Disclaimer: I don't any part of Harry's world, but I've loved playing in it for the last few months.

Okay, here we are at the epilogue. I want to seriously thank everyone who left me reviews for my story, they've all been lovely and encouraging, luckily. There's been points during this story where I've suffered a block, but faithful readers wanting more pushed me forward.

Epilogue

Silence reigned over the Malfoy household, Hermione knew it wouldn't last as she lay back next to Draco in their double bed enjoying the calm before the storm, mentally placing a bet on what'd wake the house this morning. Little Sebastian demanding attention, one of their girls rushing in for cuddles with daddy before work or his alarm clock blaring. The only thing she could count on it not being was Daniel, trying to wake him required actual physical force, the boy slept like the sedated. It'd been a blessing when they'd first come home and were still learning how to be parents, how long ago that day seemed now, a month or two over 8 years drifted by. Prising herself away from memories Hermione glanced at the bedside clock in the dark wondering why the house still slept then it hit her, she'd forgot to change the batteries. '' Shit'' Flicking on the lamp she nudged Draco, shaking him when he rolled over pulling the navy duvet over his head, hiding from the unwelcome light. '' Well fine you stay in bed, but I forgot to change the stupid alarm clock batteries meaning we all slept in and you've got a class in an hour.''

Whipping the sheets off himself Draco hauled himself up, not caring that he didn't wear a stitch of clothing because he'd remembered to latch their bedroom door before ravishing Hermione the night before. As a rule it stayed open for the kids to come and go as they please, but last night he didn't want to share the mother of his children. '' Please tell me that's a sick joke?''

'' Now you only have 55 minutes until your first lesson.'' Walking around their bedroom Hermione hovered on the landing, checking on Sebastian from the doorway of his nursery. Their 8 month old surprise wriggled under his patchwork blanket craving his mother's arms, to their delight he'd finally started sleeping through the night.

Striding into the room wearing unbuttoned black robes Draco looked flustered, leaning down he kissed Sebastian's head who didn't seem happy with only one and held his daddy's ears until Draco gave in and took him from Hermione. '' Do I have time for a shower?''

'' Not if you want to have breakfast with the rabble this morning.''

'' Deodorant it is.'' Much to Sebastian's annoyance Draco handled him back to Hermione, who kept him happy by bouncing him on her hip, a trick that'd worked with all four of their children. '' I'll go wake the troops if you start cooking breakfast, deal?''

'' What do you say Sebby, you want to help mummy try not to burn toast? '' Carefully she carried him downstairs into the kitchen, a loud thud shook the light fitting above her head and Sebastian started to clap, the girls were awake.

Perdita and Meredith launched themselves at Draco who'd barely taken 3 steps into their room, the girls were a force to be reckoned with a trait he was sure they'd got from Hermione. '' I didn't know you girls could fly? ''

'' Don't be silly daddy we jumped off the bed.'' Perdita lay on the floor snuggled up in her father's arms on one side with Meredith cuddling his rib cage on the other.

'' Maybe I should check for wings just in case huh?'' Swiftly getting to his knees Draco rolled up the back of their pyjamas tops, blowing raspberry's where he searched for wings. The two blonde curly-haired girls squirmed in fits of giggles trying to escape his ticklish whiskers. '' Come on let's get you two downstairs for breakfast.'' Smiling as the two girls skipped together Draco loved that as well as being sister they were best friends despite Perdita being double the age of three-year old Meredith.

'' Roo!'' Meredith halted halfway down the stairs and began running back up them, tearing past Draco. Scrambling to her bed she threw pillows into the air and pushed away the cover until finding the little brown bear that never left her side.

Draco entered the kitchen last apart from Daniel who'd still not got out of bed, he took one look at Hermione with her hands pressed firmly on her hips and ran back upstairs taking two at a time. Bursting into Daniel's room he pulled back the covers he'd wrapped himself so tightly up in and picked his son up, throwing him over his shoulder. He knew Hermione hated their son's love of lie in's, but a huge part of him loved the fact his son slept at night unlike him, who at Daniel's age already had to many reasons never to sleep again.

At the breakfast table Draco wolfed down three slices of jam on toast followed by a very large mug of coffee, claiming he needed to be very alert for the first years he'd be teaching at nine. With only minutes to spare before students lined up outside his classroom Draco kissed each of his children goodbye for the day, stealing a chase kiss from Hermione's lips last before stepping into the fireplace.

Hermione found herself staring at the empty flames for a second or two longer than she normally would, even after all this time she still struggled parting from Draco. They'd had all summer together, it always took her a while after a new term started to get used to him being gone all day. '' Upstairs everyone time to get dressed, uncle Harry's coming to pay us a visit in an hour and yes Daniel he's bringing Teddy with him.'' Daniel and the girls raced upstairs while she held Sebastian at the hip, as she reached the foot of the stairwell the fire roared, when she turned she found Draco stood in the living room.

Grabbing her by the waist he pulled her close, turning her slightly so the baby couldn't grab his ears this time, his urgent passion took control as he claimed her lips for his own. His triumphant smirk lit up the room as they broke apart and he saw the hot and bothered mess he'd left Hermione in. '' I wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten todays the day your book comes out, I'm so proud of you little witch and grateful for your flattering portrayal of me. If Potter's still here when you get the first copies have him bring one over to me.'' Disappearing into the green flames Draco didn't give her chance to bat away his doubts over the way she'd written about him in their story.

Late as always these days Harry walked through the front door nearer to 11 than 10, it'd taken a while, but over the years he'd built back his friendship with Hermione and forged a new one with Draco, surprising them both. Somewhere in the darkest months of his life after Ron came home Harry found his bond with Draco started with shared pain and shared whisky. Losing an arm changed the way he lived his life and forced him to relearn simple tasks using one hand. For months afterwards he stopped wearing anything with buttons out of frustration until he realised how much he enjoyed Harry fastening his shirt, his fingers tracing patterns down his chest. It wasn't easy for either of them not with Ron's short temper flaring the first time he failed at anything, the backlash they'd received from the Weasleys didn't help. Once they revealed the truth of their relationship Ron's family's anger at the pain and humiliation Harry caused Ginny over rid their desire to help their son transition into his new way of life. They'd come around in the end, but too late to help Ron adept, he and Harry dealt with the life's new challengers together which forged their love in iron. Teddy brought light back into his life and gave him a reason to get out of bed on the worst days, he made Ron see that losing an arm didn't compare to losing your parents before ever knowing them. They'd visited Teddy often when he lived with Andromeda, but when he reached two she'd asked them both about the possibility of Teddy living with them. Loosing Ted and Tonks hit her hard and aged her far more than time could, she found herself unable to keep up with an adventurous two-year old, a young marauder.

Running into the kitchen without looking Teddy ran into Hermione legs and landed on his bum, still smiling the bright little boy made his hair curly to match his aunt's. '' Hi auntie Mione, where's Danny?''

They heard Daniel stomping down the stairs before anyone saw him, every year the boy looked more and more like the arrogant blonde Harry met on his first day of school. Apart from the smile which was all Hermione and warmed his face. Rushing towards the stairs Teddy picked up the children's broom he'd been learning to fly on, he shared Harry's love of quidditch just as Daniel shared it with Draco. '' Look what Uncle Harry let me bring.''

'' Cool. Let's go try it out in the back garden.'' The two boys ran out the back-door before Hermione could stop them, they'd learn to fly sooner or later no matter how many times she explained the dangers, they only seemed to make it more exciting to the pair.

'' Be careful boys, don't go where I can't see you from the kitchen window and don't fly to high or near water.''

Harry came to stand next to Hermione in the open door way, he'd known she'd freak out about the broom, but it still made him laugh that after all she'd faced flying terrified her. '' It doesn't go higher than two feet in the air Mione, I'm not daft enough to give them a proper broom.''

Swatting his arm Hermione was half way through reprimanding him for not telling her that vital piece of information first when an unfamiliar owl delivered a parcel via the open kitchen window. ''Oww. Merlin it's the 3rd isn't it? Your book comes out today doesn't it.''

'' It's our book really, yours, mine, Draco's and Ron's I just happened to write it.'' Taking the parcel from the owl Hermione sent him on his way with one of Winthrop's treats. Tearing off the brown paper quickly she handed one of the four books to Harry, these were the first four from the press, the rest would be in stores by the morning.

She'd ask him for permission to set their story down on paper, she'd even asked him to read it before sending out to see if anyone wanted to publish it, now he held it in his hands he couldn't believe the day had come for the world to read what really happened. Ever since Voldemort's death writers and reporters begged for chances to put their story into words, people in the street fished for details, but they'd never spoken about any of it. '' When three becomes four: A tale of fate, love and sacrifice. Did I ever tell you that I liked the title?''

'' No, are you sure you're okay with this being published Harry?''

'' What oh yeah I'm fine with it, I suppose our story had to be told eventually and I'd rather someone who lived it write it down instead of someone just after a good story. It's just I don't get why you lied, about Ron that is, you've left out the worst of how he treated you and made it sound like a silly tiff.'' Opening the front cover Harry found a picture of his younger self staring back at him, along with one of Hermione, Draco and Ron as they were when they set out hunting Horcrux's.

'' I have a wonderful life Harry because he risked his to save mine, I've never forgotten that fact just like I haven't forgotten the way he treated me. It's just sometimes in life Harry the good outweighs the bad and he's paid for his actions, no one can deny that. We talked long and hard about this before I began writing and he said I should write the whole truth because he still feels like he should be punished. I can't do that I just can't. What good will it do anyone telling the world about mistakes he made while struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, none.''

'' Thank you Mione, I know it means a lot to him that you don't hate him anymore.'' Quickly Harry stopped himself from wallowing in the pain they'd all lived through, he couldn't help getting overly emotional about all those that died when he lived in bliss. '' Erm do you mind looking after Teddy for a second while I go meet Ron and sign papers in the village?''

The council finally agreed to let you buy old Father Thomas's cottage then?'' Hermione sounded shocked, the parish changed their mind every other week about the deal, she thought it'd never go through.

'' It's only taken a year and an extra ten thousand pounds, but I think it'll be worth it for Teddy, it'll do him good living in the muggle world and being closer to you. I know he misses having friends to play with, Uncle Harry and Uncle Ron just doesn't cut it all the time.'' Standing up Harry put his mug of cold tea in the sink he'd barely touched it, Hermione's talents didn't lie in the kitchen.

'' Not a problem as long as you drop a copy of my book at Hogwarts for Draco first.''

Picking up a copy from the kitchen table he walked into the living room followed by Hermione, he couldn't help taking a peek at Sebastian napping in his play pen. '' You know he's only suggested me doing this so he gets a break from teaching for ten minutes while the famous Harry Potter distracts the children from his coffee addiction.''

'' Well if he's got jitters than you know to take the pot away from him.'' Smiling at their shared joke Hermione watched the flames engulfed him and reminisced on how far they'd come since the war ended.

A second owl arrived at her kitchen window at lunch yet another she wasn't familiar with, she knew it wasn't Harry or Ron because they'd just left with Teddy and couldn't think who else would write to her. Turning the letter over she recognised the unmistakable handwriting, how could she not? The script in her hand changed her life forever.

Dear little witch, my wife, my soul mate and my queen,

Ten years ago today I received a letter from a girl who would change everything, not only my life, but who I am as a person. So, today I write a letter to the woman who is my world, without you Hermione I'd have nothing, my life is yours it revolves around you.

Thank you for forgetting my first poor attempt at writing to you, I'd hate to think where we'd both be now if you hadn't. Actually I think I'd be long dead if you hadn't entered my world. I always knew I wanted a better life than the one I was born to, I just didn't know how good life could get until you. You gave me four children I'd move the world for, I'd go through it all again for them and you, the pain, the fear, the danger was all worth it.

I don't deserve you I don't think I'll ever deserve you, but never doubt how unbelievably happy I am that you're mine and I'm yours.

I love you.

Yours always, Dragon.

Tears cascaded down Hermione's cheeks as she re-read the letter several times before hugging it to her chest, he'd remembered the day they met if you will. Rushing to her desk in the downstairs library Draco built for her 3 years ago Hermione pulled out a sheet of parchment, hoping Winthrop flew as quickly as he could in his younger days.

The last bell of the day rang which meant at least he could return home, he'd felt sentimental all day and wanted to remember his past with Hermione instead of without her. Stepping into the rarely used private chambers that once belonged to his god father and fellow potions master Severus Snape Draco found Winthrop waiting on his desk, helping himself to a biscuit. Smiling to himself Draco knew what his ageing owl carried, he'd known Hermione wouldn't be able to help herself from writing a reply, letters played a significant part in their life together.

My darling knight, soul mate and husband,

Today I received a letter from the man who stole my heart with his word's ten years ago, I found myself feeling 17 again. Our lives belong to each other Draco because we are one, we don't make sense apart. I was simply born to be with you.

You promised me liquorice wands I'd have forgiven you anything (which I never got by the way.) I should be the one thanking you, before you I was invisible, only wanted for the brain in my head. You saw me, you let me be all that I am and wanted the girl, you just wanted me. I don't think I've ever told you how special you made me feel, one look from you and I feel as if I'm the only woman in the world. I refuse to imagine what my life would be like without you in, my guess is though I'd never have known love, happiness or joy the way I do with you. I'm blessed to share my life with you, what we battled for was worth it, I wouldn't change a thing. I didn't give you four wonderful children, our love made those four children, they're the best parts of us.

You deserve me. You risked your life for me, you fought for me when it could've been easier for you to walk away, you helped make the world a safer place for our family. You're my hero and I feel privileged to be your wife.

I love you.

Yours faithfully and forever,

Queen of Sicily.

Authors note: I didn't think I'd be as sad as I am to post this last instalment, turns out I loved working on this story a little more than I thought I did. I'm a woman who loves happening endings so even though part of me was tempted to let Ron die, I couldn't do it. Good decision? Really hope everyone reading this has enjoyed my story and is pleased with the life Draco and Hermione earnt. And yes Perdita is Hermione's daughter from a winter's tale.

Would love to know what some of you think, so for the last time. Like it? Love it? Hate it?

Kisses xox.