Disclaimer: Nope, not mine, but still fun to play with.

Epilogue

Harry stacked his papers crisply, waving his hand in order to spell the desks back in order from where the students had pushed them against the wall for his lesson. He really should take them to the Room of Requirement next time.

He checked his watch, moving off toward the Great Hall for the celebration. He was Harry bloody Potter after all, and he was expected to make an appearance. He paused by the doors, waiting patiently for his mate to arrive.

"So sorry, Harry! Severus wanted to show me his newest invention! He thinks he can finally make the werewolf's transition completely painless!"

Harry smiled indulgently, looping a steady arm around Draco's waist before escorting him into the hall.

The noise inside was deafening, but they all quieted once they saw who had entered.

Draco tapped his cheek for the Sonorus charm and smiled up at him encouragingly.

"Hi!"

There were a few titters at his habitual opening.

"It's been five years since the war. Since the death of the man whose name was Tom Marvolo Riddle. That means that this is a time for celebration!"

Many clapped and his held up his hand.

"This is also a time for remembrance, for those that risked their lives for the greater good, and to those that lost theirs. It is a time to be thankful for your loved ones, and cling tight to those that you hold dear. Here, in Hogwarts, we are more than just Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff. We are wizards of the light! Wizards that have fought for justice, and our rights to live! So gather here purebloods, blood traitors, muggleborns, half-bloods, and squibs, and let's toast to our release from these titles in order to embrace what we have in common. Let's toast to friendship, and the true magic of it. I hope you all have a splendid evening, and stay safe during this pleasant holiday."

The applause was loud, but he was used to it by now. Draco gave him a tight squeeze.

"You're getting good at this public speaking thing, Harry. Been practicing on your students?"

Harry scowled playfully.

"My defense students have more important things to do in their lessons than to listen to my speech."

Draco rose an eyebrow.

Harry dropped his voice.

"I ran it by Remus of course."

Draco laughed, moving away to sit at the table, surprised and confused when Harry didn't follow.

"I have an announcement to make."

Everyone turned, watching with a bated breath as Harry dropped to his knee.

"My dearest Draco," he began, "we have been together for over five years now, and what a wonderful five years it has been. We're not the traditional couple, and things were definitely not easy, especially not at first. But we pushed through, and I couldn't be happier. I know that we are mated, and so by wizarding law, they consider us bonded, but I wish to make our bond undebatable. You are my soul-mate, my other half, and my precious Dragon. I will spend the rest of my life with you, and want to make sure everyone knows that I am just as much yours as you are mine. I wish to bond us as equals, as husbands, and as bondmates.

Draco Malfoy, will you do me the honour of bonding with me, and essentially marrying your heart to mine?"

Draco stood from his chair quickly, knocking it over in his hurry to reach Harry and tackle him in a hug, bringing his legs about Harry's waist.

"Yes! Yes. Merlin, yes!"

Harry laughed, taking the platinum engagement ring from his pocket to place it around Draco's slender finger.

He canceled the spell, kissing Draco soundly.

"I love you, Dragon."

Draco buried his head in Harry's shoulder, not letting go.

"I love you too."

Minerva stood from her place at the professors table, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her robe.

"Let the feast," she spoke, clapping her hands, "begin."

And colour me yellow and call me a lemon drop if there wasn't a twinkle in her eye.

-Fin-

A/N:

You've all been lovely readers and supportive reviewers through this process. I hope that you enjoyed the story and decide to check out my others!

I humbly request that you leave a review at the end of this chapter, if only to tell me that I suck, so that I can work my next story off of your feedback.

I love you all, and I'm so grateful that any of you actually enjoy the things that I write.

Happy Reading!

J YouSlyGryffindor