Thank you to all who have taken the time to read and leave a review or ten! Truly amazing and I have appreciated every kind word! Hope you all like the ending!

One year later

Summer time had always been both Hermione's favorite and least favorite time of the year. When she was in primary school, she'd miss the learning environment of school but loved spending her summers with her parents—going to museums, or the zoo, or the beach.

But this year had been an entirely different experience for her as she had finished the first part of her Mastery with Severus in record time, and had only her research on the implementation of anti-animagus wards to complete for her dissertation, and have the distinction of being a Charms Mistress.

But for now, that goal had been put on hold.

Lying in bed at Malfoy Manor—tired and exhausted, Hermione slumped up against her husband as he wiped her sweaty brow for the upteenth time in the past seven hours.

"You're doing so well, love." He whispered gently, as he placed another ice chip in her mouth and smirked as she sucked on it with relish.

"How much longer?" Her voice strained, as another contraction rippled through her belly, causing her to purse her mouth tightly as she breathed deeply through her nose—until the pain subsided after about a minute.

"Was that stronger?"

"Fuck, yes! They're getting closer together too."

The mediwitch that Narcissa had insisted be brought in during the last month of Hermione's pregnancy, was helping the Healer getting everything situated for the actual birth itself.

Draco pulled back slightly and rubbed his wife's back, wincing at her pained whimper as he hit a particularly tender spot.

About a minute later, Hermione tensed up as another contraction came on quicker than the last one, her breathing becoming more labored with each shock that would move through her body. Hermione's Healer, a lovely witch by the name of Bianca Shipley—waved her wand and nodded pleased.

"You're dilated to nine, Mrs. Malfoy. The babies heart rates are still looking good."

Hermione hummed and then cried out when another contraction ripped through her abdomen, causing her buckle in pain.

"Oh Gods!"

"It's going to be okay, love."

"Easy for you to say Draco!"

To his credit Draco didn't reply, he just sent out his magic to soothe his wife's frayed nerves. When he felt her slump back against him, he wiped her brow again.

This went on for another thirty minutes until the Healer said briskly, "Okay Mrs. Malfoy—on the next contraction I need you to push."

Hermione didn't reply, because at that precise moment the strongest contraction yet slammed into her body, causing her to scream out in pained terror as the urge to push became too strong.

"Ahhhhh..." her voice cracked, as she doubled over—straining every part of her body as it bared down in agony.

"It's okay, my love." Draco kept whispering over and over again. "You're doing so well, Princess."

Three more contractions later, and the shrieking cry of their first born greeting the world caused both Draco and Hermione to gasp in joy.

"Okay, Hermione. You need to concentrate because we have one more to go!"

Nodding in exhaustion, Hermione groaned out before another contraction pulled her right back into a hunched position as she screamed out again, her entire body heaving with fractured sobs.

"I can't..." she pleaded, tears streaming down her face, as Draco wiped her brow again. "No more..."

"You can," Draco's voice was surprisingly calm. "You are the strongest witch I've ever known wife. You can do this."

Choking out a sob, Hermione then roared in terror as the final contraction hit and her body folded in half as she pushed harder than before—her relieved shout echoing over her baby's cries as her second child was born.

"Oh thank, Morgana!"

"Great job love."

"Hermione, I just need you to push one more time, alright."

"Okay." Her voice was completely hoarse.

Draco watched his amazing wife as she did as directed, and once the afterbirth was delivered, the Healer waved her wand and with a series of spells, Hermione was put back to rights.

Then their Mediwitch brought over their first born, as the Healer busied herself cleaning and taking vitals on the second one.

When her eldest son was placed into her arms, Hermione sniffled loudly as she pulled down the blanket slightly to take in little Scorpius face, hands and soft downy hair.

Which was the exact same color as his Draco's.

"Perfect." Draco whispered reverently, as he kissed her temple in gratitude. "You were amazing, love."

"Thank you for staying with me."

"Where else would I be? My place is always with you."

A moment later, the Healer brought over their second son, and handed him to his Mother, while Draco shifted slightly so he could hold Scorpius.

"Leo Fabian." Hermione sighed, placing a soft kiss on her son's forehead.

"They're identical twins." Healer Shipley smiled widely.

"Salazar!" Draco said in wonder. "I knew we were having twins, but there has never been identical twins in the Malfoy line in 1000 years. Father and Mother will be thrilled!"

"You do know that our entire family is outside, waiting to see these little ones."

"I know." Draco drawled out, his facial expression less than pleased. "Is it wrong of me to want to keep them to ourselves for a while?"

"Do you want to explain to my Grandmother why she can't come in and see her grandsons? Because unless you're feeling inordinately lucky today, you might want to rethink that strategy."

"I do still have that Liquid Luck, you know. I could..."

"Don't!" Hermione bit back, before she yawned out in utter exhaustion. "How about we bring in your parents, my Grandmother, Sirius and Harry now."

"Potter, really?"

Hermione glared over her shoulder and Draco realized this was one argument he wasn't going to win, so he moved gingerly from behind his wife and settled Scorpius into the crook of her other arm, before moving out towards the hallway where their family was patiently waiting.

When he opened the door, he was besieged!

"Draco!" His Mother was the first to reach him. "How is Hermione? Are the babies?"

Taking his Mother's hands within his own, Draco felt guilty for even thinking about making his Mum wait to meet her grandchildren.

"They're all doing well." He kissed his Mother on the cheek. "We have identical twin boys."

Narcissa clamped both hands over her mouth while Lucius just stood their still as a statue. Muriel however, looked smug as fuck.

"Don't keep us in suspense, young man! Let me see my Great-great grandchildren!"

Draco watched in bemusement as Lady Prewett made her way through the door, followed by Narcissa and Lucius. He then turned to Sirius and Harry and said magnanimously, "Hermione would like you both to come in too, if you want to?"

Sirius clapped his shoulder and said simply, "Let Kitten have some time alone with Muriel and your parents. We will be here when she's ready."

"Thank you." Draco nodded before heading back inside, to get back to his family.

As he walked through the door, his eyes immediately went to his parents, who were sitting side by side on the loveseat, as his Mother held Scorpius in her arms, tears streaming down her cheeks while his Father, cupped his grandson's head and murmured a few words that Draco suspected were an old Malfoy blessing.

His gaze then settled on Muriel Prewett, who was sitting at the edge of Hermione's bed with Leo in her arms, and Draco stopped short as he immediately noticed that Muriel Prewett was smiling genuinely.

He shivered as he was fairly certain he'd never seen that particular display of emotion on her face.

She was genuinely smiling.

"Are you going to stand there and stare all day, young man?" Muriel snarked softly as her blue eyes assessed Leo with such intensity, it made Draco feel a tad wary.

"I'm just not used to seeing you look so happy, Grandmother." Draco replied cheekily, earning a caustic stare for his troubles.

"You both behave." Hermione admonished sleepily. "I need to feed these little ones before I drop dead in a coma of sleep."

Standing up, Narcissa came over with Scorpius and helped situate her daughter-in-law more comfortably, as she gave her a few pointers on how to nurse.

Scorpius however, was a natural and latched on right away sucking hungrily as Draco grinned in satisfaction.

"Leave it to my son to get right at it."

"Draco Lucius Malfoy!" His Mother whisper-admonished, while his Father just smacked him behind the head.

"Thank you Lucius." Hermione winked while Draco just muttered something unintelligible under his breath.

When it was Leo's turn to feed, the little guy seemed more interested in staring up at his Mum while he nursed, but soon his eyelids drooped heavily and he fell back asleep.

The Mediwitch came over and cleaned Hermione up a bit, as Muriel held Scorpius and Narcissa took Leo.

"I still can't believe it!" Draco's mother sighed happily. "Twin boys!"

"Well, they do run in the Prewett family dear. You're welcome, by the way."

"Grandmother!"

"What?" Muriel rebuffed softly, "it's the truth. Why shouldn't I take credit?"

"I did give birth to them." Hermione pointed out helpfully, but her Grandmother just waved her hand in faux irritation.

"I suppose we need to share these perfect ones with the rest of the family at some point."

"Well, if you all don't mind?" Hermione yawned deeply, as she snuggled down into her pillow,her eyes already dropping shut. "I'm going to take a nap."

"Sleep love." Draco purred out soothingly as he pulled up the blankets and tucked her in.

"You'll wake me when they need to feed again?"

"Of course dear." Narcissa huffed, as she bent down and kissed Hermione's forehead. "We will be right here."

"Okay."

And within a minute, Hermione appeared like she was out like a light.

Muriel moved over and placed a kiss on her Granddaughter's forehead, before checking her grandson over one more time. With a pleased nod, she followed Narcissa out into the hallway where the rest of the family was waiting.

Draco however, waited until they were gone before he placed the softest of kisses on his wife's lips. As he made his way out into the hallway, he heard her sweet voice say, "I love you, Draco."

He turned around and noticed Hermione's eyes watching him, and he winked and said, "I love you, Princess. Thank you."

"You never have to thank me love. Just make sure Fred and George don't try and abscond with our sons."

"Will do. Get some rest."

He watched for a few moments until his wife's soft snores were heard through the room and his heart filled to bursting. It still amazed him everyday that Hermione's magic had chosen him to be her mate. Of all the things he'd done in his life, having his wife love him was the greatest of them and probably always would be.

YEARS LATER...

In the years that followed Hermione and Draco had another child, a daughter Lyra who was the apple of both her Father and Grandfather's eye. Lucius simply adored the little girl and she could often be found in her Grandfather's study, sitting on his lap while he read to her.

Sirius or Padfoot, as he was known by his god-grandchildren...was the fun parental figure. Always eager to play or get into a bit of mischief, which drove Hermione spare on more than one occasion. Thankfully, when Harry married Katie Bell three years later, and had two children of his own—James Sirius Potter and Lily Luna Potter—he had to deal with their godfather's lack of adult decorum.

Theo and Luna eventually married and had two children, Thaddeus and Thea Nott and Thoros was thrilled to have his own grandchildren to spoil. Theo had been surprised how much his Father mellowed over the years and gave all the credit to Hermione for giving them back some semblance of a proper family again.

Ron went off to Romania to work with Charlie. He enjoyed playing the field and hadn't settled down with anyone, much to Molly's consternation.

Sirius eventually took the Transfiguration position permanently and dated Amelia Bones off and on for several years.

Remus worked for Hermione, cataloging her collection of books while Tonks continued to work as an Auror. They eventually gave Teddy a little sister, Mina.

Severus, after helping Draco and Hermione finish their masteries, decided to return back to teaching Potions when Professor Slughorn retired again. He was currently dating the new Defense Professor, Everly Eggert who had graduated from Hogwarts ten years prior and had worked as an Auror for six years before taking the teaching position.

Blaise and Daphne eventually married, but only after Elora had capitulated and gave her son and his paramour the family home in Capri as a gift. Daphne has been thrilled, and loved to spend time there wherever they could.

Blaise had taken a Ministry job in the Department of International Magical Cooperation as the undersecretary to the Department Head. It had only take him two years to get promoted to the Deputy position and Draco figured at this rate, he'd be Department Head within another five.

Their plans for taking over the Wizengamot had picked up steam when Adrian had finished his solicitor training and had agreed to help Hermione and Draco change any outdated laws that they felt need to be modifed. He was fast becoming a Political darling in the press, and was courting Fleur Delacour's younger sister Gabrielle.

Olivia Shardlow, had left Britain for America with her Mother when she got off probation three years early. Therese Rowle, however, had never been the same witch after learning of the death of her Father, and had attacked another prisoner inside Azkaban, killing the witch when she'd slit her throat. Therese had been given the dementors kiss and the witch she'd killed—Pansy Parkinson...well, no one had mourned that loss too much.

Two years, two months and six days after the birth of Lyra Muriel McKinnon-Malfoy; Muriel Prewett was laid to rest in the family crypt at Fosgate Hall with her family surrounding her final resting place to honor her memory.

Draco held his wife, as she cried for the loss of another member of her family and his heart broke for her. While they had known this day was coming, it was never any easier to say goodbye.

"She was happy at the end." Draco pleaded silently, as his wife sniffed into his dress robes.

"I know, I just wish I'd had more time is all."

"You gave her the one thing she wanted more than anything in this world. To see the Prewett line live on through our son."

"Leo adored her."

"And she adored him."

Truth be told Muriel loved all her great-grandchildren, but she held a special place in her heart for little Leo Fabian, who would definitely be sorted into Gryffindor when the time came.

"Do you think she knew?"

"Knew what, love?"

"That we'd find our way here?"

"I think Muriel Prewett was as smart and cunning as they come and what she didn't know, she maneuvered to her liking as best as she could."

Hermione giggled on a sob, as she nodded emphatically. Because it was true! Her Grandmother was the most cunning person she'd ever known and probably would ever know—for the rest of her days.

"You know? The ones who love us never really leave us."

Hermione tilted up her face and gave her husband a wan smile. "You're quoting Padfoot now?"

"Eh," Draco smirked, "he's not a bad guy, once you get to know him."

"I'll be sure to tell him that, next time he asks."

"You do that love, but if you tell Potter I think he's an alright chap? I just might have to punish you for it."

"Promises, promises."

Draco pulled her into his embrace fully as he planted a gentle kiss on his wife's lips. As they walked out of the family crypt where they'd been left alone in peace to say their goodbye's, Draco smiled adoringly at his lovely bride and said seriously, "You and I both know Princess, that I always make good on my promises."

"I know you do, and I love you for it."

"I love you too."

Fin...