Disclaimer: All familiar characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: Well this is it, the last chapter. Just wanted to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who has stopped by to read and offer a review. I especially want to thank AprilJuneMay for her thoughtful, kind, encouraging reviews, this last chapter is for her :)

Lastly, I'd like to thank my very own Remus; my dear, sweet husband, who not only gave me his heart many years ago, but also inspires me everyday and graciously puts up with all my craziness. This story is humbly dedicated to him.

Five Years Later

Hermione sat contentedly in her husband's arms, the pair enjoying the setting summer sun as the light glistened and danced across the rippling lake. The warm breeze rustled the verdant leaves in the trees, hummingbirds flittered by and Hermione admired the beautiful castle shining in the golden sunlight. Today was their fifth wedding anniversary and the young woman marveled at how much her world had changed in those few short years.

After traveling the wizarding world for six months, offering their lycanthrope cure to all in need, Severus and Hermione returned to Hogwarts as heroes once more. Minerva retired shortly thereafter, opting to travel and take some much needed time for herself. She happily appointed Severus as Headmaster, knowing that the school would be in good hands and the castle indeed grew and thrived under his watchful, focused attention. With her apprenticeship finished and the potions position left vacant, Hermione was then hired as the new potions mistress and she and Remus taught side by side, as the co-heads of Gryffindor House. The pair were beloved by students across all the houses as creative, kind and dedicated teachers. Defense and Potions quickly became everyone's favorite classes. Neville and Luna married the following year and Neville was then hired as the Herbology professor to replace an ailing Professor Sprout. And two years ago Draco had been hired as the History professor, replacing Clemens as she headed to Durmstrang, hoping a new school was a bit more receptive and appreciative of her.

Yes, so much had changed in these few short years. The castle felt renewed in so many ways, as the young professors brought with them an energy and vitality that seemed to breath new life into the school. With Neville, Luna, Draco and Ginny living in the castle, it felt truly like home to Hermione Lupin.

Their fellow friends and faculty slowly trickled out of the castle to join them in the grass on this lovely evening. School had just let out the week before and the castle felt mercifully empty and quiet. It would have indeed been quiet by the lake too, were it not for the giggles and chatter of Kate and Ollie Lupin, their twin four-year olds, splashing about by the lake's edge.

Katherine looked just like Hermione, small and fierce, with impossibly curly, long auburn hair and a quick wit. She did however, have lovely, gray eyes, full of kindness and intuition, just like her father.

Oliver looked quite a bit like Remus, slightly taller than his sister and thinner, with shaggy sandy blonde hair, that seemed to always be in his eyes. He was quiet and thoughtful and he often let Kate do the talking. The two were thick as thieves, causing quite a bit of mischief around the old castle, but truth be told, they were adored by all. Professors and students alike loved them, for they were the first children to live in the castle in many years.

But they're weren't alone for long. For just after their second birthday, they were joined by Neville and Luna's son, Adam, an eccentric little boy who always seemed to be wearing mismatched socks and then by Draco and Ginny's daughter, Matilda, a small strawberry blonde with her father's clear blue eyes and her mother's lovely smile. The four young children spent the school days in the sweet, cozy nursery, newly-built just beside the greenhouses, where Ginny watched them while their parents taught. The castle was full of babies it seemed.

Headmaster Snape had sneered at first, complaining loudly to all who would listen how inconvenient the young children were and how much they disturbed him, his remarks earning him quite a few glares and nudges from his sweet, new wife, Marie. But those remarks seemed insincere at best, for everyone seemed to notice how much he actually liked being around the young children, visiting the nursery several times a week to check on Ginny and the children, often toting new toys and books along with him.

He now even carried chocolate frogs in his robe pockets just for the young quartet, who would often walk up and tug his robes twice, their own secret signal, and he would slip them a treat with a discrete wink and a small smile, much to the chagrin of their parents. So it wasn't a terribly shocking surprise when a few months back, Marie happily announced to the entire Great Hall that a little Snape would be soon gracing the castle's hallowed halls. She was in fact due any day now.

As Kate and Ollie sat happily making mud pies by the water's edge, joined by Adam and Matilda, Winky suddenly appeared with a pop by Hermione's side, looking highly agitated.

"Missy Lupin, headmaster wants you, now! The baby is coming! You is greatly needed," Winky practically begged as she began tugging on Hermione's arm.

Hermione smiled widely and jumped to her feet, she looked at Remus with such joy, "Can you watch the kids? I think Severus & Marie will be in need of a bit of assistance."

He smiled up at his beautiful wife, "Yes, of course, I'll feed them plenty of chocolate and let them play Quidditch till midnight," he said, standing to give her a sweet kiss.

She gave him a playful scowl back, "If I'm not back by eight, kindly tuck them in. Hopefully I won't be gone too long."

"Take your time dearest, give the Snapes my best and floo if you need anything," Remus said, his face full of happiness as he sat beside his two beautiful children to splash in the water.

"Kate, Ollie, I have to go help Aunt Marie and Uncle Severus for a bit. Be good for daddy," said Hermione, as Winky began frantically tugging at her shirt.

"Okay! Bye, mum!", they called as one, happy to be with their father and friends.

"Good luck, Hermione!", called Neville and Luna.

"Tell Severus not piss off Marie, a woman in labor is a terrifying thing," called Draco, which earned him a warm smack from Ginny.

Winky grasped Hermione's hand and they apparated with a pop and landed in the large headmaster's quarters. Severus was pacing, looking anxious, his usual crisp robes abandoned and the sleeves of his white button-down shirt rolled up. He looked exhausted and on-edge, like he had been pacing for hours. Marie meanwhile was laying in their large, canopied bed, taking deep breaths, having just experienced a strong contraction. Poppy was bustling around the room, looking stern and focused as she attended to her patient.

Hermione rushed to the bed, taking Marie's hand in her own.

"Marie, dearest, I'm here," said Hermione, her face flushed from apparating.

"Oh, Hermione, I'm so sorry to bother you," said Marie. "Thank you for coming. Your first week off from teaching, and I have to go and bug you. I feel terrible interrupting your time with the kids," she said, looking genuinely contrite at picking such an inopportune to go into labor.

"Oh, stop that right now. You're having your baby, there's no where I'd rather be," said Hermione as she smiled, wiping her friend's brow.

Marie and Hermione had indeed grown close since Hermione's wedding. Remus didn't have much family left so Hermione made a considered effort to get to know his cousin a bit better. Marie was often invited to the castle for dinners and the Lupins' couldn't help but notice how attentive Severus was each time the young healer visited. As Marie and Severus grew closer, finding such happiness and comfort from eachother, Hermione grew to love Marie as a dear friend. Marie was thoughtful, kind and smart. She was an exceptional healer, dedicated to helping children and her mind was sharp, often matching Severus point by point in every discussion and argument. She was funny, warm and generous. She was a perfect match and compliment for Severus. Hermione and Remus were overjoyed when the pair married in a small ceremony just three years ago.

"Are you in a lot of pain? Do you need anything?", asked Hermione.

"No. Poppy's taking excellent care of me. It's actually Severus I'm worried about," said Marie, her voice dropping a bit. "He's been bustling around here like a banshee. He seems quite nervous, I think he could use a friend," she said, smiling and squeezing Hermione's hand.

Hermione chanced a glance at the headmaster and saw him helping Poppy carry in fresh towels and vials of healing potions, his face set in a tense frown. Although to the casual observer he might appear to be irritated or preoccupied, Hermione could tell by the slight tick in his jaw and panic in his cold eyes that he was indeed quite nervous.

"Don't you worry about a thing, I'll take care of him. You focus on yourself and the baby," Hermione said, giving her friend a sweet kiss on her forehead.

Poppy came to the bedside just then to check on her patient.

"She will need to push in a little while, she needs to rest for now and gather her strength. You two," Poppy said, directing her attention to Hermione and Severus, "give her a bit of space while she closes her eyes. It won't be long now," she said to Marie who gratefully laid her back and closed her eyes to rest for a bit.

Severus nodded and walked out onto their large, private balcony and Hermione followed, closing the doors behind them. As she turned and breathed in the beautiful, fresh air, she caught sight of Severus, who stared out at the stunning castle grounds, seemingly lost in thought.

"Quite the incredible view you have, Headmaster. It's good to be the king, isn't it?", she said playfully, nudging him affectionately.

He smiled slightly but remained quiet, his eyes stayed fixed on the distant horizon, arms crossed over his chest.

"Are you alright, Severus? Excited? Nervous?", Hermione asked gently.

"Absolutely terrified, if you want to know the truth," he replied.

"Everything's going to be fine, Severus. Trust me," said Hermione.

He remained silent and Hermione took that as her cue to do the same.

"None of this was supposed to happen, you know," he finally said. "I wasn't supposed to live through the war," his voice quiet and soft. "The terrible things I did...", his voice trailed off.

"I know it was you who saved me, Hermione," he said, turning to look her in the eye for the first time since she arrived.

"I was so close to death when you found me in the Shrieking Shack, the darkness felt so close and I honestly...I wanted it. At least then I would be free. But then you found me and staved off the poison long enough to get me to Poppy," he swallowed hard at this, recalling how dangerously close he came to slipping away.

Hermione merely walked to stand by him and gently hooked her arm in his.

"I thought you didn't know it had been me. You never said anything," she smiled softly.

He shook his head, "I always knew it was you," he said looking down at her. "You're the only one strong enough...the only one kind enough to have helped me," his eyes now warmer and full of gratitude, as he placed his hand over hers.

She smiled at his kind words as they watched the sun make its slow descent in the sky.

"I don't deserve all of this," his hand gesturing to the grand castle grounds and Hermione knew he was referring to more than just the magnificent view.

"I don't deserve this life or Marie or this child. I truly don't," he said, his eyes falling to the dark mark that peeked out from under his rolled up sleeves. He looked on the verge of tears.

"Of course you do, Severus. You think so little of yourself, you always have. You so easily forget all the good you've done. Without you, we never would've won. None of us would be here without you. You're meant to be here, for you still have more good to do," she said, taking his cool hand in her own, as they watched the sky turn brilliant shades of pink and red.

"What if I'm terrible at this, Hermione?", he quietly asked, his voice so soft and full of doubt.

"What if I can't ...be a good father? What if I end up being just as terrible as the heartless bastard who raised me?", his eyes sad and unsure.

"But Severus, you're so good with the children. They love you, you're going to be wonderful," she said honestly.

He smirked, "It's one thing to hand out chocolates, it's quite another to actually be a good parent. What if I just don't have it in me to really love this child the way they need to be loved?"

"Severus," she said forcibly pulling him to her, so she could look him in the eye, "you are living proof of how much one person can change. You're a wonderful man with a good heart. You're an amazing husband and a faithful friend. You are not your father. You're going to give this child a wonderful life, believe me. When you hold them for the first time... it's like nothing else in this whole world. You're going to love them more than you ever thought possible."

He swallowed and nodded, still unsure but hoping with all his heart that Hermione was right.

Just then, Poppy opened the double French doors and said, "I think she's ready to push, you two should get back in here."

The pair rushed in to see Marie wide awake and sitting up a bit in bed, her brow covered in sweat as she looked tired but determined. Severus immediately sat on the bed next to her, taking her hand and kissing her head.

"Dearest, what can I do? What do you need?", he asked, so worried and so very much in love with his wife.

"Just hold my hand, the contractions are...very strong. I think...I'm going to need to push," said Marie, her eyes closed as the pain grew in intensity.

Poppy looked between her legs and said, "Marie, you're ready to start pushing. So when I say go, start pushing and hold that push for 10 counts."

Marie looked suddenly scared, the moment was finally here and she needed all the help she could get.

"Hermione, go on her other side and help hold her leg back while she pushes," said Poppy.

"Severus, you hold back her other leg and and support her back," continued Poppy, ever the calm voice of confidence in a crisis.

Hermione crossed around the bed and gave her good friend a warm kiss on her cheek as she pulled Marie's leg back a bit.

"You're going to do marvelous, Marie. We're right here," said Hermione. Marie smiled at the words of encouragement and fixed her face with a look of determination. Flanked by her devoted husband and dear friend, she knew she could do this.

"Now Marie, give me a big push," said Poppy, her eyes focused on the task at hand.

For ten counts, Marie pushed and pushed with all her might. Minutes passed as the contractions grew and grew and the baby's head finally began to show.

"The baby's head is starting to crown, I can see black hair!", said Poppy excitedly.

"Definitely yours then," said an exhausted Marie with a small smile as she looked at her husband, eliciting a soft chuckle from Severus.

"I should hope so," he said, smiling at her.

"A few more pushes should do it. Alright now, push, Marie! Really hard now," said Poppy.

Marie beared down with all her might, her face contorted in concentration and pain as she screamed in agony at the effort and with her very last ounce of energy she gave one final push and out came a beautiful, perfect baby girl.

A clear, heartfelt cry cut through the silence as their daughter made her presence known. Severus pulled Marie tight in his arms as the pair watched, absolutely awestruck, as their daughter wriggled and breathed for the first time.

How many times had he witnessed a life ending, how many innocents drew their last breath in front of him?

In his time, he had seen and committed unspeakable tragedy, he had watched people give up and leave this world, the light in their eyes fading away with such fear and resignation.

Long ago, he had shut himself off from the process, convincing himself that life and death were merely biological functions, with nothing holy or existential behind them.

But in this moment, he realized how mistaken he had been. For before today, he had never seen a baby being born; seeing a child draw their first breath, the light just starting to shine in their innocent eyes. Watching a new life begin was breathtaking to behold, it felt sacred and singular in its beauty. He realized with a start that he was witnessing an absolute miracle unfold before him, and the magnitude of it took his breath away.

"Oh dearest, I'm so proud of you. You're amazing, absolutely incredible," he whispered to Marie, his voice full of adoration and wonder.

Poppy's face broke into a look of pure joy as she quickly wrapped the baby in a soft swaddle and cast a series of complicated spells to clamp the cord, stop any excess bleeding and offer additional pain relief to Marie.

"She's perfectly healthy and quite beautiful," the older nurse said with tears in her eyes as she carefully tucked the child in her mother's waiting arms. She was small and lovely with jet black hair and stunning, clear blue eyes.

Marie cried as she held the baby, holding Severus against her and kissing his sweet lips, delighting in the incredible joy of their small, perfect family.

"Oh, Severus, she looks just like you," said Marie, tenderly touching his cheek.

"Oh, good heavens, no," he said, quietly taking in the miraculous sight of his beautiful baby girl, his voice thick with emotion.

"She has your lips, and your nose and your stunning eyes," he said, as he kissed his wife, so very proud of her strength, her courage, her fierce heart. He felt such gratitude to be her husband and call her his own.

"She's absolutely beautiful, just like her mother," he said, tracing his fingers over her delicate jaw, his eyes taking in her beauty.

"I love you, Severus, with all my heart," said Marie.

"I love you, too, Marie. More than you'll ever know," he said, cupping her face and kissing her forehead.

With some effort, Marie sat up a bit and gestured for Severus to open his arms.

"Here, hold your daughter," she said, gently shifting her small bundle towards her husband.

"Oh, no, no, you should do that. I don't what to hurt her or...", he said, rather self-consciously and unsure of himself.

"Don't be silly, you'll do fine. She wants her Poppa, I can tell," smiled Marie, who obviously knew how to get her way with her smitten husband.

He reluctantly stood and cradled his arms as Marie placed their small daughter in his tentative grasp.

As his daughter settled against his chest, he felt his whole world collide and burn and fall apart, all in an instant. And from those ashes arose something wonderful and new.

As he looked into his daughter's blue eyes, her face so full of innocence, he now fully realized the love you could have for your child, the depth and breadth reaching beyond every realm and ideal he could have ever imagined. Everything was going to be different from here on out, for he now had a real family. And in this moment, he finally understood.

He understood why Lily Potter had sacrificed herself for her son.

He finally grasped just what unconditional love felt like.

It was crushing and all-consuming, frightening and exhilarating. It was the most incredible feeling in the world. He now knew without a shadow of a doubt that if faced with the same choice as Lily, he would happily, joyfully lay down his life for his daughter. For even now, the bond and pull of his love for this child was unbreakable, unquestionable.

He pulled his daughter close and kissed her head gently, breathing in her sweet baby smell, her wispy hair tickling his lips. He sat down on his bed next to his beautiful wife and for the first time in as long as he could remember, Severus Snape wept. He wept tears of sadness, joy, relief and gratitude. He felt that love settle firmly in his heart, burning bright and white hot and he knew he would never feel the same again. Marie pulled him close and kissed his head, knowing just how much this moment meant to her husband. She felt, not for the first time, honored and humbled to be his wife.

Hermione watched and smiled, knowing all the happiness that lay ahead for the new parents. Yes, Severus and Marie Snape were going to be just fine.

Hermione stepped forward and gave Marie a quick hug and kiss before crossing to Severus and saying, "Congratulations, Severus. I always knew you had it in you," as she gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek and gazed at the peaceful baby.

He looked at Hermione, with tears in his eyes and simply said, "You were right, of course, Hermione," as his daughter grabbed his hand, her small, pink fingers clutching his hand and in turn, his heart.

"You were right," he all but whispered.

Hermione smiled at his words and said, "I'll come back later to check on you all and see if you need anything."

As she turned to leave the new family to rest in peace, she stopped and asked, "By the way, what's her name?"

Marie looked at Severus and smiled. Severus turned and said, "Aurelia Hermione Snape. Her first name is after Marie's grandmother and her middle name is after her brave, kind, insufferable, know-it-all godmother."

At this, Hermione felt sweet tears fall from her flushed cheeks as she looked at Severus who smiled back at her, his face full of gratitude.

"Do please let Remus know that he will also be needed as her godfather," Severus said with a genuine smile.

"I owe you and your husband quite a lot, you know. You've both given me so very much. Thank you, Hermione, for everything," said Severus who looked at his family with pure love, knowing all too well how easily he could've missed out on this exquisite joy.

Hermione smiled, knowing just how much she owed Severus, too. They had in fact saved one another from so many things.

She locked eyes with him and smiled and said, "Well, then, I'd say we're even, Severus."

XXXXX

Sometimes in life, we expect the worst. Living in perpetual fear of the unknown, always expecting everything to fall apart when we're least expecting it. Maybe it's because it's how we've been raised. Maybe we do it because it's the only way we've ever known. So when things to do go well, it can come as quite a shock.

As Hermione walked through the quiet castle, back to her husband and children, she felt joy, elation, peace but most of all she felt surprise. She hadn't expected life to bless her with so much, she smiled at all the good fortune that filled every inch of her life in the past several years. Teaching alongside her husband, having two healthy, happy children, watching her friends find love and start families. It all felt right and beautiful, like happiness had been patiently waiting around the corner this whole time.

As she entered their large chambers, she heard giggling coming from her children's bedroom and she crept closer to listen, knowing full-well that this was Remus' favorite time of day with the kids and he relished it each night. She put her ear to the door, she heard them talking and a smile settled onto her face.

"Oh, daddy! One more story! Please!", the twins begged.

Remus smiled at his beautiful children, and sat back down on their bed to tell one more bedtime story, for he found he could never say 'no' to them. He loved tucking them in, he had in fact not missed a single night in four years. Since being cured, he relished each and every night with his dear family. Finally free from lycanthrope, never having to leave his wife and sweet children to wallow alone in the Shrieking Shack, never having to spend days in bed recovering, never worrying about hurting anyone again, he finally felt alive. He finally felt free. As he looked out their bedroom window, he caught sight of the full moon high in the sky and smiled at its beauty, a feeling of peace and gratitude flooding his heart.

"Alright, my loves, just one more. What story would you like?", Remus asked kindly as he tucked himself between the wiggly four year-olds who snuggled closely to their dear father. Smelling sweet and clean, their hair damp from their bath, they each held a well-worn teddy bear as they held their father close.

"Tell us about you and mummy," said Ollie, his beautiful brown eyes looking up eagerly at his father.

"How did you and mummy fall in love?", asked Kate, sitting bolt upright, looking expectantly at Remus, sleep seemingly forgotten.

Remus smiled and chuckled and said, "Well, I met mummy when she was still a student here and I was her teacher."

"Was mummy very smart?", asked Kate, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Oh, she was the smartest of all my students. She always knew the answers. And she was kind and brave and a good friend. She took wonderful care of Uncle Ron and Uncle Harry, she was always saving them from some kind of trouble," Remus said with a smile.

Kate laughed imagining her two favorite uncles probably got into quite a bit of mischief.

"Was she beautiful?", asked Ollie quietly, tucked next to his father. Remus tenderly held him, always taking such joy in spoiling his his sweet, kind son with the warmth and affection he never had as a child.

"Your mum was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen and her beauty has only grown over the years. I knew the moment I met her that she was going to be an amazing witch."

Ollie smiled and nodded at the answer, seemingly agreeing with his father's astute assessment.

"Was she your best friend?", asked Kate.

"Oh, yes. She's always been my dearest friend. You see, that's the secret," Remus said leaning close to his babes. "When you find your best friend, you'll love them more than anything in the whole world."

"More than books?", asked Ollie.

"More than flying?", asked Kate.

"More than chocolate?!", the pair asked in unison.

Remus nodded and they stared at each other in disbelief.

"And when you love them that much, you'll know that you were meant for each other," said Remus, smiling.

"That love will grow and blossom, no matter what. And it will make wonderful things, like the two of you," he said, leaning down and kissing each child on their noses.

The pair giggled as Remus tucked Kate back under her blankets, as he slipped from the bed they shared.

"Now, get some good sleep. We have a big day tomorrow," Remus said softly, brushing Ollie's hair from his eyes and tucking Kate's teddy into the crook of her arm.

"Where are we going, daddy?", asked Kate as she let out a huge yawn, her body and mind finally relaxing.

"We're going to Nana and Poppa's for Sunday dinner," he said, and the twins smiled, for they loved Arthur and Molly so dearly and always loved going to their cozy, happy home.

"Uncle Ron and Aunt Claudia will be there with Ally and Aidan. Uncle Draco and Aunt Ginny will come with Mattie, too. We'll have a wonderful time," said Remus.

"Will Uncle Harry come? Will he let me fly on his broom?", asked the fearless Kate, who absolute adored flying.

Remus nodded and smiled at his sweet children and marveled at the love he felt for them. He had never known how deep he could feel for another until he held his children for the first time, their sweet, small hands clutching his fingers, his heart soared at the love that bloomed in his very soul. He was transformed by that love. He felt that his life, the true life he was meant to lead, had finally begun. He smiled, knowing that on the other side of the castle, at this very moment, Severus was having that same realization.

"I love you both so very much," he said as he bent and gave them both sweet kisses.

"We love you too, daddy," they said as one, holding eachother's hands, like they did since they were small.

"Good night," he said softly, as he shut off their light, bathing their cozy bedroom in a warm twinkling glow from their magical nightlight.

As he closed their door, he turned to find Hermione standing in the hallway, smiling.

His face broke into a smile and pulled her close, "When did you get home?", he asked softly.

"Just a few minutes ago, I heard you tucking them in," she said with a smile.

"Did everything go alright? Is there a new Snape in the castle?", he asked, smiling.

"A beautiful baby girl, with jet black hair and good set of lungs," she said, smiling up at her dear husband.

"Sounds just like her father," mused Remus.

"Indeed," said Hermione, chuckling softly.

"I liked your bedtime story," she said smiling.

"So you've always loved me then?", she asked playfully.

He nodded, smiling while rubbing her back and leaning down to kiss her.

"Since before I even knew you, I loved you. We were destined to be together, your name was written on my heart, you see," he said.

"When you say it like that, it's hard to not believe it," she said, smiling.

They stood outside their children's door, hearing their soft giggles soon quiet and they held eachother, tired and happy and overjoyed to have this messy, happy home and this precious life together.

"They sure are growing up fast...", Hermione said a bit wistfully.

"They certainly are. Maybe they'd like a baby brother or sister," Remus said, a bit hopeful that Hermione would agree.

"Well, it's funny you should mention that...", she said biting her lip, looking up at him expectantly.

His mouth hung open in surprise and he placed a tentative hand on her still flat stomach.

"Are you?", he asked, his smile spreading to his eyes.

She nodded and smiled and said, "Happy anniversary."

"Oh, dearest, I couldn't ask for anything more amazing," he said, as he hugged her dearly.

He pulled her in for a beautiful kiss, full of love and devotion, passion and pride.

He pulled away with tears in his eyes and knelt down before her, holding her tenderly in his strong arms.

He kissed her belly and placed his hands delicately there, and said to his new child, "You are already loved, little one. For you have the most wonderful mother in the whole world. You're going to love her dearly," his voice choked with emotion, leaning his head tenderly against this beautiful woman.

She watched him with wonder and felt such a rush of happiness and peace.

"Thank you, Hermione," Remus said as he traced his fingers along her stomach, imagining what their baby would be like.

"For what?", she asked, stroking his soft hair, her fingers as entwined in his soft hair.

"For giving me your love, for curing me, for making me a father," he said looking her in the eye.

"For giving me a life worth living," he said, standing to pull her close.

"I love you, Remus. Forever."

"I love you, Hermione."

Finis

A/N: Well, there we are, all finished. *Sniff, Sniff* I'm a bit sad to leave this one behind. Remus is my absolute favorite character and I hope I've treated him well and done justice to the story I wanted to tell. This was my first attempt at fiction writing and I sincerely loved telling this story. I hope a few of you have enjoyed reading it, too. So thanks again for reading and reviewing. You guys are the best! I'll be writing a Severus/Hermione story next called 'A Different Kind of Magic' so if you've enjoyed this, be on the lookout for that. Thanks again & take care :)