Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor any of JK Rowling's wonderful characters. I am merely borrowing them.

A/N: I just couldn't let it go just yet….

Epilogue.

Hermione beamed up at Sirius. It was growing cool outside in the garden as the sun dipped further behind the trees. She trailed her hand around the back of his neck, weaving her fingers through his shorn hair which was finally beginning to grow out again. He smirked at her before leading her into a full twirl across the dance floor, the orchestra's melody rising and falling filling the evening air with flourishing notes.

Hermione spun as Sirius' strong hands guided her back into his arms and pulled her firmly against his chest.

Her eyes traced every beautiful feature of his face, contemplating him.

"When did you first know?" She asked him.

"Know what?" He cocked his head to the side and winked at her before whirling them around again.

"That you loved me?"

Sirius smiled to himself and answered without a moment's hesitation.

"That night at Hogwarts, under the tree... we looked at the stars. You were supposed to be with James."

"That's when you knew?" She asked, her eyes wide at the realization.

"That's when I knew," He confirmed.

"Oh…" Was all she could think to say. She gazed back at the love of her life in awe of him.

"And you, love?" He asked her, taking advantage of the slow-turn in the music. "When did you know?"

Hermione bit her lip and lowered her eyes shyly. "The first time I fell in love with you was in my fifth year... under the mistletoe."

It was Sirius' turn to be in awe.

"You remember that?" He asked, his voice laced with shock.

"Of course, I remember."

"And... the second time?"

"I fell in love with you the second time, when we first kissed - "

"Under the tree..." Sirius finished.

"Yes. Under the tree," She smiled dreamily at him.

"You've fallen in love with me twice, eh? Any other times I should know about?"

"Sirius, darling, I fall in love with you all over again, every time you smile at me."

The two simply gazed at one another, swaying together as the orchestra reached its crescendo.

The announcer's voice broke the spell between them as he interrupted the fading notes of the song. "Ladies and Gentlemen, let us raise our glasses once more for the guests of honor, the new Mister and Mrs. Sirius Black."

The garden erupted in applause and cheers.

Hermione flushed as they stood in front of their family and friends, her simple white satin gown appeared to glow in the brightening moonlight. Sirius, looking every bit the groom in a classic black tuxedo, reached for Hermione's hand and she laced her thin fingers through his as they beamed out at the applauding guests.

"What are you waiting for?" Shouted Fred. "Kiss her, you fool!"

Sirius' laughed and grinned at his best man, nodding in acquiescence.

Sirius cupped his new bride's face in his strong hands. He lowered his face toward her, reveling in their long anticipated union with a kiss that stirred the depths of their souls. When they broke apart, he rested his forehead against Hermione's and whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion, "I love you". Hermione gazed up at him, her eyes shining with tears of joy and love. "I love you too," She whispered with shaky breath.

Over the din of the crowd, the voice of the best man, James Potter, carried itself over the applause as he shouted merrily, "It's about time!"

Laughter rang out along with shouts of agreement.

Indeed, it was about time. Time had brought them together and time had torn them apart. Time had tested them with pain and blessed them with love. And now as time had stood still, they had finally pledged their vows and made their promises.

A promise twenty-two years in the making.

For now, after all that had come to pass, they found themselves wholly and finally together… and so they would stay, forever.