bed, every night in each other's loving arms was one of the privileges they loved; especially after the delay they had, they certainly made up for that lost time.
Oh, sure, Dalinda and Harry made sure to check on Slytherin and Hufflepuff once in a while, catching up on things, through it was really weird and strange not to see familiar faces you've gotten used to seeing for years...
But much to Slytherin's shock, Snape became a nicer, better version of himself, and to the rest of the school, he was surprisingly helpful with any students who's working on potions and such. Heck, with Pryde back to resume the DADA position, and Snape back as Potions Master, the Great Hall saw an unusual sight of Snape laughing and smiling.
Sure, he's strict and alert as always, but he's like...he has regained something that was missing in his life, especially after the Dark Mark was somehow erased forever from his left arm at the moment when Voldemort's corpse was thrown into the Veil.
Dumbledore was too glad to approve of Snape's relationship with Pryde, and even suggested that Snape goes to recover his mother's lineage as his mother used to be a Prince, one of the Pureblood families, to provide a foundation for Pryde's living accommodations and such.
It was honestly quite a shock, but that was just one of the things that everyone had to adjust to in a way. Now that the threat of Voldemort and his followers was gone forever. Never would the dark specter of his return gnaw at the back of students minds, nor the threat he posed once he returned. It was true peace that had finally returned to the Isles, a peace that hadn't truly been felt in almost thirty years.
"Merry Christmas, Nicholas.", Harry smiled as he handed the young boy a gift. The time between the battle and Christmas, Sirius and Remus went through the hoops to have Nicholas adopted. The boy deserved a loving family after Voldemort's orders removed him from his original family and cursed him to be a werewolf. Thankfully he took to the Wolfsbane well and was able to retain his mind like Remus when the full moon came along the past two months.
And of course, Nicholas and little Tarina got on like two peas in a pod, and Nicholas is often seen playing with his little sister.
Nicholas laughed, "Thank you, Harry!", opening it up to reveal a fluffy and soft Snowy Owl Plush toy, gasping, "I love it! You're the best cousin ever!", hugging it immediately.
"You're very welcome, Nicholas.", Harry grinned smugly, winking at Dalinda who rolled her eyes, "My turn, kiddo.", handing over her gift, and Nicholas grabbed it, opening it up and blinking in confusion.
"A birdcage?", Nicholas looked up at her, and Dalinda grinned, "Turns out Hedwig laid eggs. She warmed up to Pigwidgeon.".
"Even though she's still bigger than him.", Harry chuckled. "But yes, we're thinking of having the eggs go to a good home soon... and an owl for you would be a good idea, we thought. Especially since Hedwig and Pigwidgeon can still keep close to their own child if one of their babies goes with you. Of course, that's fully up to you if you want to raise an owl.".
"Are you kidding? I'd love to!", Nicholas said with such glee. He never had a pet before so something fairly exotic that he never would have back in his old life would truly be amazing.
The couple smiled at Nicholas's excitement, and Harry mentioned, "Of course, you'd have to wait a while until they are able to fledge. Hedwig is already an overprotective mother, not that I blame her with my history with her. And of course, she laid three of them last month. One of them you would have to pick once Hedwig settles down somewhat to allow anybody including you to see them once they grow a bit after hatching, which would happen any day.".
"I can wait... I don't mind.", Nicolas smiled as Dalinda ruffled up his hair. "Now that's a little Moony.", she teased before Remus did the same to him.
"Indeed he is.", Remus certainly was happy about the boy; at least he could grow up under control with his curse very early on rather than going for years of being a danger to himself and others.
Sirius smiled softly as he laid back with Tarina in his arms, "So, Nicholas, is this the best Christmas ever for you?", looking at Nicholas warmly.
Nicholas nodded, "One of the best Christmases ever! Siri... Do you think Daddy and Mommy wouldn't mind if I call Remus Papa and you Paddy?", mustering up the courage to ask as he had been thinking about it a long time since yesterday.
"I'm sure they wouldn't mind.", Remus told him. "I'm certain your parents would've only wanted you safe and happy wherever you ended up.". Nicholas took his adoptive fathers into his arms and hugged them both as hard as he could.
Dalinda and Harry looked at each other, and Dalinda squeezed his hand as she leaned against Harry's chest as they laid back in the loveseat, smiling at the serene sight.
Hogwarts is finally all fixed up, and somewhat new in a way that everybody put all the possible magic they could to fix the battle-worn ruins and such, and somehow, it's more beautiful and magical for all years involved.
The room of lost stuff within the ROR is half destroyed, but luckily, some stuff is still recovered for use, and the ROR is working splendidly as always.
It really was amazing how fast the work had been done; one minute the school looked on the verge of being as abandoned as it looks to any Muggles who run across it; the next, it looks like it had never seen damage from Death Eaters nor time in some places. It honestly made Harry happier to see one of his favorite places on Earth, take the beating it had and come out stronger.
The months mostly blew by fast, with classes and homework; Dalinda and Harry were honestly amazed that they could keep up with it all on top of being parents to triplets at times.
Before they knew it, it was already Graduation Day, and all the seventh years are finally graduating, and to everyone's surprise, Hermione was the valedictorian of the class, but Harry pointed out that it was her turn to give a speech anyway.
"I honestly find it almost crazy to think how much has happened during my time here at Hogwarts. A simple girl from London who didn't even know about magic until I got my letter. And this world I found myself in, it was truly just amazing to experience. The friends and family that I made through my seven years I will always be grateful for. Of course, it was dangerous times that I found myself attending, being at the center of everything many times. Many of us have lost friends and family in some way... but I like to think that those that aren't with us today would be happy for what we've achieved.".
Harry smiled at one of his best friends, and squeezed Dalinda's hand as Hermione continued on, "And so, we are to embark on a journey to find our destinies, our dreams, our families, but know this, my fellow class, today, we are finally graduating from Hogwarts, but we wouldn't dare dream of leaving Hogwarts behind for we are keeping it in our hearts, a wonderful home for all. Why, some of us have children who will go for Hogwarts in their own time, and we cannot wait to see what the future brings to us all. After all, who are we?".
The class in the chairs called out as one, "Hogwarts Dragons!", cheering, and Hermione smiled widely, nodding to Dumbledore as she passed him from the podium. Dumbledore smiled, "With pleasure, I announce you as graduates of the school year 1997-1998!".
The applause and cheers erupted from the class as hats were tossed in the air in celebration. The final meal was almost one of the hardest dinners for Harry to eat; knowing it was the last time he would eat at Hogwarts as a student, with his friends and family like he had known for the last seven years.
Much to Harry's shock, Narcissa opted to keep teaching her class for the muggleborns older and younger while Waylon went to be a stay-at-home dad, deciding to raise the twins in the shack, retiring from the position of caretaker for Hogwarts. By international floo, Narcissa can go home any afternoon after she teaches the class as it's mandatory.
Harry is still looking for the perfect job, but he, with the goblins, is looking to rebuild Potter Manor with its remains and a new foundation. Dalinda is now becoming the apprentice of Professor Snape, working together on new potions with help from Slytherin's old potions books.
At least Harry was glad that all this could be done in peace at least now, and more than likely wouldn't have much of a target on his back anymore. Not that he needed to truly worry about that; he wasn't a defenseless little boy anymore, he was a trained wizard who survived multiple encounters with the Dark Lord and helped end his reign once and for all.
Epilogue Part 1- 12 years later
It's the big day where new students of Hogwarts are going to the infamous Platform 9 3/4, and a big family is walking through King's Cross. There's three 11 year old kids, pushing their carts with their luggage, revealing to be the eldest children of the Potter-Jones-Black family, and behind them is their parents Harry and Dalinda, and holding their hands is the final set of children which is twin girls that's 8 years old.
On Harry's side, there's a tan-skinned, dark brunette with dark green eyes, and her name is Ariana Katherine Potter, honoring Dumbledore's sister, and on Dalinda's side, there's a pale tan-skinned, black-haired girl with sky blue eyes, and her name is Nola Bryce Potter, honoring New Orleans, and then Bruce Wayne aka the Batman.
Harry was curious about the Batman ever since he never forgot how he had saved his dad and himself, and upon a trip to Gotham when Dalinda was pregnant again, they were in the middle of a restaurant robbery by the Joker and Harley Quinn. Unable to do magic around muggles publicly, they witnessed the villains scaring the innocent bystanders, and then Batman came in...
Once again, Harry found himself and his family saved by the Dark Knight just like all those years ago. The fight didn't last long as the two criminals were subdued by the Batman, but Harry couldn't help be curious about who the man was behind the mask. Especially when the hero recognized the boy he helped save so many years before. All the Batman said to him was that he was glad that Harry clearly made the most of his life from being saved that night before he left.
Harry just had to know who the man truly was and thankful Badger kept the scent and followed him; as well as the peculiar scent of his Batmoblie before Harry found himself getting close to a cave and not too far away from it was Wayne Manor. It certainly quickly clicked for Harry about who the Batman was, but Harry had gotten his answer and that's all he cared about. He wasn't going to confront the man about his secret identity; Harry and his family was doing much of the same themselves in a way. But the fact that the man saved his family twice in his life was more than enough for Harry to honor him in a way.
Soon, the traveling family in King's Cross made it into the platform, and as usual, it was bustling. Harry saw familiar faces that he and Dalinda often caught up every year by house visits and all.
Luna and Neville have gotten married 6 months to the day of the graduation, and after traveling for a year or so, they returned back, with Neville becoming the apprentice of Sprout, and eventually getting the job of being the Herbology teacher, and Luna, she surprised everybody by taking the job of CoMC from Hagrid, and together, they soon had three kids over a span of two years each by adoption or natural birth.
Their eldest son, 11 years old, adopted when he was 3 years old, thanks to being an orphan during the war, having light red hair, and dark brown eyes, and dark tan skin. His name is Peter Alastor Longbottom.
Their younger son, 9 years old, biologically born to Neville and Luna, having dark blonde hair, soft blue eyes, and tan skin. His name is Francis Alexander Longbottom.
And then there's their last child, their only daughter, biologically born, having dark brown hair, and light brown eyes, and pale tan skin. She's only 7 years old, and her name is Samantha Pomona Longbottom.