I had to make a small edit, but the only way I could do it was to reload the chapter! Sorry guys!

This is it my lovely readers! We have arrived at the finale. But do not fret. Do not cry. We had a good run, but like all good things, it must come to an end. Thank you all for your lovely support, reviews, private messages, alerts, and follows. Without you, this would not exist.

To Rusty Weasley, thank you. I've said it here and by email countless times. Thank you. Your help in this fic was immeasurable and I will be ever in your literary debt. I hope your next projects are fun, adventurous, and successful.

As always, read and review!

Chapter 27 - Epilogue

One Year Later

"Adrian where are you?" Richard asked anxiously through the phone. "You were supposed to be here half an hour ago!"

"I'm on my way! There was an issue at the jewelers. I'll be there in five minutes," Adrian said hurriedly and out of breath. He hung up and laid back down.

"Is he freaking out?" Hermione asked from the vanity. She was applying make-up.

Adrian got out of bed and began getting dressed. He had gone to the jeweler hours ago, but when he saw Hermione getting ready; he couldn't help but lure her into bed for a bout in the sheets. "Yup. You'd think the man has never been married before."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "It's a vow renewal, not a wedding." She finished her makeup and went to put her heels on.

"Same difference," Adrian drawled. "Hey!" he shouted when she threw a nearby shoe at him.

"I think it's a great idea," she said. "It's a long time coming and they need this. It's been a rough year for them. It solidifies their commitment for one another."

Adrian came up behind her and placed a kiss on the ink behind her neck. She was going to get in trouble later. Although her father came to terms that she purposely marred her skin, he still didn't like to see it. Wrapping his arms around her waist, they paused, taking comfort in the other. He absentmindedly grazed the diamond he put on her ring finger the night before. "Just like you solidified you commitment to me?"

"I'm reconsidering it," Hermione said teasingly, breaking away from his embrace to look at him. She chuckled at the frown on his face and began the knot for his tie. "Don't make that face. When you start a proposal with the words, 'Shite, Hermione', it makes me wonder why I said yes."

"Well no one told you to snoop through my jacket woman. It was supposed to be a surprise," Adrian pouted.

"But it was a surprise!" Hermione laughed again, kissing his pouty lips.

He mock glared at her. The proposal was supposed to happen later in the evening. He had a whole thing planned. He was going to whisk her out to the garden and go over the day's details. He just knew she was going to complain about her heels where he, the doting boyfriend, would bend over and take off her shoes to rub her feet, but instead ask her to marry him.

But no! Hermione just had to be looking for her phone. She had a habit of wearing his clothes, not that he minded, and often forgot her keys, phone, or scraps of paper. Sure enough, she found the little velvet box and brought the whole jacket to him. He floundered at being found out. It was no use denying or delaying the step. He proposed to her on the spot.

The phone started to ring and vibrate again. Hermione sighed when she saw the caller ID. "It's dad. You should go," she said as she hit ignore.

"In the future, make sure to remind me that we're putting him in a retirement home but we'll take care of your mother," Adrian said dramatically, pulling on his suit jacket. He lifted his leg on the bed, rested his elbow on the raised leg, placed his chin in his hand, and stared out into space. "How do I look?" he asked, posing.

"Like I should most definitely reconsider. I think the paint fumes are impairing my judgment," she laughed. "I'm kidding," she said when he scowled again. "You look very handsome. Now go before dad has a conniption."

"I'll see you soon," he kissed her goodbye, double checked his pocket for the rings, and Disapparated to the church.

Hermione shook her head and finished getting ready. She was excited and nervous at the same time for a million reasons. Her parents had decided they wanted to get married again after coming full circle in their relationship. They both forgave the other for the past and wanted to move forward. Seeing as they technically never divorced, they settled for renewing their vows. Hermione cried when they told her. She was finally going to be present when it all unfolded and not have to refer to the old VHS tapes.

She was also excited because the potion she and George had worked on was a success. It was so successful that potion makers around the world were writing to them, asking if they could purchase the patent so they could brew and distribute it in their own countries. Hospitals all over were now fully stalked with the new and improved Pink Ray. If before they had been well off financially, now they were secure for future lifetimes.

Blaise and Draco had to extend their empire because of the potions success. They had asked Adrian to become a partner. He had declined, but after several threats from both younger Slytherins, they all agreed on a silent partnership. It lead to a nice bonus and pay raise for him. Hermione was so happy for Adrian. He wasn't the low man on the totem pole anymore.

She glanced at the clock, relieved she had a few more minutes before having to meet with her mother. She walked around the house, tidying up as she went downstairs. The house was still a mess but it was a work in progress. Hermione and Adrian decided to move in together. However neither wanted to live in an apartment any longer. After two months of nothing but open houses, she fell in love with a modest two-story home. It was close enough to the city to Apparate and close enough to her parents that by car, they were there in 15 minutes. They were going room by room in terms of decor, leaving a lot of open boxes all over the house.

Satisfied that the house looked cleaner, Hermione Disapparated to the hotel room her parents had rented.

Emily turned at the sound of the pop in the room, signaling her daughter's arrival.

"Mum you look gorgeous!" Hermione fawned over her. It was a simple ivory beaded dress, showing off the older woman's curves.

"Thank you sweetheart. You look beautiful too!" Emily hugged her daughter tightly.

"Are you nervous?" Hermione asked, taking a seat on the bed.

"Not as much as I thought I would be. I know your father is a mess though."

"I know," Hermione grumbled. "He called Adrian at least nine times this morning."

Emily laughed, "Of course. Heaven forbid Richard functions by himself. You do know why he called him early right?"

"Yes. The Granger tradition of being partially inebriated to marry," she rolled her eyes. "Where's your drink then?"

The older woman's eyes flickered over to the empty wine bottle beside the nightstand. "I may or may not have already indulged on that."

"Oh mum." Hermione took a deep breath, anxiousness filling her. "Actually mum," she paused until Emily looked at her, "I have something to tell you." Taking another gulp of air, she held out her left hand and braced herself.

Her mother gasped. "Oh my God! Congratulations, Baby!" Emily pulled her into the tightest hug possible.

"Thank you mum. I was going to wait until later to tell you, but then I would've had to take the ring off," she said admiring the jewelry. Hermione wasn't one for big materialistic displays, but the diamond was the perfect cut and the band was simple but elegant. It was completely her.

"Nonsense. I'm surprised, I thought he was going to do it later tonight," Emily mused.

"You knew?" Hermione asked in shock.

"Oh sweety, we all did. Adrian asked us for your hand just around the time you began house hunting. Who do you think went with him to look for the ring?" she asked.

Hermione couldn't help but beam at her mother. Of course he would ask her parents. He knew what it would mean to her. She shook the feelings away, needing to refocus. "Today's not about me though. It's you and dad. Are you ready?"

Emily replied yes, gathering her bouquet. Hermione Disapparated them to the church.

The ceremony was small and intimate. Hermione and Adrian, Harry and Ginny, and half the Weasley clan were standing with the Grangers. Pansy was also there holding hands with Daphne, who had finally realized that she loved Pansy as well.

Hermione watched in earnest as the priest gave a small ceremony. It was light, short, and to the point. To her tearful surprise, the vows were the exact same ones Emily and Richard promised to each other on their wedding. She found herself mouthing the words with them, just like on the videos. The silent tears continued throughout the remainder of the ceremony. They paused briefly when she smiled as Adrian gave them the rings, but resumed when they kissed.

Her parents hadn't wanted a banquet hall, so Hermione rented out their favorite restaurant for the evening. Her parents glowed with admiration, affection, trust, and love, regardless of all that they'd been through. They laughed and danced the night away.

Hermione had been cornered by Ginny and Pansy at one point, both noticing the ring on her finger. The redhead was far more enthusiastic, talking a mile a minute about wedding plans. Pansy on the other hand, congratulated her with a hug. Over the year they'd come to mutual ground, much like Adrian and Ron. She asked both girls not to say anything to anyone, not wanting to overshadow her parent's special evening.

She did want to tell two people though. She found Harry and Ron at the open bar, both waiting on drinks. They waited until she got her own, settling themselves at an unoccupied table, watching the guests talk and dance.

"If you had told me a year ago that we'd be at your parents wedding anniversary celebrating their renewed vows, I'd have asked you to check me into St. Mungo's," Ron said jokingly.

"Hear that Hermione? Ron's admitting he's crazy," Harry laughed.

"Ron's right though. I would've said the same thing," Hermione said.

"So much has changed in year," Harry mused, watching George twirl Mrs. Weasley on the dance floor.

"Tell me about it. We're at the party tonight," Ron started.

"Pansy's into women," Harry said, watching her and Daphne whisper to each other shyly.

"Angie's pregnant," Ron continued.

"Ginny's pregnant, again," Harry hung his head tiredly.

"Dad's running for Minister," Ron added.

"Hermione's bought a house with Pucey," Harry laughed.

Ron scoffed at Harry's comment. "Mum opened her bakery."

"I'm getting married," Hermione piped in.

"James says-," Harry snapped his head towards Hermione "Wait, what?"

She held out her hand, "Adrian and I are engaged."

"Congratulations Hermione! I'm so happy for you!" Harry gave her a side hug from where they were seated. "When did this happen?"

She laughed nervously, eyeing Ron who was very still, "Yesterday evening. He was going to purpose tonight but I ruined the surprise by being nosey."

"Of course you did." Harry laughed again.

"Pucey? Him? Really? You're going to marry him?" Ron finally spat out in distaste.

Hermione frowned. At least he didn't start yelling like when she told him they were moving in together. "Yes Ronald. Him. Adrian. We're getting married. Honestly, I can't believe you still harbor bad feelings towards him." She finished her drink quickly and changed her seat to look at Ron directly. "Adrian makes me happy, Ron. I know you don't see it, but he does. I don't want to have this discussion with you every time I share a new development in my life. If you can't get over this grudge you're holding onto, I'm not sure our friendship will last. I don't want to have to choose between the both of you because you won't like the answer. This, for me, is for a lifetime. I want you in my life, but you need to accept that now includes Adrian. You need to decide if this," she motioned between them, "is worth more to you, than resentment. I can't live like that Ron. And I won't."

The trio stayed silent for a while, letting her message linger. She caught sight of Adrian dancing with her mother, both delusionally happy, and probably drunk.

Ron sighed, "I'm sorry I've been such a shitty friend, Hermione. I'm happy you're happy, even if it is with him. I want to be a part of your life no matter what."

"And you will be, unless you act like a daft punk again. Are we ok?" she asked.

Ron pulled her into a hug, "Yes we are." When he pulled away he saw Adrian headed towards them.

"Weasley. Potter," Adrian nodded towards. He placed a quick kiss on Hermione's lips. "Richard wants to dance with you," he informed.

Ron stood up and held out his hand. "Congratulations on your engagement Pucey."

It took Adrian aback, but he shook hands regardless. "Thanks Weasley. I appreciate it."

"Pucey. Take care of our girl. She has connections to the Auror department you know. Big scary blokes," Harry joked, shaking Adrian's hand as well.

"Thanks Potter. I'll be sure to call them when she's abusing me," he winked.

Hermione hugged both her friends and led Adrian towards her parents. She went to dance with her father while Adrian danced with her mother again.

"Happy anniversary, Daddy," she said to Richard.

"Thank you, Love. It's been a long time coming, but now that we're here, it feels right," he slurred slightly.

"How much have you had to drink?" Hermione asked sternly.

"Blame that fiancé of yours, he keeps filing my glass," Richard replied.

Emily shook her head but laughed, as she danced by, "Don't worry sweetheart, on your wedding day, I promise to keep him partially sober."

"Just what every little girl dreams of," she said as they both laughed.

"May I cut in?" Adrian approached the pair, handing Richard another drink.

"Of course," Richard said, kissing his daughter's cheek, and handing her over to the young man. He then took his drink and went looking for his wife.

"Miss Granger, have I mentioned how lovely you look tonight," Adrian asked, swaying them to the music.

"You know, I don't think you have. You're slipping up Mr. Pucey. Have you forgotten Auror Potter's threat already?" Hermione teased.

"How unacceptable of me, allow me to remedy that." He twirled her around twice, dipping her dramatically to the song.

"Ten points to Slytherin for excellent foot work Mr. Pucey," Hermione said as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"I'd like a wedding this small. With only family and close friends. Nothing big and fancy," Adrian said as he watched the Granger's talking to their relatives.

"I agree completely. When Ginny got married I was ready to strangle everyone. Everyone wants to be accommodated by their needs and wants, but they forget it's not a buffet or a hotel," she sighed. "The less people the better."

"Maybe we should just elope," Adrian joked. However he stopped when Hermione stilled. "I was kidding princess."

"You know..." she drawled, "I am in a dress and you are wearing a nice suit. If we went to the Ministry, we could legally get married."

"I don't think your parents would appreciate that. And I honestly don't fancy sharing an anniversary date with them," Adrian said nixing the idea.

"That's true. They'd always want to double date," Hermione said leading him towards unoccupied seats.

She sat sideways, lifting her feet into Adrian's lap. Without asking, he took off her feels and massaged her sore feet. He kneaded the pads of each foot, rubbing the arches. The sounds of appreciation Hermione was making stirred the lower section of his body. Slyly his hands started to travel towards her ankles, calves, and her knees, just to where the dress began.

"You know," Adrian said clearing his throat, "We could go home and begin the honeymoon process."

Hermione eyed him casually. "We can't leave. We have to make sure everyone gets home safely."

He looked at his watch and saw they had the restaurant for another hour. "Let's start taking home the really drunk so by the time it's ready to wrap up, we won't waste so much time," he offered.

"Looks and a brain? I knew I said yes for a reason," she teased.

Putting her heels back on, they went to recruit Ron, Harry, and George in getting the overly drunk home safely.

They started with the magical folk first; being it would be easier to Apparate them home. After several trips, guests noticed the thinning crowd and said goodbye the Granger's, ready to call it a night.

It was half an hour after closing when the final guests left. George and Ron had left minutes ago, leaving Harry, Hermione, and Adrian with the Granger's, who were sitting exhaustedly at a table.

"You can head home Harry. We've got it from here," Hermione said.

A grateful Harry took his leave, saying goodbye to the remaining people.

"Go home, Princess. I'll take your parents back to the hotel," Adrian offered.

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked.

"Yes. Now go. Be ready when I get home. Remember, we're starting the honeymoon phase," he said half-jokingly, half serious.

Hermione agreed. They went to where her parents were seated.

"Happy anniversary Mum and Dad," she said, giving them both tearful hugs and kisses.

She Disapparated home, leaving them with Adrian. He left with the Grangers to the hotel, bidding them a happy anniversary and goodnight as well as congratulations on their part for the engagement.

Adrian returned to the restaurant to gather all the gifts people brought, and shrunk them down to fit in one bag. He took them to the Granger home and returned them to the original size while Emily and Richard enjoyed the weekend at the hotel.

Finally arriving in his new home, Adrian made his way to the bedroom, anticipating a session of love with his fiancé. As he entered the room, he found the room darkly lit by candles. It was the perfect tone for seduction; however the seductress was passed out on the bed, snoring lightly.

Adrian chuckled and shook his head. He went around the room blowing out the candles. He took off the suit and hung it on the back of a chair, put on pajama bottoms, and got into his side of the bed. He transfigured Hermione's lingerie into regular pajama bottoms and a loose shirt.

Still asleep, she sensed his presence in bed, and shifted towards him, draping an arm over his midsection, and molding herself into the side of his body.

With the aid of his wand, Adrian closed the curtains to prevent any morning light from waking them. He placed his wand on the nightstand and pulled Hermione closer.

The honeymoon phase didn't have to start tonight. They had a whole lifetime ahead of them.

-Fin-

*tears* Dammit Adrian! You will be missed!

On a lighter note, we have our next protagonist for the next fic. Marcus Flint was our winner and coming in second place, surprisingly, was none other than Justin Finch-Fletchley. I know. It took me for a loop too. I hope to begin writing again soon. Once there's at least five completed chapters, I'll begin posting. However, I am looking for a new beta. Rusty Weasley will be moving on to other projects and the position is up for the taking. Please send me a private message if you're interested and committed!

Until next time friends!

-steph

P.S. To those who read the story after it's been completed, reviews are appreciated. Follows and favorites are great, but there's nothing like real feedback. Love it? Hate it? Wish it had been different? Leave a little something. I always try and get back to your reviews. Thanks!