Author Notes: I know, it took me ages to finish this story and I am really sorry for it, but RL and my obsession for Sherlock got in the way of writing this story and I didn't want to force it and give you less than the best I am capable of.^^

Now, this is definitely the last chapter of this story. Thank you all for your patience and support. I hope you enjoy the read. =)

Merry Christmas, Happy holidays and a great time for you all! *hugs*

Appreciation: Thank you, Yen for not only beta-reading this chapter, but also for not giving up on me, when I didn't write anything new for this story in almost two years. Also, thank you for reminding me of this story again and again. This chapter wouldn't have seen the light of day, if it hadn't been for you.*big hug*

Epilogue

"Stop fidgeting!"

Harry rolled his eyes at Hermione's annoyed command, but forced himself to keep still as she waved her wand over him. He felt magic wash over him as his robes were smoothed out and his hair pushed into some semblance of order. Not that it would stay that way for long. Harry chuckled inwardly as he thought about all the times he had tried to keep his hair tamed - either with Muggle products or with magic - he had given up on it by now.

Hermione didn't seem to be so easily intimidated as she squeezed out something onto her hands, smeared it into Harry's hair and then muttered another spell under her breath.

A quiet sigh escaped him as he waited for her to curse in annoyance and to move on to her next brilliant idea to tame his hair. As much as he appreciated his friend's help, he really didn't fancy being late today of all days, just because she couldn't admit that Harry's hair was beyond help. It would ruin their whole plan if the ceremony was delayed by as much as ten minutes and Harry simply wouldn't stand for it. Not after Severus and he had spent so much time on the whole thing.

"So, where do you want to start your potion business?"

Harry laughed quietly when his lover raised an eyebrow in surprise and pressed a quick kiss to thin lips, before he snuggled back against Severus's chest.

"Did you really think I would forget about the plans you shared with me?"

Judging by the disbelieving look that entered those dark eyes, the answer was fairly obvious and Harry felt a well-known mixture of sadness and anger well up inside him at the reminder that only few people had ever taken an interest in Severus' dreams.

Hell, his own mother had belittled him for following his passion and studying potions, while Dumbledore had forced the Potions Master into a teaching position at Hogwarts and then to act as a spy for him. No matter that the late headmaster had only had the best interests for the Wizarding and Muggle World in mind, but he had still forced Severus into a terrible position. Still, it certainly hadn't been worse than the things Voldemort had forced the man to do, if Harry was to judge by the scars on his lover's body and the nightmares he had witnessed on countless nights.

Harry would be damned if he joined the line of people that had put their own wishes - some selfish, some not - over Severus'.

"I thought you had forgotten about it with all the recent stress."

Harry sighed quietly at the reminder of the time they had spent apart, because of their stupid misunderstanding and his own failure at explaining himself to his lover right away. A lot of drama, tears and hurt could have been avoided if Harry had just grabbed his legendary Gryffindor courage in both hands and approached Severus right after their first argument. As it was, they had only gotten back together thanks to Hermione's and Ron's interference and it wasn't the first time that Harry wondered how he had deserved such great friends. People, who hadn't only fought with him against Voldemort, but who had also braved his stupidity and stubbornness to get him back together with the man he loved.

"It wasn't meant as a complaint."

Harry glanced up at Severus' words, as long fingers carded through his hair. He was still surprised at how easily his lover could follow his train of thoughts only by reading his body language and facial expressions.

"Good. Then tell me what you have planned."

Harry really didn't want to dwell on their past misunderstanding. Not here, while lying in bed with Severus and basking in the warmth of post-coital bliss. Besides, he was truly interested in his lover's plans, especially as he hadn't made any real ones for himself.

"I have my eyes on a property in Ireland. It's in the countryside and it would be perfect to start a potion delivery service from there. I could grow most of the potion ingredients and the basement is big enough to function as a potions lab."

Harry nodded slowly.

"So, you don't want to open a shop?"

A laugh shook Severus' body at that as he held Harry closer against his chest and pressed a kiss to his head.

"Can you imagine me in a shop? Having to deal with annoying patrons day after day? No, thank you. I will accept offers via owl and deliver them the same way. It might take longer this way to get the business started but I have enough money on the side to not have to worry about it."

"And I have a little of my own," Harry agreed readily.

Silence greeted his words and Harry didn't dare look up at his lover as he waited for him to formulate whatever he wished to say. He had learned that it wasn't wise to push Severus, that it was better to wait for him to order his thoughts in peace. Usually Severus was fast to speak his mind, but this wasn't the case when it came to matters of the heart and Harry finally understood - after years of rushing into everything - that sometimes patience was needed, while other occasions called for actions.

This time it was certainly the former.

Minutes ticked by while Harry listened to Severus' fast heartbeat and stroked his sides gently, before his lover finally took a deep breath

.

"You are willing to support me while I build my own business?"

Harry barely restrained himself from rolling his eyes at Severus' question. He knew how insecure his lover could be - no matter how often Harry assured him of his love - and he had realised - after a talk with Hermione - that only time would heal the wounds that life had left on Severus.

"Of course. Maybe, I can even help you with preparing ingredients if you want me to and we will have to furnish and decorate the house if we decide to buy it and live there. Although," Harry added as an afterthought, "when I think of how many patents you hold and with your newest potion almost finished, I doubt that it will take long for the orders to come flooding in."

The last few trials for Severus' potion to cure wizards whose bodies were attacked by their own magic gone rogue had gone well and Harry was confident that the Potion Master would be able to add the final touches, once the school year was finally over and he had time for the final tests.

"I'm still perceived as a Death Eater by most of the public."

Harry almost snarled in anger at the reminder of how unfairly the press and general public had treated Severus, even after his true loyalties had come to light. Instead he leaned up on his elbow so that he could lock eyes with his lover.

"You are a war hero, who saved numerous lives and you are also a brilliant Potions Master. Besides, some might see reason when they learn that I am with you."

Harry shut his mouth with a snap, but the words had already fallen from his tongue. Merlin, he had sounded like a total brat. An apology was already at the tip of his tongue, when Severus' surprised voice silenced him once more.

"You want to go public? You want everyone to know that we are together?"

Harry bit down on his lower lip at his lover's disbelieving tone. They hadn't really discussed how to handle their relationship after school was over, but Harry had always assumed that they would let everyone know that they were together. Considering that the masses were still interested in him after the defeat of Voldemort, it had only been logical for him to tell them. It would prevent the press from hunting him until they found out something about his private life and this way it wouldn't seem like he considered Severus a dirty secret. He was proud of their relationship and while he would have loved to keep it between their friends and them, there was no way that someone wouldn't find out sooner or later.

From his experiences with the press, Harry preferred to come out with the truth on his own terms. Still, he should have asked Severus first, before making the assumption that his lover wanted to go public as well. After all, it might very well be that while Harry didn't consider him a dirty secret that Severus might do so and... He stopped himself from going down this train of thought. Assumptions had - so far - only led to misunderstandings in their relationship and Harry didn't want to add any more to their list.

"Yes, I don't want to keep our relationship a secret and since the whole Wizarding World is still interested in me..."

Harry shrugged and waited for Severus's reply. Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long as it came in the form of a gentle kiss and a soft smile.

"I understand and I'm fine with it. I just thought... Never mind. As long as we can manage our coming-out without being forced into a press conference."

Harry blinked slowly, a question on the tip of his tongue, before his mind caught up with Severus' words and he realised that his lover had thought that Harry wouldn't want to be seen as his partner in public. It reminded him of their first date, when Severus had wanted to disguise himself instead of Harry, because he had assumed that no one would want to be seen with him. Utter nonsense of course, but Harry reminded himself again of what Hermione had said and didn't comment on it - for now.

"Do you have an idea how to pull that off?"

A gleam entered the dark orbs and Harry knew that whatever plan was forming in Severus' brilliant mind would be unforgettable.

"There - all done."

Startled from his thoughts, Harry looked up in the mirror and gasped. For the first time in ages, his hair looked presentable. The usually messy locks were tamed into a wild but yet presentable hairstyle and Harry couldn't remember a time when his hair had looked so... silky.

"How..." He started, but was interrupted when Hermione brushed some imaginary fluff from his robes and then drew him in the direction of the door.

"Later. We have to hurry or we will be late for the graduation ceremony. Come on, Harry."

Rolling his eyes, Harry followed his friend even as butterflies started to flutter in his belly at the thought of what was to come. He could only wonder if Severus was as nervous as he.

OOO

"Acceptable."

Severus nodded at himself in the mirror. He had foregone any potion brewing in the last couple of days and it showed. His hair was as silky as it would ever be and the dark circles under his eyes were gone, thanks to some much needed hours of sleep.

He would never win a beauty contest, but in his green velvet robes and with his long, black hair he looked at least presentable. Not that this would help him in the slightest once the media and the public learned of his relationship with Harry. They would paint him in the worst colors, if only because of his reputation.

Severus could already see some of the headlines in his mind's eye and a shudder ran through his body as he thought about it, before he pushed these dark thoughts away.

He had worried enough about it. Harry and he had made a decision and even if it would be hard at the beginning, he was positive that it was the right one.

And if there was still some lingering doubts as Severus added the final touches to his wardrobe, then it was pushed away by memories of Harry and him.

He was so beautiful.

Gently, Severus stroked the messy hair of the young man he had come to love, without waking him in the process. Harry sighed contentedly in his sleep and snuggled closer as Severus tightened his grip around Harry's shoulders.

Never in his life had he thought it possible that such a young, brave, beautiful man would ever want to be with him. Past experiences had taught him that he was unlovable, if not because of his looks, then because of his temper. And then, Harry had come into his life and shown him that it didn't have to be this way.

Severus snorted quietly at the overly sappy thoughts. Certainly, love was melting his brain cells - a feat that not even the Cruciatus curse had managed. Still, even if that was the case, he wouldn't have it any other way.

A small smile formed on his lips as Harry rubbed his cheek against Severus' bare chest and grew even wider when a light twinge in his backside reminded him of what they had been up to only a couple of hours ago.

It hadn't been planned, but after spending an evening outside of Hogwarts - they had gone to the same place as on their first date - and then enjoying some chocolates and a glass of wine at his place, one thing had led to another.

Severus was certain that most of his Slytherin students would squeak in horror at the sappy grin he wore on his face, but he didn't care. If he had any say in it, he would spend the rest of his life like this. In bed. With Harry in his arms. And all the necessary steps were taken that it would turn out exactly like this.

Actually, they wouldn't spend all their time in bed, but hopefully they would spend the rest of their lives together. Albus had been a great help in the planning Severus had done and he couldn't wait until the graduation ceremony, when they would finally be free to live their lives together, but until then...

"Harry, wake up." Severus pressed a tender kiss to his forehead. "You need to go back to your dormitory, before curfew is over."

Soon, Severus promised himself, as his young lover woke with a sigh and a protest on his lips, this hiding game would be over. Only one more week to go.

And the day had finally come.

With a last glance to his almost empty quarters - the house elves had been ordered to bring most of his belongings to their new home - Severus left and walked out of the dungeons. He was ready for his new life.

OOO

"Merlin, I thought you wouldn't made it in time," Ron greeted them as Harry and Hermione sat down in the chairs on either side of him.

It had been decided that the graduation ceremony would be held outside. It allowed enough space for all students and their families to be present. Mrs. Weasley waved to them and bright smile lit up Harry's face as he counted all the redheads and realised that the whole Weasley family was here today to share this special moment with them. He pushed the tiny part of guilt at the thought that he hadn't informed them of his plans away. There would be enough time to apologize for it at a later date. For now, he just wanted to take in the atmosphere and enjoy the day.

A podium had been created next to the lake and drinks and food were already arranged next to it. Harry noticed a few of his favorite dishes - he loved roast beef, chocolate cake and of course, treacle tart - and almost regretted that he wouldn't get to taste them. Nevertheless, there were some things more important than good food, although Harry doubted that Ron would agree with him on this, considering how his friend was already eyeing the lemon cake hopefully.

"Are you nervous?"

Harry shrugged at Hermione's question. He knew that she was inquiring after the speech he had promised to give today and not about his plans with Severus. Considering that he hadn't told his friends about said plans, this was only to be expected and he just hoped that Ron and Hermione would forgive him for keeping them a secret.

"Can't be worse than facing Voldemort, can it?"

Some people around them - mostly his Gryffindor peers, but also friends from the other Houses - laughed at his joke. It might have led to some more friendly banter, but when McGonagall stepped up on the podium, everyone grew quiet.

The Headmistress had insisted on giving out the graduation certificates, although the newest Minster of Magic had done his utmost best to get this honor for himself. In fact, he was the reason why Harry had to give a speech today, as he had only accepted this as a compromise. At first, Harry had been far from thrilled at the prospect of holding a speech at his own graduation, but now it played perfectly in Severus' and his hands.

He caught the eyes of his lover - who stood with the other teachers behind McGonagall - and smiled expectantly, even as a wave of heat rushed through his body as he took in Severus' appearance. Merlin, it was good that the man only wore his boring, black robes during school hours or the whole student body would be after him.

"Welcome, seventh and eighth year students," McGonagall opened her speech and Harry allowed himself to zone out. He would only get more nervous if he listened to every word she had to say, while waiting for his part of the ceremony. Hopefully, everything would go according to the set time table or their whole plan would be ruined.

Harry swallowed hard at the annoying thought, but pushed his fears aside as the teachers finally started to call the students up on the podium to hand their certificates over. He had to concentrate now. They had arranged with the Headmistress that Harry would be the last to be called up, so that he could stay to deliver his speech right away. The arrangement broke with the traditions - usually the students were called up in alphabetical order and according to the House they were in - but considering with what other traditions Harry intended to break, he doubted that anyone would remember this little detail.

"Harry Potter."

Like on his first day at school - when he had walked up to the Sorting Hat – the atmosphere grew completely silent as Harry got up from his chair. He could feel all eyes on him, as he accepted the scroll from McGonagall. He was certain quite a lot of people were wondering how he had done in his NEWTs. Very well would be the answer to this question. Thanks to the studying with his friends, help from Severus and the practical experience he had gained while on the run from Voldemort, Harry had managed to only achieve E's and O's in his exams.

Nevertheless, he doubted that the question would come up for quite some time as he was about to give them something else to gossip about.

"Thank you." Harry directed a smile at McGonagall as she squeezed his shoulder and then turned towards the audience.

"We have made it," he started his speech and noticed out of the corner of his eyes, how Severus moved subtly closer to him. "Seven - or eight years for some of us - and we have all made it. Today, we think of everything that we have been through during our time at Hogwarts. We think back to all the friends we have made and the fun we have had. We think back to every Quidditch match we have ever attended, every game of Wizarding Chess we have played and every time we had to work all night to finish our assignments, because we spent too much time having fun instead of studying."

Harry winked at Ron as he said that and caught Hermione's exasperated eye roll and knew they were recalling all those times they had barely made the deadline.

"We also remember all of our teachers and how they often annoyed us with rules, exams and assignments, but also how they helped us to find our full potential."

Harry turned his head to smile at the wizards and witches standing behind him and noticed how Hagrid tried - and failed - to discreetly blow his nose into something that resembled a table cloth.

"Let's also not forget the war we have all been through. Let's remember the friends we fought alongside and the ones we lost during the dark times, when Voldemort ruled over most of the Wizarding World in Britain."

Some still shuddered, when Harry spoke the name of the darkest wizard of his time, but all of them - all the students at least - nodded bravely up at him and silence descended upon the grounds for a minute of remembrance.

"Now, after all this," Harry continued after a small cough. "We have finished our school career and are ready - some more than others - to move into the world. Some of you already have set career plans, others still need to make up their minds on what they want to do now. Some have a partner and plan to start a family, others want to play the field for now."

Harry winked at Seamus, who grinned back up at him. He had had no less than ten boyfriends and girlfriends during the last school year and Harry doubted that he was quite finished with playing the dating game just yet.

"As for me," Harry picked up his speech and noted how some people - mostly Ministry officials - suddenly hung on his lips, even leaning forward in their chairs. "I don't have any plans for my career yet. I have spent so much time worrying about Voldemort that it seemed silly to worry about jobs."

Some people chuckled nervously, other - the ones who knew him better - laughed openly and Harry wondered how they would take the next piece of news.

Well, there was no turning back anymore, he would learn it soon enough. At the latest when the first owls reached them.

"But even if I don't know what to do with my life for now, at least I have someone to share it with."

Harry ignored the whispering and gasps from the audience as he held out his hand towards Severus, who took it as he stepped up next to him.

"May I introduce my partner, Severus Snape to all of you, the man with whom I intend to spend the rest of my life."

There were shouts of outrage and surprise, as chairs were pushed back and people jumped to their feet - probably without knowing what they even wanted to do - but Harry ignored them all as he pulled Severus into a lingering kiss.

With their free hands, they touched the port key- a small potion vial -that Severus kept in his pocket and were whisked away as it was activated right on time to bring them their new home and new lives.