Thank you to the three loyal readers who always showed support. This epilogue is for you. It's meant to be a taste of a few special moments of Harry and his loved ones.

Epilogue: New buds

Harry and Adrian grew closer, physically and emotionally, as the months had gone on. Remus had made a point of making sure Regulus was the one who covered full moons for him. Sirius joked that it was because Remus wanted to spend time with him. In truth maybe there was a part. But he had trouble reminding his old friend that Harry was an adult and didn't need a chaperone. He and Regulus were protective but more reasonable. Harry had surprised few in the new year when he announced his career plans. It turned out that his uncles would be close. The auror who had been teaching defence had decided to return to the aurors. Regulus had been offered to take over in the fall. He knew Harry would be done but he had enjoyed helping Remus. Sirius would cover full moons for Remus. Harry reminded his uncles he would not only be an adult but staff.

Harry had finished school top of his class, beating Hermione for the first time. Her and Draco were not far behind. Harry, Draco, Hermione, Blaise and Neville spent the summer at Grimmauld. Harry had made the national quidditch team and took the team to their first cup win in a decade. He had finally shown up Viktor whose team he beat in the finals. Viktor jokingly said he was being forced to retire in disgrace. He had retired by choice. He married Fleur that summer and was coaching in France. In the fall Harry and Neville left their friends in London to start work at Hogwarts. The others remained at Grimmauld.

At Christmas break Adrian found Harry in his rooms. "Forgotten we are meant to be leaving?"

Harry looked up with a smile. "We will be a tad late."

Adrian smiled when he saw where Harry was looking. "So how many of them do you plan to keep?"

Harry tried to look innocent. "None."

Adrian didn't buy it for a moment. "How many?"

"Maybe just one."

Adrian sat across from him. "Perhaps a girl. Snowy is out numbered."

"I had thought of that." And after a pause. "You don't mind?"

"Not my suites."

"Not yet." Harry said but blushed.

Adrian kissed him. "I knew you were cat crazy when we started."

"Muggles always called Aunty Arabella the crazy cat lady."

Adrian laughed. "Thankfully not the right body parts."

Harry explained. "She is getting too old to breed. She has put me in contact with her shops."

"Have you decided to become a breeder then ?"

"I still plan on being a vet but I enjoy it, perhaps other species."

"May need to let our families give us a manor. Not sure school suites will work."

Harry blushed. "Hagrid has an idea for that. Until we need a home."

They were both blushing with the talk. They were madly in love and did plan to marry one day. Adrian at least would be working at the school for years to come but they would think another home. Charlie was training Harry but unlike Sprout, Charlie didn't plan on retiring in two years. Harry was busy right now focussing on studying. Between Charlie and the centaurs he was donee a semester of vet training. But he was also doing his medic training at the same time. But he had begun breeding, well he and Arabella had thought to try. Snowy was delivering her first litter. They were only half kneezle, as Snowy was a full cat, but there was still a demand for them. Harry sent word to the manor they would be late due to the babies.

Adrian did eventually draw Harry away from the new litter. One of the elves would look over the cats while they were gone. Harry was spending the next week at home but would be at Pucey and Malfoy manor plenty.

Sirius practically pounced when he got home. "You are late."

Harry hugged his Uncle. "I sent Kreacher to tell you."

Regulus appeared in the door. "He is just jealous because you were with cats."

Sirius grumbled. "Couldn't you at least choose dogs."

"Not at school." Harry reminded his Uncle. "Besides I am thinking magical."

Remus was in the living room. "Nicholas has hinted he would like you to take over."

Sirius smiled. "Phoenixes are much better."

Harry hated to think of the man dying. "Considering."

They were having a quiet family dinner tonight, Adrian the only guest besides Severus. It was two days till Christmas. Nicholas had told Harry he planned to leave his fortune to Harry and suggested he continue the phoenixes. Nicholas was slowly dying since the destruction of the stone. Harrys uncles made him blush when they joked how many kids he and Adrian needed. Though not engaged, they had talked it. Black and Gryffindor were already one, and Pucey-Ravenclaw would be united. Potter and Flamel would remain individual. Argus had actually hinted he would split the McKinnon money between his uncles who had both been close to his niece and nephews. Harry knew the money would eventually come his way possibly but he hoped his uncles would marry. He had not had much luck setting up one couple but Regulus and Remus had officially been dating for a month. The men though agreed with Harry on the other two and were trying to help. As they went in for dinner Harry decided to give them a little nudge. There was mistletoe and he decided to give them a bump. Severus smirked when he saw it and he could see a similar reaction from Sirius. But it seemed for once the meddling of his nephew was not going to go to waste.

Sirius pulled the man into his arms for a long kiss. He smiled when he pulled back. "Merry Christmas you greasy bat."

Severus smirked. "You too mutt."

The summer after Harry finished his first year apprenticing saw him win a second World Cup. But it wasn't the biggest change. Regulus decided to make Remus officially Harry's uncle when he proposed. The two men chose a simple wedding with just close family and friends. Harry had given his uncles the use of Black Moot as their weekend home. As much as they loved Sirius, living with him at the old house wasn't appealing. Wallburga had planned to leave her inheritance to Regulus but it passed to Harry when her son was thought dead. Harry reminded his uncle of that when he refused at first to let Harry give him the manor. Harry would get it back, as neither uncle could carry a baby, and the house would revert back to Harry. Remus joked to Harry he should marry soon or Sirius may beat him. He and Severus has been dating since Christmas officially. Harry wouldn't need to loan them a home, he had plenty to spare, as Severus had his own home and the Prince estate.

Harry had established a small cottage of sorts in the woods at school. He was using it to breed as his apartments were small. Snowy and his personal cats, including his newest female Noel, still remained in the castle. He had taken the last of Arabellas breeding pairs in. She kept her older cats like Snowball for company, happily back in her home in Surrey. He was working with Nicholas to learn about breeding phoenixes as well. He was considering future career plans.

Christmas Eve Adrian was feeling sick "Maybe I should wait."

Draco shook his head. "It is all planned."

Fred who surprisingly helped agreed. "Don't want to put all my brilliant plans to waste."

Adrian smirked. "Just like a lion to take credit."

Fred shrugged. "You asked."

"Because besides Draco you know him best."

Draco reminded Adrian. "Uncle Severus is about to do the unthinkable and propose."

Fred laughed. "Don't want to be over shadowed by the old man."

"And you asked permission. You need to propose." Draco pushed.

Adrian reminded him. "I don't see a ring on Pansy."

"Her father has said if I want to live, I will not ask his blessing at least until summer."

Fred laughed. "Scared of her dad? Not very brave Slytherin of you."

"You have never met her father. And unlike lions, we have a better sense of self preservation."

Harry would be the first friend their age if he said yes. Fred had married that spring and George a few weeks after Harry's uncles. Charlie was the only single older brother now. Ginny was off playing quidditch on the continent now, not making a team here, and Ron was in London. Neville and Luna or Draco and Pansy were likely next. Blaise and Hermione were still pretty single. Pansy was working for a fashion magazine. Her dad had said he didn't want her to marry until she was at least twenty. Draco was petrified of her father and her brothers. He would never propose without his blessing and he wouldn't get it yet.

Adrian had the uncles blessing, and that of his parents as well. He has been nervously planning the proposal. He was thinking a summer wedding after the national quidditch season was over. Then they could hobeymoon before school. He turned to his boyfriends two closest friends for some advice on proposing. He was nervous but had no doubt what he wanted.

This year Harry came looking for him. "I thought we were meeting."

Adrian kissed him. "Sorry,might distracted by Hagrid."

"My uncle may terrorize my cats if he thinks they are to blame again."

"They know we will be late."

"Have errands to run or something?"

Adrian nodded. "Just one. Something grandfather asked me to check on."

Harry was surprised they weren't headed into town. "I assume he us already at the manor. The bar?"

Adrian shook his head. "No, at the manor."

Harry was surprised but allowed himself to be apparated. Adrian and Aberforth had become quite close over the past years. Aberforth had retired finally. Though he had the Ravenclaw estate, he had moved in with his grandson. Adrian's parents had insisted on it. He owned the bar still but had a manager for it. Adrian and his grandsire had become close as the man helped train him. Harrys knewAdrian has been to the manor but had never been before. It seemed an odd stop that afternoon.

Harry felt like something was up and when he saw the horses he knew he was right. Adrian's horse from his main manor was brought. Harry had been riding for years, but a horse was surprisingly not in his menagerie. He always borrowed.

Harry smiled when he saw the horses. "What kind of errand is this?"

"More of a Christmas gift. It was too big to put under the tree."

Harry realized. "You mean…"

Adrian led the beautiful dapple Arabian forward. "I hope you approve."

Harry stroked the big mares nose. "She is beautiful."

"Thought your own had been missing from the menagerie too long."

Harry laughed as he fed her a carrot given. "She is perfect."

"How about we take them for a rude to test her out?"

"Since her and Tumbler are saddled, would be a waste not to."

Adrian mounted his big black. "Have you thought a name?"

Harry mounted her. "Need to get to know her a bit."

The two of them headed out into the vast grounds. He had never had a bond with horses like his other animals. But he still felt a connection to them. He road the same Malfoy, Pucey and Krum horses but not the same. He knew with time his bond with her would grow. As they road he settled on the name Eirlys. Like his cats, he took inspirations. He named his newest cat Noel as she was born a year ago. Inspired by the snow, and already having a cat Snowy, he chose the welsh word for snowdrop. The manor where they were riding was in southern Wales. Though dapple grey, she had a Snow White tail and mane.

Harry was surprised when he saw a building as they headed back. "What is that?"

Adrian hid a secret smile. "Out shed of some kind."

"It is a chicken coop."

Adrian dismounted with him. "It is a large property."

Harrys saw the chickens. "Those are my chickens."

"Are you sure?"

Harry reminded him. "I know my birds."

Adrian shrugged. "It seemed the right spot. The tree and all."

Harry was about to mention the tree when he saw the stones. "Rummy and Mr Paws."

Adrian was fumbling. "I knew you'd want them here."

Harry watched him in surprise. "Here."

"The zoo you have been asked to help is near. And we need a weekend home."

Harry was amazed when he knelt. "Adrian?"

Adrian took out a ring. "I love you. I even love your crazy menagerie. Marry me."

Harry nodded in amazement. "Yes."

Adrian slid the ring on Harry and pulled him down into his arms for a long passionate kiss. They were broken apart by clapping. Harry was amazed to find both their families and many friends behind them. Champagne had been bright for a toast before they headed for dinner. Aberforth had been pleased to offer them the house. They had many to choose from but this was perfect. A new sanctuary was opening that summer. It was a zoo but magical animals. Xeno and the Scamander family were opening it. Luna was training to be a zoologist, but she was helping to find new species, and working for her dads paper. They had needed a vet though and had recently approached Harry. He would start in the fall after quidditch. He planned to do breeding still and help at school. Charlie specialized in regular animals. A human medic could be of use as well. Adrian thought the home perfect. Harry had the room to breed and was near the zoo even if living at school with him. The Black coastal hone and Grimmauld were likely to be frequently used. His childhood home in fact belonged to Lucius, once a safe house. He loved the home but it wasn't right for him and Adrian. It would soon be empty as Sirius and Severus were soon to wed.

Back at the manor Harry looked at the gifts. "I don't need any more. I got the perfect two."

It turned out Harry didn't beat his last Uncle after all. Sirius and Severus had not wanted any fuss. They hadn't eloped but they told no one until the wedding. The two were married at the start of Easter and Sirius moved to school. Narcissa was too distracted helping to plan Harry's wedding she had barely complained. Harry and Adrian were talking kids already. Fred had announced he and Alicia were expecting twin boys in September, George and Angelina welcomed a daughter in May. Draco had braved asking lord Parkinon for his blessing. With a promise to marry in the fall, he got it and proposed. Hermione and Blaise surprised a few when they began dating though only recent. Harry finished his training as did his friends. Hermione took a job in law with the ministry and Draco for his dad. Harry won his third cup a week before his wedding.

On the third day in August the wedding arrived. Harry had chosen Draco, Fred and Neville and Hermione to stand up for him. Adrian has Marcus as his best man. George was the only non Slytherin on that side. They had chosen to marry at the Black manor on the coast. Harry had spent the morning with his grandparents alone. They were all proud of him and his choice. Their paintings had been moved to his new home. Adrian was happy to have them.

Sirius looked at Harry. "You haven't told us."

Harry played coy."What?"

"Who gets to give you away?" Sirius reminded him.

"Oh I was thinking Severus."

Severus smirked. "Good taste."

Regulus didn't find it funny. "You said two."

Harry smiled. "I was thinking the marauders."

Remus hugged him. "You know we'd be honoured."

Sirius agreed. "Best choice."

Regulus kissed his nephew. "Honoured to be here."

Harry decided the marauders represented both his parents who he wished could be there. He and Adrian were both walking the aisle and being presented. They were being married down on the beach. Narcissa and Aurelia had gone crazy planning. There was a beautiful stone outcrop along the water which the grooms stood on, backs to the water. The guests were in chairs facing the water. Conk shells filled with wild flowers hung at the end of each row. The reception was where they went crazy.

Harry could not take his eyes from his fiancé when they took their vows. Harry was shocked but had tears of happiness when he saw his ring bearers. Snowy and Buttertail were doing the honors, his two longest cats. Hermione suggested it.

The minister finally announced. "I now produce you husbands. You may seal it with a kiss."

Harry passionately kissed his husband. "Finally."

Adrian took him to the contracts. "One last step."

Harry smiled as he signed. "No backing out now."

"After all the planning Mum would have killed us."

The minister announced when all was signed. "For the first time as husbands, Harry and Adrian Pucey-Black."

Aurelia hugged both boys. "Welcome to the family Harry."

Sirius beamed. "Your parents would have been as proud."

Harry hugged his uncles. "I am just happy you are all here."

Harry and Adrian had decided to hyphen but three names were a lot. Harry chose to use Black because of his connection. Potter would be a title for a third child. The party moved in two directions. The families went for photos as the other guests had cocktails further down the beaches. They did join the cocktail party before they moved up to the reception. Still outdoors, the reception was up on the grass though bonfires were set up on the beach for later. Five courses of a light summer dinner, and a huge wedding cake decorated in shells waited. Drift wood vases of flowers, and an arbor strung with lanterns was décor.

Harry happily danced with his husband later. "Maybe we can escape."

Adrian reminded him. "They have the port key for our honeymoon."

"And the twins wouldn't forgive us if we missed their fireworks."

Free came over at the end. It was far from their first dance. "All set on the beach."

Adrian grinned. "Must be mind readers."

Fred laughed. "You looked ready to run and the other traditions are done."

The party moved down to the water where the twins put on an amazing show. When it was done the grooms got to take off on their honeymoon not knowing where they were headed. They found themselves on a boat to their surprise and realized it was a giant yacht. They found they were off the coast of Vietnam. They has three weeks to explore the orient, many countries friendly for them. Mix of city excitement, beaches and animals for Harry awaited. Adrian intended to take him to Africa one day, knowing his husband would love a Safari but this was perfect. It would allow them to go muggle and not worry. As his husband drew him into their suite and into bed, all thoughts of exploration turned to each other. They made love for the first of many times, taking a breather later to have breakfast and watch the sunrise. After all the stress of plans this was perfect.

Harry toasted his husband. "To the start of our lives together."

Three weeks had been amazing. With some magic help the yacht traveled far. They had stuck to Asia, not heading as far as Australia but thought one day. But they enjoyed the beaches and history of Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, part of Indonesia, Korea and Tokyo. They stayed an extra two days and had gone to Beijing and saw the wall and forbidden city. They had got a lot of animals for Harry including pandas and elephants. The family was not shocked they were late coming back. They returned a week before school began. Harry started his new job in Wales and settled into his husbands rooms at school. Life was soon busy. Fred named them godparents when his twins were born two weeks later. They served to Felix, George and his wife to Gus. Draco and Pansy married just before Halloween. Harry and Adrian shocked everyone announcing they were pregnant a week later. They found out to their delight they were expecting twins. Gus and Felix would not be the only male twins.

In July Adrian had gone into labor with their twins. Everyone had been a bit surprised when he was carrier but Harry planned on eventually. They planned on four kids. Harry was just grateful because he was home. His husband convinced him to still play that summer. It would be his last season he decided, and won a forth cup in row. Between his job and now kids, it was time.

The day after the twins were born Harry was bringing them home. "Finally."

Adrian smiled down at his son he held. "Sleeping through it."

"May be good getting a nap now."

"Know something I don't?"

"You don't think they are waiting to show us the nursery."

Adrian knew he was right. "Surprised we don't have an escort."

Harry and Adrian indeed found the Puceys including Aberforth, Harry's uncles, the Malfoys, twins and a few others. Blaise and Hermione were engaged to wed. They were the last, even Neville married at Christmas, and Luna was pregnant. Blaise joked when bachelor for life Charlie eloped and his husband was pregnant, it was a sign. Ron was now the only single Weasley, Ginny even wed. Harry hadn't seen him since school but he knew he was doing well enough in work.

There would be two nurseries to see. Harry's uncles had done the one at the manor. The Puceys had done the one here. The boys were anxious to see and didn't wait long to demand to see. Like the wedding, they soon saw what Aurelia fretted over.

Harry was amazed as he looked at the murals. "This is amazing."

Adrian agreed. They had seen the furniture but not décor. "Mum this is…."

Aurelia cut them off. "It had to be perfect for my first grandsons."

Sirius put in. "Wait to see ours."

Severus smirked. "He doesn't want to be out done."

Round cribs, a plush armchair on rockers, and the wall by the door into the hall had wardrobes and shelves. But the walls had been transformed. It was murals of the school, for both men. There was an animated pitch, and plenty of animated animals. Above one crib there was an A in the middle of a quidditch hoop. Above the other there was a V formed by two tentacles of the giant squid. The A was for little Arcturus James, the future lord Gryffindor-Black. The V was for Victor Thomas, the Pucey-Ravenclaw heir. The first names were for Harry's beloved grandsire, and Adrian's grandfather. The middle were their dads. Against tradition, neither boy had a godmother. Draco and Marcus served for Victor, and the twins for Arcturus.

Fred held his godson. "I hear Krum is protesting."

Harrys laughed. "He did think since our son shares his name he should be godfather."

Adrian shrugged. "Name just a coincidence."

Sirius smirked. "Still can't believe you chose Arcturus over Sirius. You could have at least chose a good marauder name."

Harry laughed at his Uncles pout. He reminded the man how close he was to his great grandsire. They thought next baby they would go a bit more original. But for their eldest two, heirs to their main estates, they went traditional family names. He reminded his uncle he used James which seemed marauder enough. His uncle conceded that point.

Harry shut him up when he said. "Well if our next is a girl, we thought Siria for you." That brought laughter.

Remus smiled at his nephew. "You know how to shut him up."

Adrian smiled as they lay the babies down later in their cribs in the master. Harry and Adrian had managed to clear everyone out for now. Harry's cats all came for a look at the babies. They all seemed quite pleased by the new additions. Buttertail who was getting up their now and likely to pass in a year, took up guard position over the two sleeping boys.

Harry smiled as he and his husband watched. "Our boys have found a guardian it seems."

An Hope this was a good peek. Thanks to those who supported throughout. And proved my time was worth seconds of yours.