Chapter 19: Epilogue

The cool breeze blowing off the pond felt wonderful on Harry's skin as he dozed in the shade of the tall trees. Ginny was curled up beside him with her head resting comfortably on his shoulder, an arm and leg draped over him. The original plans for their honeymoon had involved a trip to America, but after the events of the past year, they had just wanted a little peace and quiet. It had been quite by accident that Ginny had discovered a small cabin available for rent not far from Bill and Fleur's house. Harry had immediately liked the idea of two weeks alone with Ginny and had made all the arrangements that very afternoon.

After the wedding they had spent the weekend secluded in their room at Hogwarts before Apparating to the small cabin. It only had three small rooms but that was more than enough for them. Bringing along enough food and water, they had sealed themselves away from the rest of the word with enough spells around the property line to keep even the most determined witch or wizard. Ginny rather liked the fact that for once she had Harry all to herself. Harry suspected she also liked the fact that she could run around starkers any time she wanted and in the two days since they had arrived; he had only seen her fully clothed when she cooked for them. Harry had no problems with that whatsoever.

"You awake?" Ginny said gently.

"Mostly," he laughed as he kissed the top of her head.

Ginny sat up next to him, her lightly tanned skin glowing in the cool shadows. Harry thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her tendency towards casual nudity did not bother him in the least. In fact it gave his time with her a sense of constant intimacy that made him love her even more.

"I was just thinking about something," she said biting her lip shyly.

"What's on your mind?"

Ginny stretched out next to him again and Harry rolled over onto his elbow so he could look down into her warm and inviting eyes.

"I was thinking about a family," she said smiling up at him. "Our family."

"I thought you wanted to wait a while before we started a family," he said tracing the fingers of his free hand lightly over the pale skin of her belly. "You change your mind?"

"Not exactly," she said giggling as his fingers tickled her. "I still think we are a bit too young to start a family. I mean, I'm not even twenty yet and you are just starting your career as an Auror."

Harry nodded and smiled at his wife, "Then what are you thinking about?"

"I was thinking about names for our future children," she smiled back up at him. "I was wondering how you would feel about naming our children after your parents?"

Harry leaned down and kissed Ginny softly. "I love the idea actually."

"You do?"

"Of course I do," he said kissing her shoulders and neck. "I think it's a wonderful idea."

Ginny sighed happily as he continued to kiss her bare skin. "I'm trying to have a conversation here, Mr. Potter. If you keep that up we'll never accomplish anything."

"Oh I'm going to accomplish something," Harry chuckled as he started kissing his way down his wife's chest. "I plan on making love to my wife."

"Well if you insist," Ginny moaned before she wrapped his arms around Harry's neck and pulling him closer to her.

It was several hours later when they finally made their way back to the cabin. Ginny was running towards the cabin laughing as Harry chased after her. It felt wonderful to just be two people in love and not the saviors of the wizarding world. There were no titles out here and Harry could just be a young man in love. There was nothing more that he felt he needed or wanted so long as Ginny was by his side. If not for Sibyll Trelawney's last words to before they left, Harry would have forgotten all about the world outside of the cabin.

"The one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord has arrived, his wife always by his side. Their tasks will be many and matched only by their love. Old age will claim them but will not be the end as they are asked to fight once more. Two lives repeated to save what will be lost."

Leave it to Trelawney to drop a bomb at the last moment, Harry thought as he slowed down to consider what he had been told. "Guess she deserves another raise but I really wish she could have given me a few more details."

"Harry," Ginny called as she reached the front door of the cabin. "Come look at this."

When he reached her a second later Harry saw what she was looking at. A small wolf pup was curled up in front of the cabin door. The pup had raven black fur and his little eyes, when he finally opened them, were a bright golden color that immediately made Harry smile.

Hawwy. 'inny.

Ginny squealed happily as Harry scooped up the small pup and carried him inside, "Wondered when we would see you again, Wulfric."

Fawkes.

"Leave it to that bird to find you when we couldn't," Harry said smiling as he carried the pup into the small kitchen. "You hungry?"

Yes, 'ungwy.

Ginny quickly made them a small meal. She brought Harry a small plate of chicken scraps so that he could feed their old friend. Wulfric gobbled down each offered piece hungrily and Harry wondered when the last time the small pup had eaten was.

"We've missed you," Ginny said kneeling down next to Harry and stroking the black pup's head gently.

Always come back. Family.

Harry smiled and nodded, "Yes, we're family and we will always be here for you."

"Always," Ginny said leaning over to kiss Wulfric's head.

Always.

The End