This may or may not have gotten slightly out of hand for me but it's so much fun to write! You be the judges of the out-of-hand part :-)

Still no beta, all mistakes are mine.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I own nothing though I wish I did.

xxx HBSJ

Chapter 25, Epilogue

HAS GOLDEN TRIO MEMBER RON WEASLEY FINALLY GONE MAD OR IS HE EXTREMELY GENEROUS?

Article written by special correspondent Rita Skeeter.

During the spectacular ball held yesterday at Malfoy Manor, this reporter witnessed a touching moment between the Golden Trio. It would seem that Mr. Ron Weasley has chosen to auction off an item so special and rare that he would have fetched top galleon for it, should he have chosen to sell it on the open market. But instead he has donated his deluminator to the silent auction at the Winter Charity Ball. This item, this reporter has learned, has been personally created by none other than the great Albus Dumbledore, former Hogwarts headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, whose tragic death during the beginning of the Second Wizarding War influenced the Chosen One to triumph against He Who Must Not Be Named. The deluminator fetched the highest auction price at the Ball by far, this reporter has been informed secretly, as the highest bid was upwards of 50,000 galleons. It is unclear who the lucky bidder was, but donator Mr. Weasley is now hailed as a charitable soul throughout the wizarding community for his selfless act towards those who are in dire need. One must question however, whether Mr. Weasley was of sound mind as he chose to depart with this valuable bequest from his former headmaster.

THE GREENGRASS SISTERS' FALL FROM GRACE

Article written by special correspondent Rita Skeeter.

Grudges are common between many magical families and can be held for centuries, mostly only presenting themselves as sneers between polite greetings and a refusal to let one's offspring marry into that particular family. A grudge however, seems to have been developed between the youngest Greengrass sister, Astoria Greengrass, towards Mr. Draco Malfoy, who she has formerly been in a relationship with. This reporter is unaware what has caused the recent attack, which have been extensively covered by yours truly, on the young Mr. Malfoy and his date, the Brightest Witch of the Age, Miss Hermione Granger at the Winter Charity Ball held at Malfoy Manor. Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy has threatened the youngest Greengrass with utter ruin, which is sure to be an efficacious venture as the most important and influential magical circles follow her lead, especially since the wildly successful Winter Charity Ball at the family's main estate, Malfoy Manor. One must wonder if Miss Greengrass had actually thought out her antagonistic undertaking or if it was a spur of the moment decision. Either way, it is to be presumed that Miss Greengrass will be spending many hours in the courts of Magical Law in the coming months, and not in the drawing rooms of the magical elite.

BETROTHAL ANNOUNCEMENT – Interview with the happy couple!

Article by special correspondent Rita Skeeter.

Miss Hermione Granger has accepted the suit of Mr. Draco Malfoy and they are now affianced to be bonded in a private ceremony in the coming fall. The happy couple posed for the photographs during the interview and their happiness shows in both their obvious devotion to one another, as well as the way they interact. The only way to explain it, dear readers, was that they moved as though they were a single entity, always aware of the other both physically and mentally.

Question: Did you love each other from the very beginning?
HG: No, definitely not. We met at Hogwarts and we detested each other but the times changed and we changed with them. When we met again last year we were both ready to start again.
DM: I don't know though, maybe I've always had a thing for you, my witch.
[This reporter can tell you that she positively blushed at the intimate look the betrothed couple shared.]

Question: When did you know that you wanted to spend the rest of your lives together?
HG: I'd been staying at Draco's the week leading up to first annual Winter Charity Ball and Draco was the perfect gentleman who slept on the couch while I hogged the bed. The evening before the ball we had been assisting Mrs. Malfoy and Miss Parkinson with their preparations and we were dead on our feet when we got back so we just crawled into bed and fell asleep together, it felt so natural, like breathing.
DM: I knew quite early on that if she wanted to keep me, I wouldn't go anywhere. And like Hermione said, as natural as breathing.

Question: How did you choose the ring?
DM: This ring [A simple, yet magnificent goblin-made 5 ct. diamond solitaire ring with a platinum band, edt.] has been in my family for centuries but it has not been much in use as it is less gaudy than some of the other pieces available to the family. The simplicity that this piece embodies show my true feelings for Hermione, she's a diamond and I want to show her and only her off. She doesn't need a lot of overwhelming jewellery to be the most beautiful witch in my eyes. [An adorable kiss between the couple ended the sentence, edt.]

Question: Does the ring carry any enchantments?
DM: It might.
HG: It does. Many in fact.

Question: May we be privileged to some of the enchantments?
DM: Oh, you better not.
HG: We're trying to adapt some of them, one of them repel other men so I can't even hug my best friends!
DM: They'll live.
HG: As long as they don't hug me.
DM: I rather like that particular enchantment.

Question: How did you propose?
DM: Well, since this witch it rather clever, my plan was to surprise her in the Malfoy library with an elaborate picnic in front of the fireplace. I went all out and had my mother and Pansy [Parkinson, edt.] helping me with setting it all up. Of course, she wasn't easy to drag away from all of the rare books in front of her but in the end, I managed to stutter the question that had been on my mind for months before that day and to my utter joy, she said yes.
HG: Through the tears and smiles I managed to whisper yes, you mean.

Question: Have you plans for your wedding yet?
HG: Not in the slightest, but I trust that my future mother-in-law and Pansy already have formed a plan for us. I'll only insist that the wedding cake must be a carrot cake underneath the decorations.
DM: No plans, only a wish that it remains a relatively small affair.
HG: Well, as small as can be expected from your mother.

Question: Do you envision children in your future? And if so, how many?
HG: At least one, maybe more.
DM: I grew up an only child, I'd like to give my children siblings.

Question: What comes next for the Malfoy heir and the Brightest Witch of her Age?
DM: Well, it depends really but Hermione will continue her vital work for the Ministry and I will continue my work at Malfoy Ltd. We have no immediate plans to change that.
HG: We both want to do some good in the world and I'm sure we'll accomplish just that.

This reporter left the blissful couple in the soon-to-be-groom's ancestral home with the certainty that they will change the wizarding world to the better, if they desire to so. All that is left is to wish the joyous pair good luck and all the happiness in the world. [This article have been approve by the couple, edt.]

Titbits and tattles by Parvati Patil.

This summer, many a witch and wizard has braved the heat wave sweeping the nation and stopped by Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley to quench the high temperature. That is also true for none other than favourite Golden Girl, Hermione Malfoy herself. She was accompanied by her husband of ten months and he catered to her every need as she rested her swollen feet on a conjured footrest and ate her strawberry ice cream with whipped cream and caramel sauce happily. This reporter was assured that all is well with her pregnancy and that their first child, a boy, is still expected in September of this year.

MALFOY LTD. LAUNCHES THE WOLFSBANE POTION TO THE MASSES

Article written by special correspondent Rita Skeeter.

The Wolfsbane Potion is a notoriously difficult potion to properly brew in order to achieve the desired results. Malfoy Ltd. held a press conference today and launched a potion that can be bought by owl order or in the Malfoy Apothecary in Diagon Alley. The potion comes in a special container that has a permanent in-built stasis charm on it,in order to preserve the tricky potion's magical abilities best. Mr. Draco Malfoy addressed the assembled press. "We have worked on and tested this potion for years and finally we are able to present this opportunity to those suffering from Lycanthropy. It would not have been possible without our genius potioneers and with the additional and invaluable assistance of Professor of Herbology Neville Longbottom and my wife Hermione Malfoy. This will, I hope, start a new era in our society where those who unfortunately have been bitten, are not shunned but welcomed as the magical witches and wizards they are." This reporter cannot imagine how important this news will be to those affected by Lycanthropy and applauds Malfoy Ltd. for their initiative. This reporter can only hope that those who would benefit from this potion will utilize this spectacular prospect at changing their lives, but it will remain to be seen if the wizarding population in general will accept those in need of the Wolfsbane Potion.

Titbits and tattles by Parvati Patil.

The stag-do's of the Zabini-Thomas wedding had a very sudden and dramatic end. Both grooms and seven of guests ended up in St. Mungo's after two particularly raucous stag-do's that culminated in a magnificent double party at Malfoy Manor where most of the friends and family of the grooms were invited, including this reporter. Both the grooms and their friends had been drinking heavily during the day and even though the Manor is magically strengthened, no such enchantments have been completed on the many chandeliers in the dining room, which meant that they promptly clattered to the floor when the grooms and two guests, on a dare, attempted to swing from one chandelier to the other where they landed on three guests. Luckily the wizards only suffered minor injuries that were fixed easily by the healers at St. Mungo's but all seven were required to stay the night in order to avoid further injuries to both themselves and the remaining guests. The healers assure the public that they are ready to be bonded in an elaborate yet intimate ceremony this coming Saturday.

ZABINI-THOMAS WEDDING THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SEASON!

Article written by special correspondent Rita Skeeter.

The fall wedding of Mr. Blaise Zabini and Mr. Dean Thomas was attended by all who was so lucky as to receive an invite to the most exclusive event of the season. Only fifty guests were invited to attend the nuptials and the evening was magical. The groomsman to Mr. Zabini was none other than Mr. Draco Malfoy, with Mr. Seamus Finnigan as Mr. Thomas' groomsman. The wows were said in an intimate setting in the floral gardens of the Zabini estate with music from violinists portkeyed in from around the world. Both grooms wore custom-made dress robes by Madam Malkin herself and the entire bonding and following party was coordinated entirely by Parkinson Events. The grooms were escorted down the aisle by their parents and the adorable two-year-old Scorpius Malfoy, who is the spitting image of his aristocratic father, acted as the ring-bearer along with his mother, Mrs. Hermione Malfoy, who was an honorary grooms-maid to both grooms and is currently carrying the next of the Malfoy line.

NARGLES EXIST! The proof and what not to do in their vicinity.

Article written by Rolf and Luna Scamander.

As has been claimed for years, Nargles have now been proven by the authors of this article. They have been spotted thieving during Christmas celebrations throughout the country and has as recently as yesterday stolen these authors' shoes. As is commonly known, they infest mistletoes, so the wizarding population ought to be especially cautious during the holiday season. If you discover that you have indeed been the victim of a Nargle infestation, Butterbeer corks are the most efficient antidote, so carry them in a string around your neck to avoid further mishaps. Do not attempt at eradicating them without the use of the Butterbeer corks, as any other approach would be wildly inaccurate and could cause the Nargles to breed out of control. The general wizarding public is advised to stay vigilant and alert to this meddlesome hazard.

Titbits and tattles by Lavender Brown.

Once a rich pureblood heiress, Astoria Greengrass has been spotted waiting tables at the Hogs Head in Hogsmeade. At the First Annual Charity Winter Ball five years back, Miss Greengrass made the grave mistake of crossing not only host Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy and event planner Miss Pansy Parkinson, but also Mr. Draco Malfoy and his wife, the Brightest Witch of the Age, Mrs. Hermione Malfoy. Miss Greengrass, it would seem, has been trying to scrape by as she lost most of her personal fortune in the highly publicised Parkinson vs. Greengrass case. Due to Mrs. N. Malfoy's influence, she and her sister, Miss Daphne Greengrass, are no longer welcomed in the polite society that is the magical elite and is currently staying at her sister's modest abode in a dingy part of Diagon Alley. It is well-known that Mrs. H. Malfoy argued fiercely on behalf of Miss Parkinson and won, substantially diminishing Miss Greengrass' fortune. Mr. Antoine Greengrass, father of the Greengrass sisters, has refused to assist his daughters financially in any undertaking until they 'understand fully why they ended up in this situation to begin with', as told to this reporter. Mr. Greengrass and his wife are currently expecting two new additions to the family in July, in the form of twin boys,and the expecting parents couldn't be happier. 'I hope to right many wrongs with these boys'. Miss Greengrass, when approached by this reporter, refused to comment on this article.

DO YOU NEED THE PERFECT PARTY?
WELL, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN PARKINSON EVENTS!
WE ARRANGE PARTIES OF ALL SCALES, FROM A SIMPLE BIRTHDAY WITH YOUR FAMILY TO THE BIGGEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE!
For references, please contact Narcissa Malfoy and Blaise Zabini.

Titbits and tattles by Parvati Patil.

Only rare occasions bring the Golden Trio together in public but this reporter spotted the three, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Malfoy, having lunch together in Diagon Alley without their spouses and children. The trio was seen laughing and seemingly was without a care in the world as they had lunch at the terrace of the newest upscale wizarding restaurant, The Horned Bicorn. When approached by this reporter, with regards the reasoning for them to be out without their large family, they assured me that all was well in their families and that they were secretly plotting a coming-of-age birthday present for Teddy Lupin, Mr. Potter's godson, a metamorphmagus currently attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

MAGICAL ORPHANAGE TO BE BUILT IN DIAGON ALLEY

Article written by special correspondent Rita Skeeter.

Pansy Parkinson, heiress to the Parkinson fortune, event planner extraordinaire and recipient of the largest court-ordered sum in British wizarding history, has chosen to build an orphanage and refuge for underage witches and wizards who find themselves in dire circumstances, with backing from the Ministry of Magic and the Malfoy family. "This will be a place for all,-" said Miss Parkinson at the press conference yesterday. "-where everyone will be able to feel safe. It will be done in collaboration with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the Ministry of Magic to ensure that all students have a safe place to return to during the holidays. Furthermore, it will be able to house witches and wizards who are not yet attending the Hogwarts school, but who are attacked and belittled for their abilities in the muggle world. This, of course, does not mean that we will remove them from their environments if they do not wish it, but we will be able to give them the opportunity if they are treated unwell for their magic. If we can help just one young witch or wizard, this will be worth it for me." This reporter applauds this necessary initiative from Miss Parkinson and only hope that the larger wizarding population receives this news well.

HEIR AND FIRSTBORN TO THE MAGNIFICENT MALFOY FORTUNE, SCORPIUS MALFOY, HAS NEAR DEATH ACCIDENT

Article written by correspondent Parvati Patil.

During a particularly harrowing quidditch match at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Slytherin seeker Scorpius Malfoy ducked, swerved and rolled through the sky to catch the snitch for the Slytherin team, easily outracing his opponent from Gryffindor. His younger sister, Cassandra, who is not unlike her mother Mrs. Hermione Malfoy in appearance and mind, could be seen cheering her brother on in the stands, despite her sorting into Ravenclaw. As the seeker's fist closed around the elusive golden ball, he almost dived head-long into the Gryffindor stands but a well-placed cushioning charm from the clever Miss Malfoy saved his life. The dramatics had little effect on the seeker, who was seen only minutes later celebrating the win with his teammates and his grinning sister perched on his shoulders.

Titbits and tattles by Lavender Brown.

It seems that even in a twenty-year-long marriage, romance is still not lost for the powerful Malfoy couple. Mr. Draco Malfoy and his wife Mrs. Hermione Malfoy, was seen sharing a piece of carrot cake in The Steaming Mug, a coffee shop that has been in Diagon Alley since the end of the Second Wizarding War. The couple was completely engrossed in each other and was seen kissing more than once as they consumed their cake and coffee. This may lead most of our regular readers to remember that this particular coffee shop was where the couple was seen many a time during the very earliest stages of their courtship. When approached by this reporter to reveal the secret to a continuing romantic marriage to our readers, the couple merely smiled at each other and stated that lots of love, communication, acceptance of the other person as a whole, kisses and a great piece of cake could go a long way.

THE END