AN: Okay, wow it's been a while. At least this is the final chapter so you won't have to wait for anymore updates on this story. I know my other stories haven't been updated in a long while either, but I can't promise when those will be updated. Life happens, and I'm just trying to keep up right now. Anyway, thank you so much to my readers! I hope you enjoyed this story and I hope you enjoy the ending.
~GreenEyes

As Harry and Severus left the stage. The applause died down, giving way for the murmurs over Snape's missing Dark Mark, as McGonagall walked back onto the stage. Her expression didn't give away to the crowd whether she knew about this strange occurance.

"And that was Harry Potter," She said, "Performing alongside Professor Snape!"

The crowd's applause engulfed the murmuring. Once the applause died down it took the murmuring with it, as the student's listened to what their Professor had to say.

"And now," She continued, "The judges will pick a winner of the contestants."

The murmuring returned. This time, though, it was not about Severus' Dark Mark. The students were excited to see who would be chosen as the winner. Amidst the murmuring, McGonagall left the stage and the rest of the judges followed her to the private area set aside for the judges (a Quidditch team locker room).

Minerva conjured seats for the four of them. She and the others took their seats.

"Right," She said, "What did you all think of the performances?"

"What did you think of them, My Sweet?" Filch crooned to his cat as he stroked her. The others either rolled their eyes or shifted in their seats uncomfortably.

Hagrid cleared his throat.

"I never tho' I'd ever see Dumbledore do somethin' like tha'!" He exclaimed. "I wondered wha' he wanted wi' those unicorns!"

McGonagall smiled.

"Yes," She said, "That was quite a performance. Who knew the old man had it in him?"

"Filius and Mister Boot also had an interesting performance," Trelawney interjected, then she got an faraway look in her eyes. "Poor dear, I did sense that his aura had gotten darker…"

Hagrid sniffed. Minerva scowled.

"Yes…" Minerva said evenly. "Their performance also had an impact on the audience."

"As did Poppy and Susan's." Trelawney responded, not picking up on McGonagall's expression. "I did see while consulting my crystal ball-"

Minerva was just about the tell Trelawney just where she could stick her bloody crystal ball, when Filch interrupted.

"My Sweet liked that performance," He was scratching her ears, "She liked the pretty lights."

The others frowned at him.

"Perhaps it would be best if we just voted." Minerva sighed.

The crowd was getting restless. It had been quite a while since the judges left to make a decision. Unbeknownst to them, Filch had kicked up quite a fuss over allowing Mrs. Norris to have a vote.

Backstage, the contestants were also waiting. But they waited quietly, too nervous to say anything. They only exchanged a few looks and shrugs at the amount of time the judges were taking. Susan and Terry were holding hands, giving each other reassuring squeezes now and then.

At long last, the judges returned. McGonagall strode onto the stage for the last time as the rest of the judges took their seats at their table. The contestants perked up. The students, in a rare moment, were completely silent. Everyone –audience and the contestants backstage– waited with bated breath for McGonagall to speak.

"The judges have each voted." She said.

If her tone was a little bit on the sour side, no one noticed. No-one noticed, either, that Filch seemed to be smirking a little triumphantly as he scratched his cat's ears.

"And we are ready to announce the winner!" She announced.

The audience –which obviously couldn't stay silent for long– picked up its excited chattering. McGonagall held up her hands for silence. The chatter died down a little.

"In fourth place," McGonagall wasted no time in getting straight to it, "Miss Susan Bones and Madame Pomfrey!"

The audience applauded and a few Hufflepuffs –as this had seemed a bit of a competition between the houses as well– groaned as they clearly didn't agree with the judges' decision. The named couple walked onto the stage and took a bow, they stayed off on the side of the stage behind McGonagall to wait for the others to be called.

"In third place," McGonagall continued, "Mister Draco Malfoy and Headmaster Dumbledore!"

The Slytherins weren't as quiet as the Hufflepuffs had been in voicing their disappointment with the judges' decision. Snape rolled his eyes at his students' behaviour as he clapped backstage with the remaining contestants. The rest of the audience applauded as Draco and Dumbledore walked onto the stage and took a bow, Susan and Poppy clapped for the couple as well.

McGonagall gestured for the remaining two couples to join her on stage. Harry and Snape, and Terry and Flitwick walked onto the stage and stood on either side of her.

"Before announcing the winner," McGonagall smirked at the exasperated sounds from the students, "I would like all the competitors to take a bow. It was very difficult to choose a winner of the four of you and all of you should be proud of your performances, regardless of who wins first place tonight."

The four couple took a bow as the students burst into applause for them. It was true, no-one really cared who won tonight, they had had a great time and the performances had been stunning.

"And now," Every student in the audience was hanging on her every word, "Would you mind providing up with a drumroll, Filius?"

Professor Flitwick smirked and waved his wand toward the drum set just off stage. A drumroll was heard by the audience and judges spectating.

"In first place," McGonagall accounced, "Mister Harry Potter and Professor Snape!"

The audience broke into loud applause and cheers. The contestants shook hands (professors) and slapped high fives (students). Not one sad face in the lot of them. They had all had fun in this entire endeavour, it was no matter who had won.

Harry and Severus were in Dumbledore's office with the Headmaster. Said man had changed back into his one of his usual colourful flowing robes. Severus wondered idly which look he preferred. After the customary offering of Sherbet Lemons, which both refused, Dumbledore spoke to them.

"As you both know," He said, "The winners of the competition win a grand prize."

The two nodded, and waited for the old man to continue. He didn't.

"So, Sir?" Harry asked. "What is it?"

"Yes, Albus," Severus added. "What is this grand prize?"

Albus smiled at the two of them, his eyes twinkling.

"What would you like?" He asked.

Harry and Severus stared at the man for a while, until they realised the man wasn't joking. Harry didn't give much thought to it.

"I'm not going to back to the Durselys." Harry said. It wasn't a request, his eyes were hard.

Dumbledore's smile slipped a little.

"Harry," Dumbledore said in a tone one would usually use to explain something delicate to a child prone to tantrums. "You may nearly be an adult, but we cannot simply allow you to live by yourself-"

"He can live with me." Severus interjected.

"What?" Came from both Harry and Dumbledore.

"He can live with me," Severus repeated. "That can be my prize."

"Severus," Dumbledore smiled cautiously, "Are you certain?"

Harry looked at him hopefully.

"Yes, Albus," Severus smiled at Harry, "I'm sure."

Albus clapped his hand together and prattled on about how wonderful it was that they had started getting along, and making arrangements as soon as possible, as Harry rushed up to Severus and wrapped the man in a quick hug.

"Thank you." Harry whispered.

Harry let go of Severus and took a step back. Severus had an expression of shock and happiness on his face.

"I suppose you aren't such a brat." Severus winked at Harry.

Harry beamed back at Severus as Dumbledore continued gushing about them.

AN: And with that I take my own bow. That's the end of this story, and I hope you enjoyed it.

~GreenEyes