A brand new epilogue!

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Epilogue

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A loud, thunderous cheer rose throughout a large golden stadium. Hundreds of platforms and boxes rose high into the  air, their inhabitants leaning over the edges, cheering as fourteen figures walked carrying broomsticks onto the  field.

Dawn Summers sat down, her hands already raw from clapping. Next to her, Draco Malfoy sat, shaking his head, his eyes  glistening as he stared over the edge of their top box.

"Dawn!"

Dawn glanced over her shoulder to see a group of familiar faces. A huge grin lit up her face as she stood up, hugging  Hermione Granger tightly. "Hermione! I didn't know you were going to be here!"

"Ron is one of the officiators," Hermione said, leading a small group of people into the box. "As for you, I didn't  know you were going to be here either!"

Dawn laughed as they both sat down. Behind Hermione, Dawn saw Ron's elder twin brothers, Fred and George, and Ron's  elder brothers Charlie and Bill, with their wives and families. There was an attractive brunette holding onto Fred's  hand as they all filed in to the row behind them. Fred, George and the girl took the seats next to Hermione.

"Well, I'd never been to a World Cup before," Dawn explained, "and we really wanted to bring Joy."

There was a little girl on the end seat. she leaned forward suddenly, her clear silvery eyes matching her Father's  exactly.

"Oh," Hermione said, her eyes widening. Little Joy walked over and leaned against the edge, staring shyly at her  Mother's friend. "She's adorable!"

"She'll be eight next Spring," Dawn said proudly, pulling Joy onto her lap. "Her sister is so excited... we're  planning on having this huge pool party at the Manor, and--"

"She has a sister?" Hermione asked, her eyes getting even wider. "Well... I see you two have been quite busy."

Draco started laughing. Dawn smacked his shoulder, trying to control her own laughter. "Annie's almost three now. I  left her at home with Nymphadora."

Hermione looked surprised as she turned to Draco, who actually looked at her with something like respect. "You've  been speaking with Tonks now?"

"I felt that I couldn't let our girls grow up without some close relatives around," he said, with a slight trace of  bitterness in his voice. "My parents are in prison, Dawn's pretty much alone and the only people around are the  people I've shunned my entire life. So, yeah. I'm trying to make peace. Besides, Dawn makes wonderful cakes."

Dawn turned to him, shaking her head slightly. "I don't know about you."

"Anyway," Draco said loudly, turning back to Hermione, "Dawn showed me the article in the Prophet. Congratulations."

Hermione beamed. "I know it's not really unexpected." She paused, thinking. "Well, maybe it is."

"Considering you two almost broke up in California," Dawn said gently. "I just didn't think..."

"It's three years running now," Hermione said proudly. "Besides, there aren't any munchkins around yet."

"Can you believe he wants three more?" Dawn asked, her eyebrows lifting casually. "It's a full-time thing just to  care for these two."

"Mommy!" Joy said, a hint of whine in her voice as she stood up. "Can I get something to eat?"

"Draco?" Dawn asked, turning her eyes over to him. He nodded, took Joy's hand, and disappeared from the box.

They continued their conversation as more people started to file in. When Draco returned, the box was full and there  was a sharp bit of static as a voice, louder than all of the noise in the stands, rose.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome the the four hundred and thirtieth annual Quidditch World Cup!"

It was Ludo Bagman, several boxes over, announcing the game.

"Today is sure to be an exciting match between the exquisite teams of England and Italy!"

His words were drowned out as supporters from both teams rose to their feet, cheering loudly. As Bagman introduced  the Italian team, the English fans cheered loudly.

"This is so exciting," Dawn murmured to Hermione. "I can't believe I've never been to one of these before!"

Hermione grinned at her, clapping her hands. "Just wait till the game begins!" she shouted.

Then Bagman started introducing the English team and it was impossible to hear anything above the screaming and  cheering. Next to Draco, Joy had pressed her hands to her ears, a pained expression on her face. When both Harry and  Ginny were introduced, Dawn was half tempted to press her own hands over her ears. But she clapped along with  Hermione, Bill, Fred and George until her hands were numb and red.

Once the English fans had sat down, Bagman continued. "And our Official today, the newest Unspeakable, Ronald  Weasley!"

"Yeah, Ron!" Hermione called out, whistling and cheering as Ron walked onto the field, his face burning red, carrying  the newest international-standard racing broom.

As soon as he lifted into the air, fourteen blurs surrounded him, readying for the game. Holding the quaffle in his  hands, he dropped it down, and the game began.

- - - - -

"That was bloody brilliant!" Dawn enthused happily as she and Draco left the stands. Joy skipped ahead of them with  Hermione and the Weasley twins, all walking toward Ron and Hermione's camp, where they'd agreed to meet with Harry,  Ginny and Ron later.

"Even I was impressed by England's victory," Draco said with a slight frown. "And I'm really not all into that."

Dawn smacked his arm lightly. "Oh, you."

"Hey, Dawn!"

She turned. "Oh my God! Oz!"

Draco let go of Dawn's hand as she ran into the arms of an older man, hugging him tightly. "I'll just... go on...  yeah..."

"I'll meet up with you!" she called after him as she turned to Oz. "How are you? When did you get back?"

"All right. And three days ago," Oz said. "Cleveland was nice."

"I can't wait until next year when we finally get to go," Dawn said as they started walking. "How's Wil and  everyone?"

"Doing good," Oz said.

Oz had gone on his yearly trip to California and Ohio to check in with Giles, Willow and the rest of the gang. He was  still employed at the Ministry's version of the Initiative and was a fully-qualified scientist now.

"You been seeing Irina?" Oz asked her gently, his eyes full of concern.

"Yeah, I saw her last week," Dawn said sadly. "For the last time, too. She wouldn't tell me anything about where  Buffy is... all she could say was that Buffy's well protected, wherever she is."

"I'm glad we could catch up," Oz said, spying some people waving at him. "You best get back."

"Bye," Dawn said, staring after him a moment before starting after Draco.

By the time she reached Hermione's tent, Harry, Ginny and Ron were already gathered, still wearing their long English  robes. Fans gathered all around, begging for autographs. Dawn smirked as she noticed Ginny receiving a lot of male  attention as the only female player on the English National Team.

"The way she ducked their Beaters?" Ron said happily as he joined Hermione. He was slightly surprised to see that  Draco and Dawn were both there, sitting at the picnic table with their family. He was even more surprised to see that  little Joy Malfoy was also there, sitting on her father's lap with a tiny cup of hot cocoa in her hands.

"Awesome game, Harry," Dawn said in greeting as she hugged her old friend tightly.

"Good to see you too," he said, releasing her. "How have you been?"

"Same old, same old," Dawn teased as she sat back down. Draco grinned and wrapped an arm around her. "Actually, I do  have news from California. Willow called me two days ago with some great news. Cho had a baby boy!"

"Oh, brilliant!" Ginny squealed as Harry's arms encircled her waist.

"Yeah," Dawn said, her voice softening. "She named him James."

Harry smiled slightly at this, before shaking his head. "It's a common name."

"It's a great name," Ginny told him gently.

"What else?" Ron asked, retreating from the tent with a tray of snacks for them all.

"Faith is doing rather well with the Slayers in Cleveland," Dawn replied, lying her head on Draco's shoulder. "And  she tells me that four more have been born in the past year." She turned her attention to Ron. "And I think you'll be  happy to know that one Melanie-Slayer is now engaged to a wonderful young educator from Pennsylvania."

"I hope you told her of my own engagement," Ron said as he sat down across from her, setting out plates of cheese,  meats and crackers.

"She knows," Dawn said with a grin. "I told her the second after I saw the announcement in the paper... followed a  few weeks, mind you, of that other thing..."

"Yeah, yeah," Ron said, shaking his head while Hermione giggled next to him.

"Giles is also retiring next spring," Dawn continued. "He's probably going to be moving back to London... which is  actually great. Now my daughters will have someone familiar from... California..."

Even though it had been nearly five years since Buffy's death, it was still so difficult to talk about. Blinking, she  looked away. "I'm actually glad someone who knew my sister will be there for them when they grow up... they kind of  need a Grandfather-figure in their life."

Draco's arm tightened around her shoulders.

"I miss her," Dawn said, shaking her head. "It's been five years and I still miss her... but thankfully, all of you  are keeping me sane."

"I'm glad," Ron teased.

"Me too," Draco said, his own voice full of mirth. "Actually, we were thinking about selling the old family Manor and  just getting a place closer to town."

Draco's parents had returned to prison right before the battle with the American Ministry because of their  involvement in Dawn's disappearance. After a Ministry hearing, the Malfoy Manor had been given to Draco. Dawn was  unaccustomed to such luxury, but it was nice to have both of her daughters being brought up in such an atmosphere.

Her thoughts were interrupted by another group of visitors. She was stunned to see they were all Professors from  Hogwarts. "Professor Dumbledore!"

The elderly Wizard smiled and winked at her before turning to greet the entire group. Behind Dumbledore was Professor  McGonagall and a few new faces Dawn really didn't recognize. Bringing up the rear with a fierce scowl was Professor  Snape.

Dawn's heart jumped slightly.

"So, this is your daughter!" Dumbledore was saying to Draco, who cradled a sleepy Joy in his arms.

"Yes, this is little Joy. Our little Annie is staying with Nymphadora throughout the Cup," Draco said proudly.

"I hope they'll both come to Hogwarts someday," Dumbledore replied.

"They will," Dawn said, without hesitation. As Dumbledore and the others walked on, Professor Snape hung back a  moment, much to the horror of the other four Gryffindors. But his attention was directed at both Dawn and Draco.

"I do hope you will both attend the Slytherin Reunion next weekend," he said, his voice calculating and cool.

"If you don't mind my bringing a Ravenclaw," Draco said quickly.

"I usually would, but in this case, she is most welcome," Snape replied.

Dawn was slighly touched at his words. In the past few years, she'd heard more horror stories of Snape than any other  Professor, including McGonagall, who was known to be very strict. "Thank you, Sir."

He gave her the slightest smile and paused a moment. "Your sister was an incredible person," he finally said, a  confused look coming across his face. "I entrust you to be of the same blood."

"She really is," Draco agreed as Snape moved along.

"I've always been dying to figure out," Dawn said thoughtfully as the Professor disappeared from view, "whether or  not he loved my sister."

"I guess we'll never know," Draco replied.

Harry and Ginny were whispering to each other and they both burst into laughter. Dawn's mind was pulled back to the  present. "What is it?"

"I was just thinking," Ginny choked. "What if both of your daughters were sorted into Gryffindor?"

"He'd have to be nice to them!" Harry laughed. "I mean, they are Summers women!"

Dawn found herself bubbling over with laughter as every one of the six people sitting around the table started. "Oh,  my," she said, wiping her tears away and noticing that Joy had fallen asleep on Draco's shoulder. "We should probably  get going," she said, her voice calmer.

Draco noticed Joy as well and smiled. "Well, even though you more than likely can't stand me, I'm glad for your  company."

Both Dawn and Draco rose.

"You know you're welcome to the flat anytime you want," Harry said to them quietly.

"Thank you," Dawn said graciously. "It's been great seeing you all again... I don't know when the next time will be."

"We're not going anywhere," Hermione said, her voice tinged with alarm. "I mean, both Ron and I work at the Ministry.  And Harry and Ginny only travel about four months for Quidditch, otherwise Harry's working on his inventions and  Ginny's with us..."

"I know," Dawn said, her voice laced with sadness. "But you never know how quickly some things change."

They were all silent a moment before Dawn turned back to Harry. "I've always been dying to try the new Firebolt...  maybe when you create your newest model, you'll let me test it?"

"You miss Quidditch?" Harry asked in disbelief.

"I'm a housemom," Dawn replied, shaking her head. "Of course I miss Quidditch."

"Maybe someday you'll both play again," Ginny said, gesturing to Dawn and Draco. "Like Harry... he was out of it for  a few years. I know his Father's proud of how well he's done with it."

"I know he is," Harry said, grinning.

"Well, it's been wonderful, really," Draco said, Joy in his arms. "But we really should get back to our camp. We're  returning home in the morning, so... I guess we'll see you when we can."

"Come to London!" Hermione shouted after them as they both retreated into the forest.

"I can't wait to get home tomorrow," Dawn said as she and Draco walked alone back to their own tent and crawled  inside.

"Me neither," said Draco, gently putting Joy on her bed and letting Dawn gather her pajamas. "But the more I think of  it, the more I wonder... maybe London would be better for us. The girls would be closer to Hogwarts and you'll have  your friends closeby. I know it's been difficult for you... since we left California."

"It gets better," Dawn replied, gently nudging Joy awake and helping her into her pajamas. "Trust me, I'm very happy  here."

"But you'd be happier in London, especially if Rupert were to return," Draco pointed out as they both helped Joy into  bed.

"Maybe I will be," Dawn said, turning around, her hand reaching up and lovingly touching his face. "But to me, it  doesn't matter where I am as long as you're with me."

His hand intertwined hers, the soft ping of platinum bands clinking as their lips met. "You can count on it," he  promised her.

- - - - -

The trip home went quicker than expected. Less than an hour of picking up their portkey, they were walking through  the front doors of Malfoy Manor.

Draco gingerly set a very sleepy Joy onto the floor. "Why don't you go and find your sister, eh?" he asked, nudging  her toward the stairs. Dawn was already walking in the direction of the kitchen, where voices were starting to mingle  with the sound of silverwear being clanked.

She opened the door gently and peeked inside. There was Nymphadora Tonks standing at the kitchen table, smiling and  making wacky faces to a little girl in a booster chair. Dawn walked in as the little girl called out, "Mommy!"

"You're home!" Tonks said, turning as little Anne ran into her mother's arms.

"We are," Dawn said, lifting Annie into her arms. "Whoa, you're getting heavy there."

Tonks laughed appreciatively, pushing her dark hair from her eyes. "That must've been a quick match."

"It actually ended after only a few hours," Dawn said, walking Anne back to her booster and setting her back down.  "Daddy'll be here soon," she consoled the little girl, who was looking expectantly all around the kitchen - it was a  little game Draco loved to play with her.

Dawn straightened up and moved back toward Tonks as Anne became interested in her creamed spinach again.

"You got a few messages when you were out," Tonks said, gesturing toward the laptop sitting on the counter, a gift  from Tara and Willow. "And also, an owl yesterday sent you this." She gestured toward an envelope sitting on the  table. "Apparently it was sent by a Rupert Giles."

Dawn reached for it, intending to open it immediately. She didn't know what it was. Any news was usually sent over  the computer.

Just then, Anne squealed behind her and she turned to see Draco tickling his youngest daughter lovingly.

"I'll just get my things and show myself out," Tonks said, backing away.

"Oh, no!" Dawn said, turning back to her. "Please, stay for dinner. We insist, don't we... Draco?"

Draco walked over, little Anne clinging to his shoulders. "Uh... sure..." he said. He then put on his own funny face  and began galloping around the kitchen with Anne sitting on top of his shoulders.

"Is he always like this? I never expected a Malfoy to have this behavior at all!" Tonks said, sounding surprised.

"Draco's awesome with both girls," Dawn said proudly, the letter momentarily forgotten. "You should see him when  Joy's here--"

Her voice was cut off as Joy burst through the doors and screamed as Draco galloped by. He leaned down and Joy  happily climbed onto his back as he circled around.

Dawn grinned, enjoying the look on Draco's face and his reddening cheeks. "All right, Joy, Anne... that's enough. Get  off your Father."

"Whew!" Draco said as Joy and Anne ran from the kitchen. "That was a good workout."

"I'm going to go and check on the girls if you don't mind," Tonks said, backing away. "I mean, they kind of remind me  of the reason why I never had children... but I suppose if I ever did, they would be something like those two  lovelies. Excuse me."

Dawn and Draco watched as Tonks disappeared before Dawn's attention turned back to the letter. She reached it and  read the front. It was definitely from Giles. It'd been sent to the Ministry before being forwarded to Malfoy Manor.  Dawn gently opened it. "I wonder what this is," she said, gazing at the letter intently.

"It's from Rupert, right?" Draco asked.

"Yeah," Dawn said, sounding confused. "But he always sends a video message whenever he has news. I haven't received  an actual letter since I left California."

Draco came up behind her, his arms encircling her waist. "Then it must be important," he teased. As she lifted the  letter and began to read, he read over her shoulder. His eyebrows snapped up in surprise. "Whoa," he said quietly.

Dawn lowered the letter slowly, trying to digest what the letter had said. Blinking, she set the letter aside, her  own arms covering Draco's.

She looked up.

And she smiled.

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Grrr Argh

(The End)