A short little epilogue for those who might not want to linger around until the next installment gets finished.

I would like to thank you all for the wonderful comments and encouraging words. I never expected this story to be this successful and I couldn't be happier that I was wrong.

Epilogue

The quiet in the drawing room was unsettling despite all the people in there, but Severus at least had Harry on his side. The end of the summer brought some other changes in their lives, changes, Severus wasn't sure how he felt about. On one hand, this brought forth a new chapter in his life, when he and Harry would live together at last, when he finally and officially became the Lord he wished to be since his youth. But at what price? The new challenges scared him.

"Does this mean we will get married soon?" Potter asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the eerie quietness of the room. Severus shifted his gaze from the heavy rain outside to his fiancée.

"Our engagement is official enough so that you can move in without anyone raising an eyebrow. But I would assume, that yes, by winter come, we would have to get married."

Hands folded around his as Harry looked at him. "I want to be there for you, Severus. This is hard on you, I know… You barely had time… It all happened so soon."

"It happened soon for everyone… Even Kingsley was struck by the news. Minerva might have been the only one who suspected something. I think Cora told her… or perhaps it was her cat instincts. We will never know."

"I'm glad it worked out for the best, though. I will never forget Roger's face when they read out her will."

"Even when she's not there, it certainly feels like she's capable of slapping him, doesn't it?"

"It certainly does…" Potter chuckled quietly. "It's just weird it has to be like this. I never imagined you as a Lord of an estate. I thought we would get old working as Aurors."

"You still will," Severus smiled. "As Head Auror."

"I was thinking…" said Harry. "If you would need me… I wouldn't mind leaving. Without you that place is not the same."

"You want to leave the Force and help me with the estate?" Severus asked surprised.

"We could agree with Kingsley so that I train the next Head Auror." Potter explained. "It shouldn't take more than half a year."

"You certainly put a lot of thought in it…" Severus noted.

"Well, yes… We already have someone in mind."

Severus had no doubt who it could be. "Cody will do good. It will strengthen his character."

"That's what I said to Kingsley, too." Grinned Potter.

"And he agreed?"

"Immediately." Nodded Potter. "But we wanted to talk to you first."

"Harry, this is our estate now, and the moment I marry you, it will be official." He kissed Harry softly before he said, "I would be happy to have you here." After a deep sigh, he added quietly, "Merlin, I just wish she was here, as well."

"But at least, she will be at peace now," Harry smiled.

The door opened behind them suddenly, and the loud footsteps finally shook the silent crowd.

"At peace? It is not like I am dead, Harry. I am just retiring." Cora groaned then looked at Severus who went there to welcome his grandmother. "But you still have a lot to learn, my son, and I imagine it will be me who will teach it for you. An estate like this will not manage itself on its own. So I am not even dreaming of peace just yet. Now shall we start?"

"You act like you were waiting for us, grandmother." Severus pointed at the grandfather clock that showed Lady Cora was five minutes late. He gave Cora a light kiss on the cheeks and escorted her to her settee by the window. The lawyers started to swarm around like bees collecting their papers to finally make Severus officially the Lord and sole heir of Griffinstone.

"This is still my home, Severus, I can arrive whenever I want and I will still be punctual." The Lady sniffed as she made Severus sit beside her. "And as a matter of fact, I have been waiting for you... All my life," she added softly.

END

And thus concludes our tale of the Mystery of Suitor Number Five, but fear not, Severus and Harry's story is far from over. Next in this universe is "A Promise of Catastrophe" which will continue where this story left off, with Harry and Severus about to start their relationship, and Cora ready to welcome Severus into the traditional life of a Prince. See you there :)