Chapter XII – Epilog

A month had passed since the fight in Diagon Alley; people were still adjusting to life in the open. Ron asked Hermione to marry him and she accepted; they hadn't set a date yet.

Voldemort's supporters at the ministry had either slipped away or been arrested. Kingsley was named acting Minister of Magic until an election could be held; it was still a month away, but nobody else was running against him.

At Harry's urging, Kingsley was already meeting with Goblin representatives to forge a closer and more just relationship between wizards and the Goblin Nation.

Remus and Tonks had moved in together, but he hadn't proposed yet.

Fred and George opened another shop in Hogsmeade and not only kept Lee, and Katie on staff, they hired two more people because Angelina left after being drafted by the Puddlmere United Quidditch team.

Luna and her father were waiting for new presses so they could start publishing the Quibbler again.

Much of the damage to Diagon Alley was already repaired and all the stores expected to be open before the back to school shopping season started.

Trials were being scheduled for the captured Death Eaters; others were being hunted down, but it was slow going because the Auror corps was decimated during the war. Kingsley asked Harry, Ron, and Neville to join, but all refused.

Neville was going to get a Master Degree in Botany; he wanted to teach Herbology.

The twins offered Ron a partnership as manager of the Hogsmeade shop and he accepted.

Harry hadn't decided what he wanted to do; but he knew he didn't want to spend the rest of his life chasing dark wizards. He had been fighting Voldemort for the last seven years of his life and that was enough for him.

He also had Ginny and the baby to think about now. It wouldn't be fair to them for him to keep putting his life in danger; Ginny had gone thought that for too long already, even being left alone to deliver their first child.

Today, Harry had a surprise planned for Ginny; something he knew she would love. They got dressed in their finest Muggle clothes, the baby too, he said, "I want to take you somewhere for a visit."

She now had her Apparation license but since he wouldn't tell her where they were going, she let him guide her. She was holding James Sirius in her arms as they appeared in a large room where a fancy dressed Muggle was waiting.

She whispered, "Harry, won't we get in trouble for letting a Muggle see us Apparating?"

He answered, "No, It's all taken care of."

The Muggle came over and said, "Lord and Lady Potter; you may enter."

He led them into another large room where an older woman was sitting on an ornate chair with three younger men standing nearby. The Muggle man said, "Your Majesty, Lord and Lady Potter."

Ginny's mouth fell open, she wanted to ask Harry if that really was the Muggle Queen; but before she could, the woman said, "Lord Potter, I asked you here to thank you personally for your efforts in stopping the Dark Wizard and saving s the lives of so many of my subjects.

For years, the Prime Ministers have kept me current on what was happening to my magical subjects for the past twenty years. I was overjoyed seventeen years ago when I was informed how you, only a child at the time stopped the first Wizarding war; but sorry to hear you lost your parents at that time.

Recently the present Prime Minister had nothing but bad news for years until last month; he informed me that you, by yourself, once again stopped a magical war. I thank you."

Harry said, "It was my pleasure your Majesty; Voldemort was a scourge to all you subjects, Muggle and magical. But I didn't do it by myself, my wife and many of my friends have been working with me for years to end the war.

Your Majesty, may I introduce my wife, Lady Ginevra Potter and our son, James Sirius Potter."

The Queen said, "Welcome Lady Potter, the Prime Minister informed me that while Lord Potter was fighting, you had your own adventure. Please bring your son closer so I can see him."

Ginny approached the Queen and said, "Your Majesty, I'm honored to meet you; I heard stories that Harry's… I mean Lord Potter's parents and grandparents came to your summer and winter balls; but I never expect to meet you."

Ginny got a deep Weasley blush from talking to the Queen; but the Queen said, "Don't worry my dear, the formal greetings are over; we can speak normally with each other now.

You're quite beautiful, and you son looks to be healthy and happy. I was told you delivered him without help; that the doctor never came."

Ginny answered, "Not quite alone your Majesty, I had two house elves helping. Sorry, but I'm not sure if you know about house elves."

The Queen said, "I have seen pictures but never met a live elf."

Ginny asked, "Would you like to?"

The Queen said, "Yes, I think it would be fascinating; could you send for one."

Ginny said, "Dobby, come here please."

Harry walked up to stand next to Ginny as Dobby popped in; he said, "Mistress called Dobby."

Ginny said, "You Majesty, this is Dobby, one of the elves that help me deliver my son."

The Queen looked over the little elf and said, "Truly amazing, do all my magical subjects have elves helping them?'

Harry answered, "No your Majesty, very few; it's similar to the number of Muggles that have servants."

The Queen said, "I wish I could learn more about the lives on my magical subjects; but our time today is limited. Perhaps we could meet again sometime; you and Lady Potter will of course be able to attend the ball next month; the formal invitations will be going out soon.

I thank you again for your service; I am pleased to know that the noble families still have a sense of duty to serve the welfare of the country.

The Muggle man that led them in, came over and said, "Pleas follow me."

When they got home, Ginny yelled, "Harry James Potter, how could you take me to see the Queen without giving me a chance to get my hair and makeup perfect; I don't know what she thought of how I looked."

Harry said, "She thought you looked beautiful; she said so. Besides, you'll have a chance to check your hair and makeup next month before the ball."

Ginny wrapped her arms around him and said, "I love you Mr. Potter; how would you like to go upstairs and see if we can get started on a playmate for James."