A/N- The end has arrived, my friends. Just two short epilogues to follow this. I want to send out heartfelt thanks to those that have read, reviewed, followed, and favorited this labor of love. You guys have kept me going. I'll hush for now, I want to bang this chapter out!

** Shout out to Maddieee for being my 1200th reviewer! Thanks bunches! **

Disclaimer: I don't own a thing but the personal plot twist. Ain't nothing new under the sun, or so my mama always tells me.

Chapter 47

April 27, 1996

Severus wiped a hand down his face again. It seemed that he did that a lot these days. He was currently seated at the bedside of his daughter, Potter and Draco on the other side of her, waiting for her to either wake up or for the healers to confirm that she wasn't going to. Either way it went, the waiting was complete hell.

The Slytherin had been cleared of all charges just three days after the Battle. Apparently, when Minerva had transitioned into the Headmaster's office, clearing out all Albus' things for his brother to retrieve, she had discovered quite the array of memories stored away. When she viewed them, it was clear that they were for this very point in time. They all showed that Severus was coerced into spying to protect his infant daughter and that he had begged to be released from his service multiple times. His actions since his daughter had come into the picture was less documented, but Harry, Draco, and Minerva had been more than willing to put their own memories forth and testify on his behalf.

After watching their memories of the last eight months, realizing just how it was that they were able to take Voldemort down, the charges were dropped without further ado. The same could not be said for Lucius, however. Although he wasn't apprehended, he was still sent a trial date that was set to begin in the end of May. He had already set his solicitor on the task of doing his best for him. There had been talk about doing the same to Narcissa since she had played host to the megalomaniac but so far there had been no charges filed.

Draco and Potter had both woke up two days after the Final Battle, refreshed as ever. Both were confused as to why they were in the Hospital Wing, especially since they had both been sure that Hermione would wake shortly after they healed her, just as Harry had. Severus had been quick to point out to them that the deciding factor in that was Hermione. While Harry and Draco had done their best to heal her and bring her back, Hermione had been present for bringing Harry back. Everyone understood the witch had more power than both boys, therefore, she was able to push more power into Harry. While the boys had managed to bring Hermione back from death, Harry had already died, Draco had already brought him back, and they were both part of a magically exhausting duel. When he put it that way, both boys weren't surprised when she was still sleeping six days later.

The healers were flummoxed at exactly how this phenomenon had even occurred. By all rights and reason, Harry and Hermione should not have survived, not after being hit by the killing curse. Yet, it had all happened in clear view of the Great Hall, as had witnessing Harry rise afterwards to end the Dark Lord. Severus tried to explain the link the trio had, tried to tell them that Hermione was the most powerful witch since the founders, including the Dark Lord. Even though he made the points that he thought would help them to understand, they didn't. Since Harry and Draco had woke four days ago, they had just left her in their capable hands.

The pair now tried to heal her daily. They reported that they could feel her magic growing stronger every time, dispelling any fear that she would now be a squib. The only way that Severus could make any sense of this was that Hermione was having to use more of her magic to bring herself back. Even though he worried that she wasn't going to wake up, both boys were adamant that she was. Today was their estimate and Severus hoped against hope that they were right.

The Hospital Wing had seen an array of visitors. Sirius and Remus were frequent, several times a day. They brought an array of flowers, chocolates, and plushy toys. It was clear that the pair cared for Hermione as much as he did. Lucius was there constantly, telling everyone that he was there to support Draco. While this was most certainly the truth, it was quite clear that he had a soft spot for Hermione. Minerva stopped in several times a day as well, mothering everyone that happened to be there at the moment. It was quite exhausting.

Students abound came to see how their saviors were doing. They were happy to have something good to focus on since there had been so many casualties during the battle. Even though they annoyed Severus to no end, he couldn't bring himself to order them away and tell that they were disturbing his daughter's peace. He wanted nothing more, however, peace and quiet. The last thing that he wanted was to make his daughter angry when she discovered what he had done.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking visitor they had was Theo Nott. Thoros had been killed in the final battle, The Battle of Hogwarts as it was now being hailed, by Lucius Malfoy. They had always been friends but when the older blond had realized that Thoros was out for revenge against the witch his son loved, he had no other choice but to handle things his own way.

The young Slytherin was now alone, no family save Hermione. Severus knew that she considered him family and that he was going to have to welcome young Nott into his arms, much the same as he had Draco and Potter. He found that he didn't mind; Nott had turned on his father to help the girl that he had just recently discovered as his sister for no other reason than he wanted family.

Theo was heartbroken; he was terrified that his sister was never going to wake, that she would have to live in the ward at St. Mungo's for the impaired. Severus had to admit that he had the same fear, but he couldn't help but hope that Draco and Potter were correct that she would be waking. Theo sat at her side for hours, his only company Severus, Draco, and Potter. He seemed to bear no ill will towards Lucius when he visited but wasn't overly friendly with any of them. He seemed more affected by Hermione's coma than her mates were.

The Weasleys all visited daily. Severus couldn't help but sneer every time he saw them coming. They were loud and obnoxious and seemed overly familiar with his daughter. He knew that she considered them family as well but there were only so many annoyances that the Slytherin could put up with while he was unsure as to how his daughter was faring.

The Weasleys had managed to not lose a single member. It was clear that Ginny hadn't been involved in the Battle, she had been at Madam Pomfrey's side the entire time. Ron had been taken out of the Battle before it had even begun due to his severed arm. As far as Severus knew, he was still in St. Mungo's while they tried to come up with a viable option for his arm. Molly was apparently devastated at his injury, but Severus didn't care. The little bastard had tried to rape his daughter; as far as he was concerned, he deserved everything he had received.

The twins had received minor injuries from trying to take on Jugson and Rowle. In the end, they had been successful, no mean feat for going against such skilled Death Eaters, but they would both bear scars for the rest of their days. The middle child, Percy, had escaped entirely unscathed but Severus also didn't think that he had seen any real battle. He had shown up with the auror contingent and the last Severus had seen, he had been dodging spells.

The dragon-tamer, Charlie, had received a serious gash to his leg, nicking his artery. By the time he had reached the healers, he had come close to losing consciousness. Bill had tangled with Greyback, taking a slash from his claws to the face. It was a horrid scar but from the way he had heard the oldest Weasley talk, he wasn't too broke up about it. He had been thrilled to escape with his life.

Arthur had broken several bones in his dangerous dance with Mulciber. Since the Death Eater was now dead, he was sure that the patriarch considered it an even trade. Molly had taken on the Carrows, together, and defeated them soundly. If she hadn't been such a complete bitch to his daughter, Severus would have happily congratulated her on her efforts.

Most of the upper level Death Eaters had perished in the Battle, none of them wanting to be taken alive. They were well-aware that Azkaban was a fate worse than death. However, the lower-levels had been more than happy to throw their wands to the ground and beg for mercy from the Ministry. Severus had a feeling that that wouldn't be happening any time soon.

The casualties were high; Severus' heart hurt when he considered the students that had been killed. He knew that his daughter was going to feel beyond guilty when she learned their names; even though he had played no part in the deaths, Severus did. The guilt was unbearable at times but there was nothing that he could do about it.

Severus had been happy to hear that among the Death Eaters killed had been one Viktor Krum. While he couldn't stand the Brown girl in the least, he didn't wish that fate on anyone. She had been trying to silence Weasley and she had paid the price for his stupidity. It was quite saddening but that was how the Dark Lord had worked. Complete control could be attained when your subject knew that you had something over them, something that they cared about. Much the same as Dumbledore had done to him.

Severus wanted to vomit when he thought about the fact that Dumbledore was being hailed as a hero that had fallen in the fight, doing his utmost to protect his students. It was the furthest thing from the truth, but he wasn't sure if they should dispel their public's notions. He wanted to consult with his daughter; she was the one who knew all his secrets after all.

Potter, Draco, Hermione and himself were also being hailed as heroes, something that Severus hadn't expected at all. He was the son of the Dark Lord, she was his granddaughter, and he had thoroughly expected for the public to be repulsed. This wasn't the case, however. The papers all spoke of their bravery and turning their backs on their family, other such rot that fell along those lines. Severus had quit reading the Daily Prophet after the first article.

The Head of Slytherin was pulled from his thoughts by a groan on the bed. His daughter was stirring, her breathing speeding up, her head moving side to side slightly. She was currently surrounded by Draco, Potter, Theo, Black, and Lupin. There had been another group there just ten minutes before, but they had been ushered along by Madam Pomfrey, stating that too may visitors clogged up the Hospital Wing. Draco and Potter each took one of her hands and waited for her to come completely around.

When her eyes opened, the bright blue color was the most beautiful sight in the world.

"Wh…Where a-a-am I?" Her voice was scratchy from disuse, but Severus didn't care. She was awake and the two boys clinging to her had assured him that her magic was stronger than ever. Draco leaned over and brushed her long curls away from her face.

"You're in the Hospital Wing. We're all here with you." One of her healers noticed that they were now speaking to her and rushed over.

Severus wasn't a fan of this man; not only was he arrogant and under the impression that healers was Hermione's only option, Healer Cloy felt that neither he nor Harry or Draco knew what they were talking about regarding Hermione. While he could understand that he had every right to be skeptical, he had no right to treat the three of them like they were filthy liars.

"Back away, let me run a diagnostic!" Even though they all shot the man a dirty glare, they moved out of his way, so he could reassure them that Hermione was indeed well. Severus watched for several minutes as the healer did his best to find something wrong with his daughter and he couldn't help but think that the man looked disappointed when he turned back to them.

"I can find nothing wrong with her. Her body is in excellent condition, her magical stores are higher than any witch or wizard I've ever seen, and the nutrient potions have worked wonders on keeping her nutrition up to par. All in all, she's recovered completely even though she just woke up. It boggles the mind." Severus only smirked at the man and his obvious confusion. Both boys were quick to help Hermione sit up and Severus worried when a grimace crossed her features.

"What's wrong, sweet?" She finally settled against the pillows, now upright. Her face cleared once she was settled.

"I'm stiff as a board. I feel like I've been laying in the same position for a week." Severus couldn't help but chuckle as he moved forward to take one of her hands in his since the two boys had settled on the bed next to her.

"You've been laying there for six days. We'll get you a muscle relaxing potion. That should help." The healer took his hint and scuttled off to retrieve the appropriate potion. Hermione turned her attention to everyone gathered around her.

"What happened? I remember hugging Draco and Harry and then nothing. I wake up six days later?" Harry brushed his fingers against her neck.

"Rodolphus used the killing curse on you while you were hugging us. You were hit in the back and dropped. Draco and I healed you just like you healed me." Severus watched as his daughter fell silent. It was clear that that wasn't the response she had been anticipating.

He waited patiently for his daughter to process their words. He really couldn't blame her for being stunned silent.

-O-

Hermione wasn't quite sure what to think of the fact that she had technically died. Of course, she knew that she had. Her parents had appeared before her, telling her how proud they were of her and how happy they were that she had found Severus. She had wanted to stay with them forever, but they had urged her to return.

At the time, she hadn't realized just what kind of choice she was being offered. She hadn't realized that if she stayed there with them in limbo that she wouldn't be able to return to the land of the living with Draco and Harry. She would never again see her father or her brother, Remus, or Sirius. After her parents had realized that she wasn't connecting the dots, they had urged her to return so she could live a long and happy life with her friends and family.

Hermione was unsure if she wanted to share her experience with everyone. While she was quite sure that not a single person would blame her for keeping the whole thing private, she was sure that she would want to know if they had experienced something similar. When she thought about it like that, Hermione couldn't help but wonder if Harry had visited his parents as well. She doubted that they had appeared to him in the backyard of her family home, however.

"I know I was dead. I just wasn't sure how. What happened to Rodolphus?" Everyone shifted their eyes, unwilling to be the person that gave her the harsh truth. Finally, it was Sirius that broke the silence.

"Your dad killed him, poppet. He did it in such a way that our whole world knows what will happen to them if they do something to you." Hermione swung her gaze to her father, noting that his eyes were on their hands rather than her face. She gave him a squeeze, making him finally meet her eyes. She gave him a small smile.

"I love you, daddy." He smirked back at her, before answering her.

"I love you too, sweet." She didn't say anymore about Rodolphus, she was sure that if she really asked around, it wouldn't be hard to discover exactly what had befallen the Death Eater. Just as her thoughst turned to the causalities that there surely were, her father spoke again.

"How did you know that you were dead, sweet?" Hermione met his gaze again and considered what her answer should be. Since only those closest to her were present, she decided to answer truthfully.

"I woke up in the backyard of my childhood home to find that my parents were waiting there for me. They told me how proud they were of me, how much they loved me, and told me that they were thrilled that I had found my real father. They urged me to come back and live the rest of my life with my mates, my brother, my father, and friends. I wanted to stay for awhile since I didn't realize that I was dead, but they told me that if I stayed with them then I would never see any of you until you had passed through the veil. I chose life." They all stared at her, completely gob smacked. Remus was shaking his head in disbelief.

"There's no bloody way, it just isn't possible." Hermione understood where he was coming from. He was the most logical person she knew aside from herself and her father. If he had believed her outright she would have been surprised. Before she could speak, however, Harry interrupted.

"I know it's true. My parents came to me at King's Cross. They told me how much they loved me and how proud of me they were. They told me that they would never be disappointed if I came back, that I deserved to be happy with Hermione and Draco. My mother wanted to ask Hermione to always take care of me since I am so much like my father and can't take care of myself." Hermione bit back a laugh when her father snorted. This earned him a glare from Harry, but nobody seemed to care. Remus and Sirius were grinning widely. Harry let the laughter die out before he spoke again.

"I also have a few messages to pass on." He turned to his two godfathers.

"My dad wants you two to quit blaming yourselves for their deaths. It wasn't your fault and he said that you have both paid dearly for your mistrust in each other. He wants you to remember him in happiness, not sadness." Hermione could see the silent tears running down both her honorary uncles' faces. They didn't bother hiding their emotional display and Hermione could only smile softly at them. She reached out her hand to them, determined to offer them some sort of comfort. First Sirius took her hand and let her squeeze it before releasing it and letting Remus do the same. Once they released her, they moved to hug Harry simultaneously. They remained that way for a full minute before they pulled away from each other, Sirius ruffling his hair playfully.

"That it, Prongslet?" Harry shook his head before turning his gaze to Severus.

"The other message is for you, sir." Hermione saw her father stiffen next to her, his gaze becoming hawkish. He gave Harry a sharp nod, indicating that he continue.

"My dad wanted me to tell you that he was a right git when you were in school and he knows that he was terrible to you. He said that he's sorry and he regrets it more than anything. He hopes that someday you can forgive him too. My mum wanted me to tell you that you need to move on and find someone that will love you like you deserve. She said that she wants you to be happy." Hermione knew what this would do to her father. It would either turn him into an emotional mess once all the doors were shut and he was alone, or he would strike out with a vengeance. Therefore, she reached out and took his hand in hers again, rubbing his knuckles with her thumb. When he looked up and met her gaze, there were tears in his eyes. They refused to fall, however, showing that he was still as stubborn as ever. Once he had composed himself, he looked up and ebony eyes met emerald.

"Thank you, Harry, for carrying their messages. From here on, you're Harry and I'm Severus except for in class. We're going to be family after all." Harry leaned over and hugged her father briefly, who instantly stiffened. Harry then pulled away laughing.

"You better get used to hugs then. Draco didn't have a choice. He doesn't even whine anymore." With that simple statement, the tension was broken and they all laughed. Once they were quiet again, Hermione asked the question that was bothering her.

"How many did we lose?" Just like that, they were all silent again. It was Remus that gave her the statistics.

"Our side lost thirty-three souls, fourteen of them students. The Dark side lost almost fifty Death Eaters and captured another fifty-six. They're all awaiting trial in Azkaban." Hermione felt her eyes water at the news.

"Who?" Remus started to shake his head, but Hermione lifted her chin defiantly. He sighed before answering.

"Those you know are Professor Flitwick, Professor Trelawney, Lavender Brown, Dean Thomas, Lee Jordan, Cho Chang, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Pansy Parkinson, Mandy Brocklehurst, Hannah Abbott, and Vincent Crabbe. The rest of the students weren't ones that associated with you." Hermione felt her throat constrict. She had been the ones to advocate that the students fight. It was her fault that they were dead. But she had to know the rest.

"Who else? The Order?" Sirius sighed, rubbing a hand down his face before he answered.

"Dumbledore, of course, but you knew that. Dedalus Diggle, Hestia Jones, and some members you never met before. They all died heroes and will be recognized as such." Hermione was not taking her turn in scrubbing her face.

"It was all my fault, I shouldn't have made the call to let the students fight. They're dead because of me." Draco shushed her before she could say another word.

"Princess, we gave them a choice and they made it for themselves. We didn't pressure them. Some of them left with the train and had no part in any of this. This was their decision and is in no way your fault." The rest of them were nodding sagely at his words so Hermione let it drop even though she didn't agree.

"How long has Lucius been in Azkaban? Is he going to get a trial?" Her father reached out and rubbed her foot reassuringly.

"He will receive a fair trial, sweet, but he isn't in Azkaban. Everyone stood between the aurors and Lucius and I when they wanted to take us in. I hadn't even been healed yet and they weren't sure what was going to happen with the three of you. He has a trial date set for the first of June, the first of the Death Eater trials if I understood correctly." She cocked her head to the side.

"What about yours?" He actually grinned at her, completely out of character.

"Three days after they tried to arrest me, they dropped all charges against me. Apparently, Minerva was moving things out of Albus' office and found his secret stash of stored memories. He had all the memories of me begging to be set free, that I didn't want to spy anymore, that I didn't want to be a Death Eater. Then Harry, Draco, and Minerva put forth all their memories since the start of this school year. Once they had viewed them all, they dismissed all my charges. You're going to have to deal with me for the rest of your days."

Hermione laughed and leaned forward so she could throw her arms around his neck. Even though she had proclaimed that she knew he would be found innocent of all charges when they were brought against him, she had still been worried that the Wizengamot wouldn't care about the truth and convict him anyways. This was even better since he didn't even have to appear before the court. Her father hugged her tightly for a few moments before releasing her to sit back in the pillows. The useless healer finally returned with her muscle relaxing potion. She took no time to throw it back like a shot of whiskey and gulp it down.

"So where do we go from here?" The rest of them weren't sure just what to say so it was her father that finally answered.

"We'll go the funerals, pay our respects, deal with the press, I'll go back to teaching until you three graduate, and you three will continue with your education. After that, it's all up to you." Hermione remembered the press at his statement. She couldn't hold back the groan.

"How much of a field day is the press having with this? With us?" It was Sirius that burst out in laughter.

"You three are heroes, as is your dad. The press has said nothing but positive things about you, praising you for your contributions to the war even though your paterfamilias determined that you should do otherwise." Hermione cocked her head to the side.

"Then why do we have to deal with the press?" Her father sighed. It was clear that what he was about to say wasn't something that he wanted to discuss at his moment.

"The press is also under the impression that Albus Dumbledore is a hero to all, sacrificing himself for the cause when the Dark Lord was determined to kill the three of you." Hermione felt her magic flare dangerously, everyone's eyes going wild for just a few moments before she was able to rein it in. When she spoke, her voice was low.

"We will not let him die a hero. Yes, he took on my grandfather but not because he wanted to protect us. He wanted to look good, try to cover the bad things he'd done. I'll be giving an exclusive interview sometime soon to the Daily Prophet to make sure that nobody labors under that false impression again. Fucking Albus Dumbledore." The rest of them laughed at her cursing, none of them too upset that she wanted to ruin the reputation of a dead man. After all, she had made it quite clear on numerous occasions that she was more than ruthless when she needed to be.

Before she could launch into another subject, Hermione heard the door to the Hospital Wing open and footsteps approaching her bed. When she lifted her eyes, she saw that her favorite professor was standing before her, a smile spread across her face. The woman didn't hesitate to open her arms and wrap Hermione in them, holding her tight and smiling.

"Hermione, I can't tell you how happy I am that you've come back. Merlin, we were so scared of what was going to happen to you." Hermione hugged her back just as fiercely, her eyes squeezed tight to contain their liquid emotion.

"I was completely fine, just gathering my strength and magic. I have to ask, even though you're going to be Headmistress, am I going to still be able to apprentice under you?" The Headmistress cupped her cheeks with her hands and smiled at her.

"Absolutely, dear girl. I hope you'll be my replacement. I plan to only hire professors at a yearly contract until you decide that Hogwarts is your permanent home. Of courses, your family will be welcome. Maybe teaching at their own posts?" Hermione cocked her head to the side, not understanding just what the Headmistress was saying. The older woman grinned broadly.

"I'm hoping that Mr. Malfoy will agree to apprentice under Severus and that Mr. Potter will agree to apprentice under Remus. When they retire, maybe they could take their places. No hurry, I know what it's like to be young, but just keep that in mind for the distant future. The three of you would be a great boon to Hogwarts and our nation's youth." Hermione found herself grinning widely at the suggestion but didn't wish to speak for either of her mates. Instead she focused on herself.

"Someday, I would be honored to take your position. Carrying on the tradition, you could say." The older witch's eyes gleamed with happiness.

"I know that you're still catching up, but I came to let everyone know that it was dinner time. I've been mothering this lot since you've been in here. I'm grateful to say that since you're awake you can have the job back. They listen to you better anyways." Hermione broke out in laughter at her words before nodding.

"As you wish, Professor." As she watched the wet eyes of her professor blink away the moisture and try to herd everyone to the doors, she smiled. She urged Harry and Draco to go down to the Great Hall and inform everyone that she was fine and would up to visitors tomorrow. If she left it for the others to announce, there would be who knew how many students coming to see her, especially once she heard of how popular she had become.

Even though her mates agreed to accompany her father to the evening meal, her brother flat out refused. Therefore, he stayed behind while everyone else left, leaving them in near silence. The only sound heard was the faint monitoring charms of those that were still in serious condition in the Hospital Wing. Once everyone was gone, Theo stood and moved to sit next to her on the bed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as she got comfortable.

"I was scared to death that I would never see you again, Hermione, that you would never wake up and tell me to fuck off again. You can't scare me like that again." She burrowed closer into his side and did her best to try to make him feel better.

"I know it couldn't have been easy for you, never in a million years would I think that. However, you must know that what I did was necessary. I couldn't allow that monster to live and rule all our lives like that." Theo nodded next to her.

"I know you couldn't. That's what I love about you, your sense of loyalty and knowing what's wrong from right." Hermione wrapped one of her arms around his waist and held him tight.

"Then trust me when I say that this is over, and we won't ever have to deal with Voldemort again. This is the start of a new life for us, Teddy." Her brother's eyes lowered.

"For you. Not for me. I'm still the no-good son of a Death Eater." Hermione slapped him lightly on his cheek to make him look at her.

"Don't you ever let me hear you say that again. You are not the no-good son of a Death Eater, you're my brother. Now that my grandfather is dead, we can tell the world who you are. Nobody will dare tear you down knowing that you're related to me." Hermione could tell that her words touched him and was unsure of the reason why. It was clear that he hadn't had a huge amount of love and affection in his life, but she had assumed that he had received it at the hands of his many conquests.

"If your claim me as your brother, I'll never complain about it again." Hermione laughed aloud at his words before throwing herself in his arms.

"As if I have a problem telling the world that those who belong to me will not be harmed. Did I tell you that that means verbally as well?" Theo laughed aloud before rolling his eyes good-naturedly at his sister.

"I don't know how those two put up with you." In a rare show of dirty humor, Hermione waggled her eyebrows at him.

"Do you really want to know?" Theo stole one of her pillows and began hitting her over the head with it, causing her to retaliate in much the same way.

Even though Madam Pomfrey didn't generally approve of such tomfoolery in her Wing, she couldn't help but to sit back and smile at their display.

Maybe things would be alright after all.

-O-

Severus couldn't believe that he had allowed his daughter to bully him into leaving the Hospital Wing to go eat in the Great Hall. It was still heavily damaged, but they had been able to fix it enough to get them through until the end of the year when they could fix it properly. He waited impatiently at his seat for his food to appear, so he could eat and then return to his daughter's side. Even though she was now awake didn't reassure him that she wasn't in any danger.

Severus turned his attention to Minerva, hoping that she would call for the food to be served any moment now. Instead, what he saw pissed him off. How dare she? She was cocking her eyebrow and motioning from the podium to himself with her eyes. He caught her meaning clearly. Make the announcement that his daughter was fine. It was rightfully his responsibility since she was his daughter but that didn't mean that he had to like the fact that he would lose the privacy they currently had. Glaring at the Headmistress, Severus rose to his feet and approached the podium, casting a sonorous charm on himself.

"I wanted to inform you all that just a couple hours ago my daughter, Hermione Snape, woke up from her coma. She is deemed to be quite healthy and her magic is at levels that the healers have never seen. Let this be a lesson that good will always triumph because there is no doubt that my daughter is anything but."

Severus knew that they were all aware of his daughter's paternity. They knew that she was the long-lost daughter of Alexandra Nott, sister to Theodore. They had even figured out that she had used her position as granddaughter to the Dark Lord to exploit him and trick him, leading him to his death. It was saddening that everyone knew her darkest secrets but at the same time is was so liberating. He could now hug and kiss his daughter in public and there was no chance in the world that someone would be sickened by it. Well, he supposed that there were the odd ones out there, but nobody would dare openly complain about his attentions to his daughter as they would have before.

The cheers that went up through the Great Hall were thunderous; there was no way that Severus could have anticipated this kind of response to her recovery. Even the Slytherins were on their feet and cheering loudly. It was clear that the student body still adored her even after her duplicity. He knew that she had worried about that.

As he listened to the crown continue to go wild, Severus came to a final conclusion. His daughter would be loved for all time and the thought of that made him happy. She had Harry and Draco, both swearing to keep her safe and love her. Theo was her brother and had made plenty clear that his sister was more important than just about anything. It was clear that the public wasn't going to throw her under the bus just because of who she belonged to. For this, Severus was grateful.

Life was good, the war was over, and the lines between dark and light had been crossed and redrawn, and the light had prevailed. The cheers that were still resonating from the students confirmed that it was indeed a time for celebration. Therefore, Severus called for a house elf and ordered a fire whiskey.

In his opinion, it was a drink well earned.

A/N- There you have it, folks, the last official chapter. I kind of want to cry. I have two short epilogues planned for this story, I can only hope that you enjoy them. Please leave me a review and tell me what you thought of it. Reviews make me smile.

Next chapter, Harry's birthday.

Love,

Alicia