Luminescence

Epilogue:

A week later…

Harry walked into the house. He had left very early in the morning to help Hermione. He also stopped by to visit Cyprian who was finally doing much better. The past couple of days had been busy, with helping Hermione, and Harry felt like Draco had been a bit distant but he wasn't sure if that was because he had been more busy than usual.

He walked past the living room toward the kitchen.

"Where have you been?"

Harry stopped and turned, noticing that Draco was lying on the couch.

"Hey. I was with Hermione. What are you doing down here?"

"I slept here."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "All night?"

"Is something wrong with that?" Draco drawled.

"No," Harry said, walking over to him. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," Draco said.

"Draco, come on. You're clearly upset about something."

Harry sat down on the couch next to him.

After a minute, Draco sat up. "I want you to be honest with me."

"Okay," Harry said.

"Do you really want to be together?"

"What kind of a question –"

"Do you or don't you, it's a simple question, Potter," Draco snapped.

Harry opened his mouth then closed it. "Yes, Draco. Of course I want to be with you."

"Really?" Draco drawled. "You sure there's not someone else in your life?"

"Of course not! Where are you getting this from?"

"Maybe I'm getting it from the fact that you've been sneaking off to St. Mungo's maternity ward and don't think that I'm going to believe it's because Hermione's pregnant! I saw you. You were in the couples ward."

"You followed me?" Harry asked.

"What, so you can follow me around when you're suspicious, but I can't do the same to you?" Draco shouted.

"That's not what I said! Did you hear my conversations at all?" Harry asked.

Draco pursed his lips. "I didn't go into the couples ward, Potter."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Draco, what did I learn about following you around like that? I completely misinterpreted your actions, right?"

Draco crossed his arms. "So why were you there?"

"To help Hermione's patients. I was in the couple's ward because there is a couple in there trying to get pregnant, but can't because of Voldemort."

Draco's eyebrows furrowed. "What?"

Harry explained to him everything Hermione told him about the couple.

"So, what, you were there to hold their hand?"

Harry gave him a look. "No, Draco."

He then explained to him what he told Hermione:

FLASH BACK

"Hermione…I think we can try one more thing."

Hermione gazed up at him in confusion. Harry leaned down toward her ear.

"I don't know if it will work, but I do know that I'm supposedly more powerful than most, and I've also got a moonstone inside of me. My sperm might be able to survive."

Tears began to roll down Hermione's face and she threw her arms around him.

"You would really do that?" She sobbed.

Harry held her tightly. "I would. I mean, after the first time you told me about them, I started to think."

Hermione pulled away and wiped at her eyes. "About what?"

"About the fact that I'm the last of my line. And I'm not going to be marrying Ginny anymore so…"

"So there's no way to pass on your genes."

Harry nodded. "I mean, I know it's selfish, but in some way I would feel like Voldemort would win if I didn't pass it down in some way or another. He's always wanted to kill the last Potter so that the Potter line ends, and with me being with Draco, there's really no other option anyway. So to be honest, this would help me as much as it would help them."

Hermione smiled. "You're the best friend anyone could ask for."

She threw her arms around him again. "Come on."

She grabbed his hand and led him down the hall toward the maternity ward. She came through to the couples ward and knocked on one of the rooms. She then entered. Harry saw a young woman sitting on a flexible bed. She had long light brown hair and hazel eyes. Her husband, who was seated in a plush chair next to her, was holding her hand. He had dark brown hair, freckles, and blue eyes. They glanced up.

"Hey Alia, how are you feeling?"

"Hermione," Alia said, wiping her eyes. "Thank you for not giving up, but I just don't know how much more disappointment I can take."

Hermione swallowed and nodded. "Alia, Trenton, I'd like you to meet a very close friend of mine. Harry Potter."

Both their heads shot up.

"H-Harry…," Alia trailed off.

"Hi," Harry said, awkwardly.

"As you know Harry is a very powerful wizard and we're hoping," Hermione said, glancing at Harry, "that his sperm will be able to survive."

Alia's mouth dropped open. "You'd…you'd really…for us?"

Alia began to tear up.

"Thank you," Trenton said.

"I can't guarantee that it will work," Hermione said, "but considering all the times Harry's defeated Voldemort, we're hoping that he can help."

Alia and Trenton both nodded wordlessly.

"Harry will undergo the spells after we give his body a couple days of healing potions and immune boosts, to make sure he's strong, just like we did to the others. Then after that, as you know, we will have to take Trenton's sperm and combine it with Harry's and let it sit overnight. After that we can inseminate Alia with it and hopefully it will work."

Alia nodded. "Okay. Thank you so much."

Harry nodded. "I just hope it works."

Trenton squeezed Alia's hand in agreement.

END FLASH BACK

Harry waited for the explosion to happen, but when he glanced up Draco was staring at him calmly.

"So…that's what happened," Harry said slowly.

Draco looked deep in thought.

"Draco?"

The blond blinked out of his daze. "Hmm?"

"Are you…mad?"

"No, actually, I should've realized you were off doing heroic things again," Draco said.

Harry gave him an annoyed look. "Thanks."

Draco snorted. "So, do you know if it worked yet?"

"Alia's insemination is tomorrow. We'll know right afterwards if it worked."

"That quickly?" Draco asked.

"Yeah, with their new spells that they have now they can actually watch the egg and sperm from within her and see if it fertilizes it or not."

"Weird," Draco said. "So you're going to be a father?"

Harry gave him a pained look. "Don't say it like that, please. I mean, it will have some of my genetics, yes, but it will have both of theirs, too. Besides, I didn't just do it for them."

Draco gazed at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, that I want to be with you. And I also don't want to be the last Potter."

"Oh," Draco said, looking away in embarrassment. "Sorry."

Harry smiled. "I'm not. This is the best of both worlds. I get to pass on my genes without the responsibility of being a father."

"Wow, Potter, that's rich," Draco drawled.

Harry laughed. "Yeah, and I get to stay with you. It's a win win."

Draco looked a bit surprised and then glanced away.

"I'm going to go take a shower. I've got to get up pretty early. You can come if you want to."

Draco shrugged. "It's okay. You can tell me about it."

Harry nodded and went upstairs, thankful that Draco wasn't upset. The blond seemed deep in thought about something.

The next morning Harry went to St. Mungo's. He was incredibly nervous so he couldn't imagine how Alia and Trenton felt. He was escorted down the hall towards the procedure ward. Hermione was waiting for him.

"She's all ready. You can watch with me."

Harry swallowed nervously and nodded. He followed her into a small room, which was attached to the adjoining room where Alia lay on the table. There was a cloth over her stomach and she looked to be asleep. Trenton was right beside her. They could see the both of them clearly, although Trenton couldn't see them. They were standing beside the doctor who was murmuring spells which then had a 3D image of inside Alia's body. There was a doctor in the room with them who was about to administer the procedure. The doctor pulled out the vial that had melded Harry and Trenton's sperm together. Using magic, they directed it up inside Alia, although they couldn't see that, thankfully, as a sheet was covering her lower half.

Harry watched the 3D screen in front of them seeing the sperm swimming up toward the eggs. He watched as this black mist formed around it. He clenched his hand by his side. Harry couldn't help it. He shut his eyes.

"Harry?"

Harry opened them and stared at Hermione.

"Sorry. It's just a lot of pressure."

"I understand," Hermione said, smiling. "Shall we go tell them the good news?"

Harry blinked several times. He glanced at the doctor who was smiling widely and then back at Hermione whose eyes had begun to shimmer.

"It worked?"

Hermione nodded quickly as her lip trembled. She hugged Harry tightly before grasping his hand and pulling him toward the room where Alia and Trenton were. They knocked and then entered. Alia looked a bit groggy because she had just woken up. Trenton stood up the second they entered. Hermione walked toward them.

She inhaled deeply and her lips trembled again. "I have some good news."

Alia cupped a hand over her mouth as tears streamed down her face. Trenton sat back down in his seat looking stunned.

"It worked? It really worked?" He asked.

Hermione smiled and wiped at her eyes. "You're going to have a baby."

Alia began to sob uncontrollably and Trenton hugged her tightly. Then Trenton went over and hugged Hermione. He then stared at Harry and went over and hugged him too.

"Thank you so much Mr. Potter."

"Call me Harry," he said.

Trenton smiled. "You have no idea what you've done for us. We can't ever repay you."

Alia wiped at her eyes. "You're welcome to visit him or her any time you want."

Harry smiled. "I'd like that."

Alia got up off the table and hugged Harry, sobbing onto his shoulder. Harry patted her back awkwardly. Then Alia hugged Hermione. The two of them began sobbing together and Harry and Trenton just smiled at one another.

By the time Harry returned home he was exhausted.

"Draco?" He called out.

No answer.

Harry sighed and went to make himself something to eat. A couple hours later he heard Draco come in. Harry was lying on the couch drinking a nettle juice.

"Hey," Harry said, sitting up.

Draco nodded tiredly. "Hey. How did it go?"

"Very well, actually."

"So…?"

"Yeah, so, I guess a child is going to be born and it's going to have some of me in it," Harry said. "It's so weird to think about."

Draco snorted. "Yeah. So how much of you will be in it?"

Harry shrugged. "Don't know. Hermione says it's impossible to tell until the child's born. It's just…"

"What?"

"I don't know if it worked because I really am powerful, or if it's because the moonstone effected my body."

"What does that matter?" Draco asked.

Harry shrugged. "They probably think it's because I'm the famous Harry Potter, but if I hadn't bonded with a moonstone, it might not have worked."

Draco sighed. "That's seriously bothering you? Look. If the child comes out with super whacky abilities, then maybe it was the moonstone, at least partly. If the child's normal, it was probably just you. You are powerful, even without the moonstone and I think you've proven that a lot."

Harry smiled. "Thanks."

Draco nodded silently. "I have something to tell you."

Harry sat up completely. "What is it?"

Draco hesitated and sat down on the couch. "After what you told me, about the couple, it got me thinking." Draco hesitated again. "About how I'm the last Malfoy as well."

Harry's heart skipped a beat. "Oh…are you going to help the maternity ward?"

"No," Draco said, glancing down at his hands.

Harry's heart began to pound. "Draco, what…," Harry trailed off, unable to finish. He felt like he had been smacked in the face.

"So, here's the thing," Draco said, finally. "I made an agreement with my mum. One you may not like."

Harry swallowed.

"I promised her, and my father, that I'd…," he hesitated.

"What? Just say it," Harry said.

Draco shut his eyes momentarily. "I'd give them my sperm."

"Oh, thank Merlin," Harry said, looking relieved.

Draco opened his mouth. "Thank Merlin? What kind of reaction is that? You want me to give my sperm away, to my parents no less?"

"No, I just, it's not that," Harry said, smiling. "I thought you were going to break up with me."

Draco looked surprised then he smirked. "I know you can't live without me, Potter."

"Shut up. So…I guess I'm confused. Are they going to take your sperm and inseminate someone?"

"Not just anyone," Draco said. "Astoria."

Harry's eyebrows rose. "Daphne's younger sister?"

Draco nodded. "Apparently Daphne wanted to go her own separate way, too, but Astoria wants to make her parents proud by continuing the pure blood line."

"So she's okay with being a single mother?"

"She's not going to be doing it on her own," Draco said. "My father is already on board with this. He probably thinks this child will be better than me."

Draco glanced downward. Harry went over and wrapped his arms around him.

"No one could be better than you."

Draco snorted. "Yeah. Right. Anyway, that's the new agreement. It makes my parents happy, it makes them on good terms with the Greengrass family again, and my mum promised me that she would make sure this child is happy and that, you know, it won't suffer the same abuse from father as I did."

"Well, that's something," Harry said. "We'll both get to continue our legacies."

"There's one other thing."

Harry raised his eyebrows.

Draco inhaled deeply. "My mum wants me to come around and visit her."

"Okay. Why is that bad?"

"I wasn't sure you'd be okay with me keeping in touch with my family, you know, after everything they did."

"Draco," Harry said, placing a hand over his, "they're your parents. We may not ever be on great terms, but I'm fine with you being in touch with them. Besides, Lucius is never going to be able to do any of the bad things he's done before. The Ministry is keeping a close eye on them both, so I'm not worried."

Draco's expression lightened. Harry smiled at him.

"How did your meeting go with Kingsley?" Draco asked.

"Oh, you mean, about Cyprian? He said that he'll just put Cyprian on probation for a few months. That's it. Cyprian's already so sorry about it that he confessed to his parents first and they were pretty upset about it, but I told them that I'm not angry."

"Well I'm angry."

Harry smiled. "That's no surprise. Hey, are you ever going to turn in that favor you earned so long ago?"

Draco looked away briefly. "I'm saving it."

"For what?"

Draco shrugged. "So you think Maelyn will get her powers back?"

"Well, I know Dimitri's preparing a tonic for her with the plant's spores. He wanted to study it a little first."

"Why? I mean, Tess was healed by it," Draco said.

"Yeah, but she nearly lost her powers and then her hair nearly turned white permanently because we didn't know the proper dosage. She's just lucky, but Maelyn has had that venom in her system for a lot longer. Dimitri has to be careful," Harry said.

"I think it would've been wicked if her hair turned white."

Harry snorted. "Well, it's not exactly in style."

Draco turned and gave him a look.

"What? It was just a joke."

Draco rolled his eyes and walked off.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

3 months later…

Harry walked into Hellebore and headed to the garden floor. Dimitri and Maelyn were there as well as Lieda.

"Harry!" Maelyn exclaimed. She waved her wand around her and floated down to him.

Harry grinned and gave her a hug. "How does it feel to be a witch again?"

Maelyn twirled around as wisps of magic emanated from her wand. "You have no idea! Dimitri's the best."

Dimitri smiled down at her and she blushed.

"So I heard the good news about you."

"What?" Harry asked.

Maelyn elbowed him. "You're going to be a father."

"Hey, now, it's not exactly like that."

Maelyn laughed. "I'm just teasing you. I think it's amazing what you're doing for that couple. Of course, if I was that husband, I'd be a little intimidated by the famous Harry Potter being my child's donor, but I'm sure his ego is recuperating."

Harry smiled and shook his head. "He seems cool with it. I think they're just happy to be able to have a child."

"Yeah, but probably with that curse only a tiny fraction of the husband's genes will be passed down. I think your genes will be dominant," she said, winking. "Of course, that's probably what they're hoping for."

"What?" Harry said, cocking his head. "Why?"

"Why? Harry, come on. You're like one of the most powerful wizards in history. Anybody would want to have your offspring. Think about how famous that child's going to be."

"Alia and Trenton say they're keeping it quiet. They don't want their child to grow up being treated differently."

Maelyn smiled. "How long is that going to last? Especially once the kid starts producing amazing magic at such a young age. I can only imagine what he or she will do at Hogwarts."

"Oh, you know, cause trouble, be a nuisance."

Harry turned around to see Draco walking toward them. Maelyn laughed. "Hey Draco."

"Are you calling me a nuisance?" Harry shot back.

"If the shoe fits," Draco retorted with a smirk. Harry glared at him. He was getting Harry back from calling him a drama queen.

"Clever. Using my own words against me," Harry said.

"You two are something else," Maelyn said, laughing. "So, Harry, do you know if it's going to be a boy or girl?"

"They want it to be a surprise."

"No, they don't," Draco said. "They just don't want to be disappointed when it comes out a girl."

"Why would you think that?" Harry asked.

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Clearly they want it to be a little Harry Potter."

"You don't know that!"

"Awww. I'd want a little Harry Potter," Maelyn cooed.

Harry glared at her.

"What about you? Is yours a boy or girl?" Harry shot back.

Maelyn gasped. "Draco, you're fathering a child, too?"

"It's a complicated situation," Draco said, glaring at Harry. "And I don't know either."

"You two are so sweet to help those in need," Maelyn said. "It's such a shame you two can't father one together…," she said, winking.

Harry's eyebrows rose up into his bangs.

"That's not how it works," Draco said, looking amused.

"But wouldn't that child be so cute?!" Maelyn exclaimed.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah. Take it up with nature."

Maelyn just laughed and walked back to where Dimitri was up on the platform.

"How's your mum?" Harry asked.

Draco shrugged. "She's fine. She and my father are busy preparing for their new heir so."

Harry put a hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I didn't want that life anyway," Draco said. "It's just weird that it's going to be my kid, technically, but I won't be raising it."

"Do you want to raise it?"

Draco made a pained expression. "Not really. I'm not really the fathering type or the settling down type, I guess. I mean, I want to go on adventures and see the world and kids just…they just tie you down. I don't know. It's just not for me."

Harry smiled. "Yeah. I feel the same."

Draco glanced at him for a minute and then snorted. "I'm surprised. I kind of thought you'd be the family sort of guy."

"I used to think so, too," Harry said. "I guess things change."

"Look. I know you usually go to the Weasleys for Christmas. My mum wants me to support the family and at least show my face on holidays. So…we can always celebrate Christmas together either before or after," Draco said, shrugging.

Harry shook his head. "How about this? We spend Christmas Eve with one of them, and Christmas day with the other."

Draco glanced up. "You'd want to come to my family's?"

"We're together, right? So we should act like a couple. Besides, I kind of want to rub it in your father's face anyway."

Draco snorted. "Don't get him all riled up." Draco shrugged. "I guess I'll ask my mum what she prefers."

"Draco! Harry!"

They both glanced up to see Dimitri coming down to greet them.

"Hey Dimitri, how's it going?" Harry asked.

"Splendid!"

"We've noticed," Draco said, glancing up at Maelyn.

Dimitri flushed. "Oh yes, well, also I've made progress with the Veluferia Potenium. It's an amazing creature! I've discovered that in combination with the Draught of Peace and some other ingredients, it makes a potent shield charm. I think with some work it could prove to be stronger than even the protections around Hogwarts and the Ministry."

"Kingsley will love that," Harry said, smiling. "The more prepared we are in case of a rebellion of any stray Death Eaters or Dark Lord supporters out there, the better."

Dimitri nodded. "Indeed. Oh! I wanted to show you the cover of the special volume, a little sneak peak, if you will."

He summoned the cover and they peered at it: Rare and Mythical Plant-Creatures. Harry's eyes looked to the bottom where it read: Dedicated to Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy.

"Wow," Harry whispered. "Thanks, Dimitri."

Draco nodded in agreement.

"You both deserve it for all your hard work," Dimitri said, patting them both on the shoulder. "I know the holidays are coming up so I won't have an assignment for you until after the New Year."

"Thank Merlin," Draco said with a sigh. "That last assignment was a real pain."

"Well, thankfully, you didn't fall into that volcano," Dimitri said.

"Yes, bright side," Draco drawled sarcastically.

Harry grinned. "We'll be ready by then."

"Good! I'm going to release the special volume on New Year's day."

Dimitri went back up with Maelyn and Draco and Harry went back home. At home they turned on the fireplace now that it was cold outside and ate dinner side by side on the same couch.

"I can't believe how much has happened in just one year," Harry said quietly.

Draco stared at the fire and sighed. "Yeah."

Harry turned to him. "Can I ask you a question?"

Draco turned to face him. "What?"

"When did you…you know…," Harry trailed off.

Draco just raised an eyebrow curiously.

"When did you realize you had feelings for me?"

"Oh," Draco said, staring back at the fire. "That's a complicated question."

"It is? Why?" Harry asked.

Draco adjusted his position on the couch. "Because…," he trailed off and then shrugged. "I've had feelings for you for a while."

"You mean like before we even started living together?" Harry asked curiously.

Draco snorted. "No. Like…even before we graduated."

Harry's eyes widened. "What? Like back at Hogwarts?"

Draco shrugged.

"No way! You totally hated me back then!" Harry exclaimed.

"I didn't hate you, exactly," Draco said.

"Well what, then?"

Draco turned to him. "Does it really matter?"

"Yes! I want to know!" Harry exclaimed. "Please?"

Draco sighed. "Fine. I think I realized it…in fourth year during the Triwizard Tournament."

Harry sat up. "Really? Why then?"

Draco shrugged. "I knew that I hated you because of how popular you were, how famous you were even though it didn't seem like there was much to you. And then things started happening every year with you, like the Chamber of Secrets and all that. Then you became an amazing Quidditch player. It was like everything you did you just had natural talent and I hated that. When you were in the Triwizard Tournament I was hoping at first something bad would happen to you. I was hoping you'd at least lose. When everything happened, when Cedric came back dead and then later I heard that you had tried to protect him, and you were going to let him win, I don't know…I just felt something."

Harry listened to him intently and scooted closer to him.

"I think that deep down I knew that I liked you. I tried to deny it for so long. That's why in my fifth year I took Pansy to the dance. I was trying to convince myself that I could be with a girl that my parents would approve of. And I also did it to try and escape my other feelings."

"Your other feelings?"

Draco shrugged. "I've wavered between being attracted to both guys and girls. I've been more attracted to girls, but back in school I was attracted to Blake. I wanted to pretend like those feelings didn't exist so I tried hard to be with Pansy, but she was just so bloody annoying, it made it impossible. I think if I wasn't already attracted to some guys, I would've turned gay after being with her."

Harry laughed. "Yeah. She was pretty bad."

"I remember that night in my house when you were taken captive, I was afraid. I knew they were going to kill you, or that they were going to torture you and hand you over to Voldemort. I didn't want that to happen and I thought it was because you had saved me, you and Dumbledore, but it was more than that, I think. You know, I sometimes wonder if Voldemort knew about my feelings for you. Maybe that's why he wanted to see me fail. Maybe it wasn't just to punish my father, but to punish me for having these feelings."

Harry reached out a hand and brushed his fingers across Draco's face. Draco glanced at him momentarily.

"After we graduated and after everything that happened, I figured I'd never see you again. I managed to forget my feelings for a little while. I distracted myself with other people, like Jace, but I couldn't fake it, you know. I couldn't allow myself to be with anybody completely because I was searching for someone who was…," Draco trailed off, "as amazing as you. And it's not easy to find."

Harry leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You're amazing, too."

Draco snorted. "Right."

"You are, Draco," Harry said sternly. "You don't see it because you're too busy comparing yourself to other people, but you are amazing."

Draco gazed at him. The fire flickered in the reflection of his eyes.

"I would've never realized how amazing you were, if we hadn't bumped into each other and been forced to work together. So I'm grateful for that."

"Even though you have to go through being a donor just to not be the last Potter?" Draco murmured.

"That doesn't matter to me," Harry said. "Being with you is all that matters."

Draco gazed at him with wide eyes. They stared at one another for a second before they leaned in. Draco's warm lips covered his own and Harry slid a hand through his hair, bringing him closer. They broke away gently and Harry opened his eyes, gazing deeply into Draco's. Their noses brushed together.

"So when did you notice you had feelings for me?" Draco asked curiously.

Harry smiled and pulled back a little. "Well, like you, I was kind of making excuses and not realizing how I was feeling at first."

Draco leaned back against the couch. "When was that?"

"I'm trying to think exactly when it started. I think…it might have been when I saw you there sitting all by yourself on Christmas Eve. I felt something, too. And then there were times when you were really nice to me, like talking to me on the train, or coming with me to the Ministry or even teaching me to swim. In those moments I felt like I was getting to know the real you."

Draco snorted. "I can't believe you didn't know how to swim."

"And then other times your annoying personality ruins the moment," Harry said. "Anyway, I definitely noticed it when we were living together, especially after that dream."

"Dream?" Draco asked.

"Er, yeah…after I took that potion, you sort of had a dream about kissing me and I was there and it kind of took me by surprise."

Draco's mouth fell open. "You never mentioned this before!"

"I was too embarrassed," Harry said, scratching his head. "I thought maybe you had that dream just because you were gay or something and I was just conveniently there, but then when you did stuff for me and then when you tried to kiss me…it just sort of all happened. I wasn't sure how I felt at first so when we made the deal to date I thought that I was just agreeing because I didn't want you to move out and not want to be partners anymore. I realize now that it's because I didn't want to lose you," Harry said.

Draco stared at him quietly.

"I didn't realize it was romantic until we kissed again."

"So you didn't really want to date?"

"That's the thing, I think that I did and I was trying to justify it in my mind," Harry said. "I guess I didn't want to admit I had feelings for you, not even to myself."

Draco snorted in amusement. "Wow. You're worse than I am."

Harry smiled. "Only sometimes."

Harry then pressed his body up against Draco's and leaned his head beside his while he watched the fire. He could feel Draco watching him for a minute before he too turned back to the fire.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Christmas Eve…

Harry stared up at Malfoy Manor as it loomed above him. There was a part of him that really didn't want to be there, but he was doing it for Draco. He followed behind Draco to the front entrance. Draco placed his hand against the door. After a split second, it opened. The main entryway was as large as Harry remembered it. As he walked through he saw a gremlin walk by muttering to itself in an incomprehensible language. The whole time Harry was wondering why they hadn't at least put some Christmas decorations up to make it look more inviting.

They walked down the long hallway through the tall oak doors that led to the dining room. There sitting at the table was both Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy. They both glanced up as they entered. Lucius' gaze landed on Harry and he scowled menacingly.

"Mother, father," Draco greeted formally.

Harry gave Mrs. Malfoy a small smile. She just raised an eyebrow slightly. Harry didn't even bother trying to be polite to Lucius. He could care less.

"What is he doing here?" Lucius spat.

Harry just rolled his eyes and attempted to ignore him. Draco didn't even bother to comment. He just ignored him as well. He sat down across from his mother and next to his father, who was at the head of the table. Harry sat down next to him.

"Bringing a Gryffindor in this house is absolute blasphemy," Lucius said coldly.

Nobody seemed to want to comment. There was a tension in the air that made it hard to breathe.

"If it makes you feel better, I was almost in Slytherin," Harry said coolly.

Narcissa turned toward him as well as Draco. Lucius just laughed with disgust.

"You? That's pathetic, Potter!"

"I speak Parseltongue, which is something not even a pureblood like yourself can do," Harry retorted hotly.

Lucius' expression turned to one of rage.

"And?" Narcissa asked curiously.

"Well, the sorting hat told me I'd do great in Slytherin. It couldn't seem to decide between the two so I chose for it," Harry said.

"You never told me that," Draco said.

Harry turned to him and shrugged. "I forgot about it, actually."

"How interesting," Narcissa said, sipping her wine.

"Please," Lucius sneered. "It's revolting. I'm glad you didn't disgrace the Slytherin name."

Harry was grateful that gremlins soon brought out a tray of wine, which he took immediately. This was going to be a long evening.

"Draco, your father and I were discussing bringing back your own vault within ours at Gringotts."

"We haven't finished discussing it, Narcissa," Lucius said coolly.

Narcissa glanced at him briefly.

"It's fine," Draco said, shrugging. "I have my own vault right now."

Narcissa just nodded curtly. There was a lapse of silence. To Harry's relief the gremlins came out with the food. One of them nearly spilt it over Narcissa's lap but the look on her face sent it running back toward the kitchen. The meal itself was rather good, although Harry was too uncomfortable to really enjoy what he was eating.

"How is that job of yours, Draco? Still finding it…up to taste?" Narcissa asked.

"Yes, mother. It's a really great job. Actually, me and Harry are being published in the next volume that comes out because of our amazing finds," Draco explained, as Lucius' expression darkened. "It will really boost our reputation."

Narcissa made a face of slight approval. It was hard to tell.

"And I make plenty of money from it, more than enough," Draco said.

"Well, that should be expected for a Malfoy," Narcissa said.

"Plus my reputation has improved by helping to stop Voldemort," Draco said.

Harry nearly choked on his wine. He thought for sure Narcissa would be appalled but she just sipped her wine.

"I did receive some sort of thank you or congratulatory owl from the Ministry for that," Narcissa said.

Lucius clenched his fist and banged it on the table. "Are we going to sit here and insult Lord Voldemort?!"

"Yes," Harry said.

"Shut your mouth, Potter!" Lucius snarled. "You're not welcome here!"

"There's nothing we can do, Lucius. Lord Voldemort is dead now and we have obligations to our family," Narcissa said.

"There's plenty we can do! For starters, not inviting Harry Potter into our house!"

"Father, whether or not you like it Harry and I are partners, and we're together," Draco said firmly. "Already siding with him has improved my life greatly, both financially and with my reputation. And being loyal to Voldemort doesn't do anything for anybody with him dead so I don't see the point. You can sit there and insult Harry as much as you want to, but he's still going to be here."

Lucius didn't even look Draco in the eye. Lucius suddenly unclenched his fist and straightened up. He then turned to Narcissa.

"I can't wait for the new addition to the family. He'll be a real Malfoy. With greatness and a respect for his origins," Lucius commented coldly, ignore both Harry and Draco completely.

Narcissa turned to him but didn't say anything. Harry clenched his fist.

"It will be nice to have an actual child of ours, don't you agree, Narcissa?"

Draco's head was bent down towards his plate.

"Lucius, I think you better shut up," Harry said coldly, "before you make me mad."

Lucius just ignored him. "When this child comes –"

"You want to know what I think?" Harry said, raising his voice enough to get their attention. "You don't want a great son," Harry said.

"Don't tell me what I want," Lucius spat.

"Shut. Up." Harry's eyes narrowed and the whole table began to shake.

Lucius took his arms off the table as if they were burned. He then glanced at Harry in slight astonishment. Narcissa just picked up her wine glass calmly so it wouldn't spill.

"You don't want a great son, because you clearly have one and can't even see it," Harry said coolly.

Draco gazed up at him.

"The truth is you want a child who's going to be obedient and great enough to be able to do everything you want them to, but you don't want them to be better than you, because you can't live without being able to control and tower over people to make yourself feel superior. And what irks you most is that Draco's way more of a wizard than you'll ever be."

Lucius scowled and Harry saw out of the corner of his eye Narcissa's lips curl into a slight smirk.

"I'll have you know, Potter, that –"

"Lucius, that's enough," Narcissa interrupted coldly. "If you're going to throw a tantrum, you can do it somewhere else. I'm trying to eat in peace."

Clenching his fists, Lucius scowled darkly, shoved his chair backward until it fell over, and then stormed out of the room.

Narcissa just turned to Draco calmly. "Unfortunately, Draco, your father and Mr. Greengrass have come to the conclusion that they think it would be confusing for you to be around the child, in case it senses its relation to you. I told Lucius that if he wants to be that tyrannical then there will have to be times when the child isn't here so you can visit. I think it's rather much, but I made it clear to him that you're still welcome in this house."

"Thanks, mum," Draco muttered. "Honestly, it's okay if I don't see him, or her."

"Nonsense. Lucius isn't the one who wants to spend a lot of the actual raising time with them, so I'm sure I'll have plenty of visiting time with them. You're welcome to visit any time."

Draco smiled softly and nodded. The meal went a lot better after that. Before dessert came out, however, Draco relieved himself from the table to go to the restroom, leaving Harry alone with Narcissa. Harry couldn't even use magic to refill his glass of wine since their house was still under anti-magic spells from the Ministry. He sat trying to look anywhere except for her. The silence was almost deafening and Harry kept praying Draco would hurry up.

"I'm glad you see his worth."

Harry blinked in surprise and glanced at her. It took him a second to realize who she was referring to.

"Of course I do. It's been difficult, though, getting him to see that, no thanks to Lucius," Harry muttered coolly.

Narcissa just stared ahead. "Well," she said calmly, not even looking at him, "he has you so I'm not worried."

Harry gazed at her in surprise just as Draco walked back in. Narcissa excused herself from the table. Once she left, Draco turned to him.

"Were you and my mum talking?" Draco asked.

"Er, yeah."

"I mean, civilly?"

Harry smiled. "Yes, actually, we were."

Draco closed his mouth. "Wow. Christmas miracles do happen."

"Shut up," Harry said, laughing.

"I'm sorry about, you know," Draco said.

"I'm sorry, too," Harry said, reaching out to place a hand over his.

Narcissa came back a few minutes later and Harry quickly removed his hand. He was quite sure she saw, though she didn't say anything or make any strange expressions. She asked Draco more about his job and it was more relaxing to just sit and listen. The rest of the night Harry didn't see Lucius, for which he was grateful.

When they were finally ready to leave, Narcissa gave Draco a hug and then surprisingly offered a hand out to Harry. He glanced at it in surprise and then smiled and shook her hand. She then nodded toward them and closed the door.

As they walked away from the entrance, Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

"Well, we survived," Draco said.

"Barely," Harry teased. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," Draco said. "I never expected my father to be supportive."

Harry nodded slowly.

"Hopefully the Weasleys will be a tad better," Draco said.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Let's hope so."

The next day was Christmas Day and they both dressed up nicely and wore their new robes. Mrs. Weasley answered the door when they knocked.

"Oh, Harry! Draco, come in," she said, gesturing.

Harry walked in and Mrs. Weasley hugged him tightly.

Draco nodded to her as he passed her and Mrs. Weasley offered a hand to take their robes.

"I'm just finishing up the last bit," she said.

"For the third or fourth helping?" Harry asked, smiling.

Mrs. Weasley just smiled back. "Well, you won't go hungry here, that's for sure. Ron and the others are in the living room. Why don't you two join them."

Harry glanced at Draco and saw that he looked nervous.

"What's wrong?"

"It was one thing to come here as your partner, but now as…," Draco trailed off. "I'm not sure how they're going to react."

"Well, even if they're reacting pretty bad on the inside, unlike your father they're pretty good about containing it," Harry said, patting his back.

Draco just snorted. "Gee, thanks."

They both walked into the living room. The Weasleys had expanded it to twice the size, probably with the new bonuses after Voldemort's final defeat. There was a huge 3D spell on the wall playing the Quidditch championship. Ron, Bill and Charlie were in front of it screaming profanities. Ginny, her boyfriend, Triton, Hermione, Luna, Neville and George were sitting around talking. The girls were sitting close together engaged in conversation and the boys seemed to be talking about something else. Ron glanced up when they entered. Harry saw a slight pained expression on his face, but Ginny got up and ran over to embrace him.

"Harry! It's so good to see you!" She exclaimed.

"Hi, Draco," she said.

"Hi," Draco said. He was suddenly enveloped in a hug by her. The look on his face made Harry smile.

Harry glanced over to see that Ron's mouth had fallen open. Hermione came up and hugged Harry. Hermione hesitated for a split second before reaching out to hug Draco briefly. Surprisingly, Draco patted her back in response. It wasn't a full-on hug, but it made Harry smile. Triton came over and introduced himself again and shook their hands. Neville came and gave Harry a one-armed hug and shook Draco's hand. As they walked over, Bill, Charlie and George reached out to pat his back. They also greeted Draco. Charlie, who had met Draco when they went to on the trip together, shook Draco's hand. Luna smiled at both of them as they came by. Harry and Draco sat down near Triton and Neville.

"So, Neville, how was your trip with the herbology expert?" Harry asked.

"Oh, it was great! And then of course I come back and find out you've discovered the rarest and mysterious plant-creature."

Harry scratched the back of his head. "It wasn't just me," he said, gesturing to Draco.

"Don't blame it on me," Draco said.

Neville laughed. "Well, I'm excited to read both volumes."

"So, Draco, is it true you used to be a Death Eater?" Triton asked.

All heads turned in their direction. Harry's eyes widened a bit. Triton glanced around at everyone.

"What? I'm curious."

Ginny just stifled a laugh.

"Yeah," Draco finally answered.

"Whoa. Wicked."

Draco just raised an eyebrow in response.

"DINNER!" Mrs. Weasley called out.

"Ooo yes!" George exclaimed. "I've been starving myself all day for this meal!"

"You're such a liar," Ginny said. "I saw you eating some frosted reinbiti bites."

"I have no idea what you've been drinking, Gin, but clearly you're out of your mind," George said with a completely serious face.

Mr. Weasley popped his head in. "I saw you eating it too, George."

"Dad!" George whined. "You're not supposed to take sides!"

Ginny just grinned widely. They all went into the dining room. Draco stuck close to Harry's side and didn't say much. He sat next to him and all through dinner tried to keep his head down so as not to get spoken to.

"So, Harry, Draco, I've heard the good news about Hellebore," Mr. Weasley said.

Draco tentatively glanced up.

"It sounds like you two are really doing amazing things there."

"Yeah, they're going to run every other herbology company out of business," George said with a grin.

Harry just smiled at glanced at Draco. He could tell Draco was pleased although the blond still kept quiet.

"I can see that happening," Neville said. "I've never seen Hellebore do so well."

Mrs. Weasley nodded in agreement.

"So, Draco, how are your parents taking your personality swap?" George piped up.

"George Weasley!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed.

"What? It's a perfectly legitimate question," George said.

"You don't need to make Draco feel unwelcome," Mr. Weasley added.

"Yeah, George," Ginny shot back.

"Oh, trust me, you guys are ten times better than what we had to deal with yesterday," Harry said, glancing at Draco who just nodded.

"Oh, that's right, you went over to Malfoy Manor," Hermione said. "And I take it that didn't go well?"

Harry and Draco exchanged looks.

"My father threw a tantrum and left the dinner table," Draco said finally.

That caused a round of laughter of everyone around the table, including Ron. Draco just smiled slightly in response.

"Well, let him throw his tantrums," Mrs. Weasley said. "You two are doing just fine."

"So, now that you two have discovered one semi-rare Blue Snufflelupagus," George began, causing Harry to burst into laughter, "and a bloody strange plant-thingy with teeth, which was connected to the long lost witch that you two brought back, what in the world are you going to do now?"

"Don't forget finding the Onyx Dragon," Ginny piped up.

"The what?" Neville asked with wide eyes. "When did this happen?"

"Oh, golly, how could I forget?" George said with a roll of his eyes. "While you're at it, why don't you find The Black and Gold Griffin."

Everyone around the table laughed except for Harry who looked back and forth.

"What's that?"

Everyone stopped laughing and turned to him.

"You haven't heard the story?" Ron asked. "Blimey, Harry, I thought you would've heard it by now."

Harry glanced up at him, glad that Ron was talking to him normally again. "Well, what is it?"

"I think Harry should do some homework and write a parchment on it," George said, nodding his head.

Draco snorted in amusement causing another grin from George.

"Harry, it's a myth," Hermione said. "Kind of like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster."

"What about her?" George asked.

"Oh, it's what the muggles call her," Mr. Weasley said. "They also call her another funny name, uh…"

"Nessie," Hermione said.

Ron burst into laughter. "That's ridiculous! Her name's Aramintamiana, or Aramay for short."

Harry laughed. "Like that's not ridiculous!"

"Anyway, Harry, it's a legend, that's all it is," Mr. Weasley said.

"Oy, give Harry and Draco a couple weeks, they might prove you wrong," George said.

Everyone laughed, including Draco.

"Griffins are exceptionally rare as it is, but a black and gold griffin is supposedly a very powerful and rather indestructible species of Griffin," Mr. Weasley explained. "Supposedly, according to legend, this griffin stood by Merlin's side during his great battles and also supposedly was said to have helped forge Godric's sword with its own innate magic, which is supposedly why the sword is so strong and can break pretty much anything. Nobody's actually seen it or have had any mention of it being witnessed during Godric's time or anything, but it's told to children growing up to remind them that good triumphs over evil and that if you're bad and you get on the Griffin's bad side, he'll come and get you and take you away."

Harry smiled. "Sounds interesting."

"There's only stories and songs about it, nothing concrete at all so don't get any ideas," George said.

"Oh, too late," Harry said.

Draco just rolled his eyes. "Great."

"Well, they need some sort of challenge so they don't get bored," Neville said, smiling. "After all, they just started working there. It's their first year there. They have to have something to do for the coming years."

"Good point, Neville," Ginny said, nudging him.

Luna smiled and stared out ahead of her. "Besides, it is real."

Everyone turned to look at her. Luna just pushed her hair behind her ear and hummed a tune softly.

"Luna, what do you mean? Have you seen it?" Ginny asked.

"Oh, no, not myself, but the fraeglins have told me all about it."

George made a crazy motion with his fingers and Mr. Weasley shot him a look. Harry just smiled at Luna.

"Well, Luna, if the fraeglins ever tell you anything else about them, let me know."

Luna turned and smiled at him. "Okay, Harry."

A little while later after eating, they all went back into the living room for butterbeer and opening presents.

"And here you are, Draco," Mrs. Weasley said, floating some presents down to him.

Draco glanced up at her in surprise and she just smiled down at him before returning to her seat. They all took turns unwrapping gifts and talking about various things while the Quidditch game played in the background.

When it was time to go, both Harry and Draco were exhausted, but content and they both had a small bundle of gifts to take home.

"Hey next year you guys should come on Christmas Eve and you can stay over," Ginny said.

"Yeah! And you can both totally sleep in Ronniekin's room," George said with a grin.

Ron punched him in the arm. Harry gave Neville and Luna a hug before giving everyone else a hug goodbye. When it came to Ron, he smiled at the red-head first. Ron looked sheepishly down and then walked over and gave him a one-armed hugged.

"Thanks for coming," Ron said, after a pause. "Sorry about, you know…"

Harry smiled. "It's okay. I understand. We'll have to catch up again soon."

Ron smiled and nodded. "Yeah. We're still taking Cyprian to the next Quidditch World Cup, right?"

"Yeah, I promised him that. Actually, Draco and I have the tickets already. We got really good seats."

"How good?" Ron asked.

"Oh, you know, second row."

"Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed in excitement.

"Ronald, watch your tongue," Mrs. Weasley shouted from the living room.

"All right!" Ron exclaimed. "It's going to be bloo—I mean, wicked awesome!"

Harry laughed and nodded. "See you later."

They said their goodbyes and went back home. After changing into pajamas they collapsed on the couches. Draco was rummaging through his gifts.

"So, you had fun?" Harry asked.

Draco smiled and then shrugged. "Not bad."

Harry smiled and then gazed at the fire flickering nearby. After a moment he got up and walked over to the couch Draco was on. The blond glanced up at him as he approached. Harry climbed over the couch arm and pressed his body close to Draco's. He rested his forehead against Draco's cheek. Draco adjusted his position so his arm wrapped around him. The warmth from the fire was soothing as well as listening to Draco's breathing as he looked through his gifts. Eventually, Harry closed his eyes and fell asleep.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

7 months later…

Harry zoomed across the sky as the sun set ahead of him. Draco was close by on his broom as well. They were headed toward their next assignment, which was on beautiful Big Island Hawaii. They zoomed over crystal clear waters and sandy beaches to the Volcano National Park, which was an extraordinary amount of scenic landscapes with lava tubes, waterfalls, gorgeous mountainous hills and cliffs, and much more. They landed nearby a waterfall and shrank their brooms.

"It should be nearby. Dimitri said it loves these kinds of waterfalls."

Draco nodded.

Harry turned to him. "You okay? You've been pretty silent like all day."

"I'm fine," Draco said.

Harry stared at him for a minute before settling down onto the rocky edge just above the waterfall. He stared out at the vast beautiful landscape as the sky changed to pinks and purples. A soft breeze was blowing, too, making it even more relaxing.

"So…did Alia and Trenton contact you?"

"Yeah," Harry said, glancing at him. "It's a boy."

Draco nodded.

"What about you?"

"My mum said it's a girl."

"A girl?" Harry asked, surprised. He laughed. "Lucius must be throwing a fit right now. He was so adamant about calling it a 'he'. Maybe a girl will do him so good."

Draco smiled. "Yeah."

"What's her name?"

"Kaia," Draco said. "What's his name?"

"Davon."

Draco sighed. "This is just weird."

Harry laughed. "I know."

They were both silent for a minute. Draco then came to sit near him.

"So, is it weird that Ginny's getting married?"

Harry smiled. "No. I'm happy for her. I'm glad we were able to stay friends."

Draco nodded. "I, you know, was thinking of asking for my favor now."

Harry glanced at him in amusement. "It's only taken you, what, almost a year?"

Draco just glanced away.

"Well?" Harry asked.

"Would you…," Draco trailed off.

Harry raised an eyebrow in response.

Draco slowly turned to face him. "My favor is…a Coventus ritual?"

Harry glanced at him and noticed that Draco didn't keep their gaze.

"What's that?"

Draco shook his head. "Never mind. I'll tell you later."

"What? Just tell me now."

Draco still wouldn't look at him. "No. Let's focus on the assignment."

Harry sighed irritably. "Fine."

The assignment itself didn't take very long. Harry wished they could've stayed there longer. When he got back he went over to the Weasleys while Draco was taking a shower. Ron wasn't there, but Ginny was.

"Hey, Harry," she said, smiling. "What brings you by?"

"Just a question, and to say hi," he said, giving her a hug.

"Sure, what's your question."

"What's a Coventus ritual?" Harry asked curiously.

Ginny raised her eyebrows. "You really don't know?"

"I wish people would stop looking at me like that. There's still a lot I need to learn about the wizard world," Harry said.

Ginny smiled. "I know. Well, it's what wizards do when they want to unify themselves."

"Unify?"

"You know, binding themselves with another."

Harry gave her a confused look.

"It's the equivalent of what muggles do when they have marriage proposals, you know, so – Harry? Are you okay?"

Harry's eyes were wide and he just stared straight ahead.

Ginny cupped a hand over her mouth. "Oh my…did Draco ask you to do the ritual?"

Harry just numbly nodded his head. Ginny squealed. "Congrats, Harry! What did you tell him?"

"Nothing! I asked what it was and he wouldn't tell me," Harry said.

"Don't you remember a couple months ago when I told you Triton and I were going through a ceremony?"

Harry blinked. "It was that union or marriage ritual?"

Ginny nodded. "Yes! The wedding part of it comes later, but the actual ritual is what the actual marriage part is."

"What does it do?"

"It leaves a mark on the skin, wherever you want it. It's like a vow, but nothing like an Unbreakable Vow. And so whenever you think about it, your mark can appear, if it's visible, so other people can see. The most common place is around the wrist. That's where I have mine, see?"

Ginny held out her wrist. Harry watched in awe as words appeared around her wrist, rotating like a sentence. It was glittery and was apparently Triton's vow of love for her. Then it vanished.

"So you don't exchange rings?"

"Rings are part of the marriage ceremony as more of a gesture, but that's not what people look for to see if you're really unified with someone. I know muggles use rings as their sign of marriage, but for wizards and witches it's the vow of love from the ritual that you carry," Ginny explained.

Harry nodded. "Wow."

"Well, what are you doing here? Go back home!" She exclaimed, shoving him out the door.

Harry went back to Grimmauld Place still stunned. When he entered he heard Draco in the kitchen. Harry slowly walked into it and saw him rummaging around for food. Draco glanced up when he walked in.

"Where'd you go off to?"

"Just taking a short flight," Harry said, biting his lip.

Draco raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further. He then began to prepare a meal.

"So, um, yes," Harry said.

Draco glanced up at him. "What?"

"Yes," Harry said, as Draco gave him a puzzled look. Harry felt his cheeks flush. "I'll do the Coventus ritual with you."

The piece of meat in Draco's hand fell to the table.

"You…know what it is?"

Harry nodded. "I had to figure it out for myself, no thanks to you, but, yeah."

Draco glanced downward awkwardly. They both were silent for a second.

"So that's really what you're using as your favor? I don't think that counts," Harry joked.

Draco snorted. "Yeah, well, I thought I'd give it a try."

"Why? You thought I'd say no?" Harry asked.

Draco shrugged. "I don't know where you stand on the whole marriage thing, you know, after what happened with Ginny."

"It wasn't the marrying part with Ginny; it was just that I had lost romantic feelings for her. Part of it was also the idea of having children. I just couldn't see myself as the family kind of guy, you know. As much as I've always wanted a family, I'm used to hardships and just looking out for myself and my friends."

"And the next danger around the corner," Draco added.

Harry gave him a lopsided smile. "I guess we both have that in common. I wonder what that says about us."

"That our childhoods were tragic."

Harry laughed. "That's true. Even now I don't really visit Teddy. I feel like I should, though, you know, to support Remus."

"I suppose you could always invite Teddy to play with Davon," Draco suggested.

"Yeah, I could try that," Harry said. "So…how does the ritual work?"

Draco stood up and gave him a sultry smile. "We can do that tomorrow."

Harry raised an eyebrow but didn't question it further.

The next morning, Draco took him back to the place in Hawaii that he had liked from their last assignment. They chose the top of the waterfall where they had sat previously. Harry nervously turned to Draco. The blond slowly moved forward until they were inches apart.

Draco held out his hand and Harry reached up to take it.

"So, we both make our vows and then we just…," Draco gestured with his hand.

"Say a spell?" Harry finished.

Draco nodded nervously. "Yeah. You say Coventus Pactum."

Harry glanced downward briefly. He opened his mouth to start, but to his surprise Draco started.

"Harry," he said, as Harry gazed up at him, "I know that we haven't always gotten along, and we still don't always get along, but despite that and even despite all that's happened this year, I know I couldn't have gotten through it without you."

Harry felt himself smiling.

Draco's cheeks flushed. "And I don't want to do it without you, the assignments, holidays, everything. I've never really had friends, not in the way that you have. I feel like you're the first real friend I've had, and you're the first, and only, person that I want to be with."

Draco then stopped. His cheeks were red.

Harry smiled and tightened his grip on Draco's hand. "Draco, we were rivals once, and I used to think that I hated when you'd challenge me, but to be honest you pushed me. You pushed me harder than anyone and I think because of that I was a little more prepared for the obstacles I had to go through. I know we've both made mistakes, and I'm sure we'll make a lot more, but I'm glad that I got a chance to know you and to see how amazing you really are. I'm also glad that you've been by my side through everything, through finally defeating Voldemort and through all our assignments and even saving Cyprian. I know I have great friends, but what I have with you is something more. I've never had that with anyone. And, I don't want it to end."

Draco smiled back and glanced downward briefly in embarrassment. They both then looked at one another and simultaneously said the spell. Instantly, their vows circled in tiny moving words around their wrists, looking almost like a moving tattoo. Then after a minute they vanished.

"That's it?" Harry asked.

Draco snorted. "Yeah. Why? You wanted something more?"

"No. So, what happens if people don't want to be together anymore?" Harry asked.

Draco glanced up at him.

"Not that I'm saying that for us!" Harry exclaimed quickly. "I'm just curious."

Draco snorted. "I know you can't live without me."

Harry glared. "I have no sympathy for you right now."

Draco ignored his comment. "They just undo the spell. It's not permanently binding like an Unbreakable Vow."

"I see," Harry said. "Wow. That certainly makes divorce a lot simpler."

Draco raised an eyebrow in response. Harry glanced down at his wrist. He thought about the vow and it suddenly appeared again briefly. He smiled down at it and when he looked up Draco was leaning towards him. The blond trailed his fingers up through Harry's hair as he kissed him. Harry wound his arms around Draco tightly as he deepened their kiss. Draco began unbuttoning his shirt. Harry trailed his fingers down Draco's back and lifted his shirt up. They both tossed their shirts to the side and came back together passionately.

Draco's fingers slid down underneath Harry's waistband and rubbed just above his groin. Harry groaned in the back of his throat. Draco yanked his jeans down and then gripped his rear, massaging it gently. Harry unbuttoned Draco's jeans and began sliding them down. The blond stepped out of them just as Harry kicked his jeans to the side. Draco pushed their bodies up together. He slid his fingers below Harry's boxers caressing him. Harry tilted his head back and moaned softly. Harry's fingers trailed up Draco's thigh toward his groin. Harry traced across the blond's arousal. Draco moaned and yanked Harry's boxers down before he took his own boxers off.

The second that their naked bodies touched, they both groaned. When Harry opened his eyes, he gasped. Their vows were circling around their entire bodies, the words moving across their skin. Draco caught sight of it too and just grinned. Their lips touched again and Harry parted his lips beneath Draco's. The blond slowly caressed his lips with his own, tilting his head for a better angle. After a second, Draco slid his tongue inside Harry's mouth. Draco's hands trailed to beneath Harry's rear and he lifted him up a few inches off the ground, carrying him back toward the tree wall of the cliff behind them. Draco pressed him up against the cold concrete and settled between his legs. Gradually, Draco pushed inside of him. Harry groaned loudly, tightening his grip around the blond.

Draco moaned and bent down to kiss him again. Both their arms were wound around each other and their lips roved passionately together as Draco pulled back and pushed back in. Harry moaned from the back of his throat every time Draco moved. The thrusts were deep but steady and Harry felt his back moving against the wall every time Draco pushed back in. Their moans echoed around them as the sun glistened down upon them. Harry trailed his fingers through Draco's hair as he kissed him, sliding his tongue along Draco's bottom lip before the blond captured his lips again.

For a little while they moaned breathlessly, rocking back and forth with the motion. Harry felt his climax building and he broke the kiss, pushing Draco tight against him. Their cheeks were touching as they both moaned. Draco thrust several more times before Harry felt him climax. As Draco moaned, placing a hand by Harry's head, Harry opened his eyes, watching as their vows circled up their bodies and suddenly vanished after reaching their heads. That, coupled with Draco's moans and thrusting, made Harry finally reach his climax.

They both stood gasping for breath afterwards. For several minutes they both stayed in each other's embrace with the warm sun shining over them. Draco slowly backed away until he was staring at him directly.

"I love you, too," Draco said quietly.

Harry's eyes widened slightly. He was so caught off-guard he didn't say anything for several seconds. He just stared at Draco as if he had imagined it. Finally, Harry pulled him close and kissed him. Their lips roved passionately together for a while before they finally broke apart. Harry smiled at him and Draco, whose cheeks were still flushed, glanced away briefly before finding his wand and waving it over their bodies. Once they were dressed, they made their way home.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

3 years later…

Time passed by relatively fast. Harry and Draco had gained enough publicity that reporters from all over were trying to interview them. Thankfully, with Kingsley's help, they maintained their privacy. Dimitri had come out with his special volume, which had been extremely successful. Both the Ministry of Ireland and the Ministry of Scotland, along with the Ministry of Britain all came together to support the study of the new creature, the Veluferia Potenium.

Alia and Trenton had visited Harry with his (partly) son, who had the same dark green eyes that he had. He had brown hair like Trenton and Alia and had his mother's face too, but both Alia and Trenton were happy about Davon having his green eyes. Draco's daughter looked like the spitting image of him. She had beautiful long blonde hair and silver-gray eyes. Although she had Astoria's bone structure in her face, she still resembled Draco quite a bit, and according to Narcissa she had quite a personality and wouldn't take crap from anyone, including Lucius.

One afternoon as Harry was hanging with Ali and Trenton with Davon, they were walking in Hogsmeade and Harry stopped suddenly when he saw Draco walking with Narcissa, Astoria and what must have been Draco's daughter, Kaia. Harry came up to them and they all introduced one another. Harry noticed instantly the way Kaia smiled at Davon. The two seemed to click instantly and Alia and Trenton agreed to make a playdate together with Narcissa and Astoria for the children.

Ron had finally begun to accept Draco, although they still argued all the time. Cyprian had calmed down a lot and had begun to date Ronan, who was pretty much the opposite of him and yet they seemed to click nicely. Ginny and Triton had married and both Draco and Harry had been there for the wedding ceremony. Mrs. Weasley had practically cried when she found out Harry and Draco had done the Coventus ritual.

Ron and Hermione were finally engaged and after having performed the ceremony as well were planning a wedding in Australia with Ron's whole dragon team. Harry and Draco planned on flying in to be a part of that and to see everyone there again.

After a long day of shopping to find something nice to wear to Ron and Hermione's wedding, Harry and Draco went home and collapsed on the couches.

"I can't believe how fast time is going by," Harry said, sighing contently.

Draco shrugged. "It doesn't seem that bad to me."

Harry glanced over at him and saw him twirling his wand above his head. Smiling, Harry got up off his couch and squeezed in next to Draco on his couch.

"I'm glad our children get along. Wow. That sounds weird," Harry said, crinkling his nose.

Draco made a face. "Yeah, it does. At least we both won't be the last of our bloodline."

Harry smiled. "That's true. And I'm glad that Teddy can spend time with them, too."

"He seems to really like you."

"Yeah, he's a sweet kid," Harry said.

Draco turned his head to gaze at him. Their noses were inches apart.

"Have you been feeling weird at all?"

Harry gazed back at him. "You mean the moonstone? No. Actually, I've felt pretty great."

"You mean after taking that flower that we all risked our lives to get?"

Harry gave him a look. "Hilarious. Not just that. I felt a lot better after the moonstone actually transfigured with me when I turned into my Animagus form. I think now that it's a part of me, it doesn't put such a strain."

Draco made a noncommittal noise in the back of his throat. "Well, you should still be careful."

Harry smiled. "I will."

"I'm glad you didn't turn into a vampire."

Harry laughed. "Really? But then we could spend an eternity together."

Draco's eyes widened. "Gee, as much as I like you, I think that would be too much."

"Agreed," Harry said.

They both lay there in a comfortable silence.

"We still haven't had much luck finding anything on that mythological griffin," Harry said.

Draco snorted. "Well, we've got the rest of our careers and lives. Wouldn't want to rush it. Poor Dimitri thinks that our regular assignments are too boring now. Just wait. He's going to send us on something ridiculous soon."

Harry smiled. "Yeah. I'm glad everything turned out okay. Even Lucius has seemed to calm down, according to your mum."

"That could just be because he's got his wand back, with probations."

Harry shrugged. "I think Kaia keeps him in line."

Draco smirked. "I think so, too."

Harry twirled the ring around his finger. Draco had upgraded the ring he had gotten him for his birthday a few years ago into an even more stunning ring that shimmered like mica. Draco, too, had one on his finger. Draco had bought the rings a month after they had done the Coventus ritual, and they had had a little ceremony inside Grimmauld Place. The look on Kreacher's face as he had been part of the ceremony had been priceless. Narcissa had come to show her support, but of course Lucius hadn't bothered to show up. Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville, Ginny and Triton had been there as well as the rest of the Weasley family. Surprisingly, Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Malfoy got along rather well.

Harry wrapped his arms even tighter around Draco and rested his head against his.

"I finally know what my favor is," Draco said.

Harry snorted and then glanced up at him. "Okay. What is it?"

Draco turned to him and smiled softly. "Love me forever."

Harry's lips curled upward in a smile. "I can do that."

Leaning forward Harry kissed him gently, relishing in warmth and comfort he felt. The butterflies stirred in his stomach and he knew that they would probably celebrate intimately before going to sleep, especially now that they both shared Draco's bedroom upstairs, which they had expanded to make a double master bedroom. Harry's room was the guest room for the times that any of his friends wanted to stay over.

As they broke apart, they both gazed in each other's eyes momentarily. Draco wrapped his other arm around Harry as well and Harry sighed into his embrace. After everything they had been through together, and even before that with the war and with Voldemort, they finally had their happily ever after.

THE END.

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who reviewed and stayed with me from beginning to end! And thank you to any new reviewers who have just come across this! Hopefully after 37 pages everything's been tied up in a neat little bow, lol! I honestly didn't expect the epilogue to be this long, but I hope you all enjoyed it! Please let me know what you think! If you have any other questions, you can always go to my profile and e-mail me directly. Thanks!

~Angelic Candy

TO REVIEWERS:

EllenZzzz: Hey! Yeahhhhhh, he did give his sperm away, but at least Harry will live on in the next generation, right? =) I know some people do the whole male pregnancy thing, but I don't really find that realistic so I thought this was the best way to have the best of both worlds. I hope you liked the ending! Yeah, I'm sad it's ended now because it was fun to write. Awwwww, well great! I do hope you want to read it over again. That's always the best feeling for an author to hear that. Thanks so much for reviewing!

AFLlover: Aww thanks so much! Yeah, I'm sad it has to end, too. It was fun writing. I really hope you liked the ending! Thanks for reviewing! =)

yoshi vega: Aww thanks! I'm so glad you liked it! And I really hope you liked how it ended too! I know it was a long ending, but hopefully all your questions have been answered. Awwwwww, you're so sweet! I would love to give you a copy! =) Hopefully I do get published one day. My goal is to have it done by the spring. Thanks for reviewing!

Gryffindor Rat: Lol! Yes, I'm sorry if what Harry and Draco did with their sperm was a little unnerving to you, but that's how I pictured it ending. I didn't want them both to be the end of their lines, you know. Awww, glad you liked that small tiny plant in the garden. That's why I love details because sometimes even the smallest details can make a difference. I really hope that you enjoyed the ending. I'm sad, too, that it had to end, but sadly it couldn't go on forever. Thank you for reviewing! =)