A/N Well this is it..the final chapter. I truly hope you all enjoyed it. This was such a pleasure for me to write and an even greater pleasure to share it with you all. I have to give a HUGE THANK YOU to every person who took the time to leave a review. Even those of you who review after the stories completed. It's always such a pleasure to read your thoughts and hear from you. If something in this story catches your attention and sparks your interest and you find yourself wanting to use an idea in your own story, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm always happy to hear from a fellow writer.

Another great big thank you to both of my lovely & amazing Betas Sandra-Sempra & GeekMom13 for all of your amazing input. You truly are absolute gems.

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The next couple of days passed by in a blur. Rosalie and Hermione showed Harry and Ginny all the wonderful things about the inn and all their favorite places, specifically the winter garden. Hermione was quite enthusiastic at the prospect of finally being able to blend both of her worlds. She had a muggle heritage that she was proud of, and due to the war she had kept it to herself. Now she had a brother to share it with and a sister who made it all real to her again.

Ginny was in awe at the way muggles invented exciting ways to entertain themselves. "Really Hermione, snowboarding? I've never heard of it. I know of skiing through the stories you've told me and pictures I've seen," she stood in awe at the foot of the mountain where the ski lift started; Ginny looked on with fascination at a small group of people moving with skill down the slopes of the mountain. As they watched the powdered snow spraying up behind the snowboarders, Ginny couldn't help but think of one person. "Father would be over the moon if he could be here to see all of this. So would Bill, Charlie, Fred and George for that matter."

"I want to do it," Harry announced watching with excitement flashing across his green eyes. "I want to learn to snowboard, Hermione. I was never able to do anything like this growing up."

"Sorry, Harry, I never had the time to learn either. I was too preoccupied with other things to even think about learning the muggle sport."

"Well you're in luck, Harry, it just so happens that snowboarding is one of my favorite no-maj winter sports and I know where Uncle Danny keeps all the extra gear. I'm sure we can find us both something and I would be thrilled to teach you," Rosalie ushered them all through the very edge of the property to a small shed that was almost hidden by tall pines surrounding it.

Hermione gasped as memories of a particularly bitter cold, snowy night came rushing back like a tilde wave. "This is the shed I found you in that night," she looked at Rosalie who had already unlocked the door. Ushering everyone inside, she turned and peered back at Hermione.

"Yes it is. Now do you see why I believe it was our magic that led you to find me? We were six, there's no way a child of that age would have been able to find this place if they didn't know exactly where it was. We made it back to the inn together, in the dark. It was definitely our magic that saved us both that night."

"That's right! I took my coat off and gave it to you because you were shivering so bad when I found you. I was shivering by the time we made it back. Come to think of it, how did I even unlock the door to get you out? This is so far away from the inn. How did I even find it?" Hermione's thoughts were interrupted at the sound of Harry.

"Well I, for one, am thrilled you found Rosalie because I get to learn how to snowboard today. Ginny, take good pictures. I want to show them off to your brothers. They may do this one day too, but I want it documented that I did it first," looking proud of himself, he shuffled the skis around to find the equipment he needed.

"I promise to only take pictures that make you look good, love," Ginny rolled her eyes and chuckled while Rosalie began to help him sort through the available items. With a little magical alterations, they found the perfect fit for him and Rosalie did the same for herself. Walking back to the lifts, Hermione let Harry and Ginny walk ahead as she fell back to walk with Rosalie.

"Are you ok? You looked like a no-maj who just saw their first ghost back there," Rosalie mused.

"I just can't believe I would forget something like that. Had I not found you, Rosalie you could've…" Hermione couldn't finish as her heart sank at the thought.

Rosalie stopped and put her free arm around her sister's shoulders. "But nothing terribly awful happened because you found me. And actually we have a lot to thank the Nelson sisters for. If it weren't for that cruel prank, we may have never made that blood pact. If that's what had to happen for you to be my sister, I'd do it again a hundred times over."

Hermione smiled and wrapped her arm tight around Rosalie before letting go as they continued up the path to the foot of the mountain. Both Hermione and Ginny enjoyed a hot chocolate while they watched Harry attempt snowboarding for the first time.

Ginny allowed her mind to wander back to her brother Charlie as she watched Rosalie maneuver the board through the snow. "Can you imagine how thrilled Charlie would be to find a witch that could teach him something like this? Not to mention the wizarding alcohol she created and she owns and runs a successful vineyard. I just have a feeling that perhaps Rabastan isn't the right one for her."

"Don't you dare start, Ginerva Weasley. Rosalie is perfectly happy at the moment with Rabastan. She's quite taken with him and he's a good man. He seems to be just as smitten with her. Besides, Charlie has never once contemplated leaving Romania. In order for them to work he would either have to give up his job in Romania or ask her to give up everything she worked so hard for here. That's not fair to either of them. Don't you go mucking things up with your perpetual meddling."

"What you may not know, Hermione, is Charlie has mentioned more than once about possibly transferring to a dragon reserve in Nova Scotia. So it could actually be a possibility that Charlie could be working close to where her life is already. Besides, what will happen when Rabastan goes back to home?"

With one stabbing glare from Hermione the conversation ended and Ginny conceded. "Fine, but she should at least meet Charlie before making up her mind."

Going back to their hot chocolate Ginny said nothing further on the subject. But Hermione knew better. There was no doubt that Ginny's brain was working overtime concocting some sort of scheme.

After a short lesson by Rosalie on the basics of safety and how to balance himself, Harry fumbled miserably but never let it stop him. They spent a better part of the afternoon on a small side of the mountain until Harry was able to stabilize himself and get a feel for the board and snow beneath him.

True to her word, Ginny's first picture made Harry look like a natural. They all spent the rest of the afternoon on the mountain until their appetites wouldn't allow them to stay any longer. With the promise of more lessons in the future, a disappointed Harry agreed to call it a day when his stomach wouldn't stop grumbling. Making their way back to the inn, Harry couldn't stop talking and asking Rosalie questions about snowboarding. He wanted to know everything. Hermione hadn't seen him so enthralled by something since the first time he was on the quidditch pitch. It always warmed her heart to see her brother so happy.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Finally it was the morning of Christmas Eve. Hermione was worried, Rodolphus and Rabastan were supposed to be back, and she so desperately wanted him here for Christmas. Perhaps they left a message at the front desk for her; she and Rosalie walked down together. They were shocked to see movers, boxes, suitcases and a moving van parked out front. Rosalie and Hermione shot one another questioning glances. Rosalie decided to approach Danny and Julia.

"Uncle Danny. Aunt Julia. What's going on?"

"So glad you're here darlin'. We were going to come find you before we left," Danny sat a box down to give Rosalie a hug and Hermione a friendly smile.

"It's moving day for us. You know how we had planned to sell this place and visit Wendell and Monica? Well we were contacted by someone's attorneys to negotiate an immediate purchase. Turns out they were willing to pay a handsome sum for the place and we just couldn't resist it. It was almost too good to be true. The only thing they requested was the change in ownership begin immediately, so we have to move out quicker than anticipated. But," he peered at her with soft eyes, "they agreed to take over everything, including the debt! We're down to an almost non existent staff and no reservations aside from your friends,so they have agreed to allow Miss Grayson to stay the two month duration that she had booked."

"Well it's Christmas Eve! We were going to decorate a tree together tonight. How could someone be so heartless as to kick you out on Christmas?" Rosalie argued, obviously upset about the circumstances. "Where will you go? This was your home."

"Don't you worry your pretty little head darlin'. They took care of it all. Part of the agreement was that they find us suitable living arrangements since they were asking us to leave so quickly. They found us something to our liking within a day and used part of what they were paying us for the inn as a down payment. It's all been settled, we signed the papers yesterday. We have a brand new home to spend Christmas in together." Danny was smiling as he wrapped his arms around his wife and kissed her temple. "The movers are almost done loading our things. We're leaving to go home. The new proprietor should be here soon. This is going to have to be goodbye. But you'll see us again. Give your dad and mom the news for us, will you darlin'? I'll be calling him after the holidays for a get together at the new place," He waved to both girls as he walked out the door.

"Well I, for one, am sorry to see you go so soon. But I understand why you have to." Rosalie said as she gave Julia one last hug before they left.

"Oh I think you'll be just fine sweetheart." She leaned in closer and whispered, "Especially if you have the company of those handsome blokes I've seen you two with. You gals certainly know how to pick them." Julia gave one last wave to Hermione and Rosalie and exited the inn for the last time.

"Wow, I wonder who the new proprietor is? I can't believe that Uncle Danny and Aunt Julia don't own this place anymore," Hermione said shocked.

"Yeah, that was so quick. But they seem to be happy about it. Did you see how happy they were talking about their new home? At least the new owner was nice enough to look after them," Rosalie stated in a calmed tone. "Let's go see if the guys left us any messages."

After not finding anything both girls decided to take a walk on one of the trails. On their way back they were greeted by an approaching taxi.

"Perhaps this is the new owner," Hermione looked on curiously.

The doors opened and their wizards stepped out looking as handsome and distinguished as ever. Both witches smiled as they walked over to greet them.

"I'm so glad you're back," Hermione said as she threw her arms around Rodolphus and planted a kiss on his lips before he was even able to close the door.

He chuckled as he pulled back, "Now that's a greeting I could definitely get used to."

"I've missed you. You'll never believe who's here," Hermione said as she walked along the path with him leading up to the inn. "Harry and Ginny surprised me and showed up for Christmas."

He smiled lovingly at her and wrapped a strong arm around her as he kissed her temple, "That's wonderful, darling."

"I have everyone I love and care about here for Christmas. I haven't had that in so many years. It really is wonderful."

"Let's get ready for the holiday dinner and the Christmas tree decorating. I have something for you."

As they made their way in, she glanced back and saw Rabastan and Rosalie walking together up the walkway. He had his arm around Rosalie's waist whispering something in her ear that was causing her to smile beautifully and blush slightly. They really were a lovely couple.

They all made their way to their rooms and Hermione informed Harry and Ginny when to meet for dinner and the tree decorating.

"Harry, have you noticed how different Hermione is now? She's so much lighter. I don't think I ever remember her being so laid back before. It's as if a heavy burden has been lifted from her shoulders. She's still the same Hermione, only much happier. I love seeing her like this," Ginny admitted as she prepared for the evening.

"Hermione never left my side through everything, she has a tendency to take on the burdens of others. She did that with me through the entire war. She lost so much because of it. I almost feared she lost a part of herself for good. Seeing her now, having found a sister, having us together and now having Rodolphus there for her, is truly a pleasure. I love Hermione like my sister, I always will. I agree, seeing her so happy is a relief," Harry replied kissing his fiancée cheek.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The group was settled into the restaurant. The dining hall had been set up with a long family style table with everything on it for the holiday feast. There was no staff, this was truly a family holiday dinner. Something that most of them had missed out on for many, many years. Rodolphus sat at the head of the table with Hermione to his left and his brother to his right. The table was much longer than needed for the small group, and the food was an over abundance, but it all looked so delicious.

Rodolphus stood and gathered everyone's attention with a glass of champagne in his hand, "Before we eat and start the traditional Christmas celebration I'd like to propose a toast," he paused as everyone quieted down to listen. "Well, to say these lasts few decades have been hard for myself and my brother would be a gross understatement. Two years ago two people walked into a dark damp cell, looking to help someone who the rest of the world had gladly condemned." Turning his full attention to Harry and Hermione he continued. "You both fought tooth and nail, cut through the hypocrisy and the bias of the Ministry and the public. You didn't have to do what you did, but you chose to. For that, myself, my brother and many other families were brought back together and given the opportunity for restoration. For the first time for many lives someone cared enough to fight for us when we probably didn't deserve it," he paused for a moment to take a deep breath before continuing.

"No one ever thanked either of you properly for what you did. You were demonized and ridiculed by the media, the public, and even by those who you called friends. You endured it all because you felt it was the right thing to do. In the end you were proved to be right, and because of that you saved many families from being torn apart for life. Harry, Hermione, would you stand and come over here please," He motioned to a spot at the head of the table next to him but closest to the doors. Harry looked at Hermione questioningly, but she just gave a slight shrug of her shoulders and followed his instruction. He nodded his head to Rabastan, who got up to open the doors.

The entire table was taken by complete surprise when a flood of people - men, women and children - all came crowding into the dining hall. They saw every former Death Eater they had fought to free, present with all their families and loved ones. Each person, one by one, passed them and shook their hand, most in tears, and thanked them for what they did. Harry and Hermione were in shock as a range of emotions flooded them. They couldn't help the tears themselves. As the crowd took their seats, the large table was filled to maximum capacity.

Hermione and Harry stood in awe at the scene. Rodolphus took his place at Hermione's side and raised his glass. As he did every former Death Eater stood with a raised glass. "To Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Thank you for caring enough to fight when no one else would." In unison as if practiced, everyone in the room held up their glass and said thank you. Harry and Hermione were both clenching the other's hand tightly through it all. They let go and Harry returned to Ginny, who wore her own teary eyed smile, and Hermione turned to Rodolphus.

"So this is what you were doing? You and Rabastan did all this? You're amazing. You didn't have to," she looked at him with joy and gratitude emanating from her watery eyes.

"That's not all," he smiled as he motioned her to sit next to him.

"There's more?" She looked at him in shock. By this time everyone had started eating and the only people paying attention to the pair was Rabastan, Rosalie, Harry and Ginny.

Rodolphus pulled a folded stack of papers from his pocket and a set of keys. He appeared to be nervous. She had never seen him look nervous before. He was adorable. She couldn't help but smile lovingly at him as he presented her with what he held in his hand.

"This is one of the things I really wanted to give you. Please, open it."

She complied and unfolded the paper. There in black and white was the deed to the Snowy Mountain Inn. It had her name on the document. Her eyes went wide as she fumbled with the keys and looked at Rodolphus.

His nervousness was prominent as he continued, "I bought the inn, but I put it in your name. I bought it for you. All you need to do is sign the proper documents and this establishment is officially yours. I had hoped that perhaps you wanted….perhaps you would want me to stay and run it with you. You see my hope was we would do this together, there are only two other magical establishments in the state. I had my solicitors check. I had hoped to make this a magical establishment together. Would you, Hermione...would you want me to stay with you and do this together?"

Tears fell from her eyes as she looked at the man she had slowly grown to love so fiercely over the last couple of years and all she could do was cry, smile and nod her head. She threw her arms around him and kissed him passionately. This act caught the attention of the whole table resulting in whistles, cat calls and hollers of encouragement all around. As they both sat there, she was still somewhat speechless. The last connection to her parents had been her memories with them in this place. Now she would be able to create new memories with a wonderful man and her sister. She looked over to Rosalie, who had a brilliant smile on her face.

"This one's for you, Hermione," Rosalie said as she waved her wand in the air and Bing Crosby started crooning his famous holiday favorite, White Christmas for all to enjoy as they finished their holiday feast. Hermione looked over and noticed Thorfinn Rowle paying particular attention to Rosalie, much to the chagrin of Rabastan, who went out of his way to make it obvious she was taken. Hermione giggled at the sight. Rosalie wasn't used to such attentions and the blush on her face showed that. She loved her sister.

After dinner all the guests gathered in the lobby to decorate the tree and enjoy Christmas cookies and hot chocolate; a special drink was given to anyone who loved a good Bourbon. Rosalie decided now would be the perfect time to get some feedback on Wizard's Bourbon. Everyone who took a sip raved about how it was the absolute best Bourbon they had ever tasted and were pleasantly surprised it was a magical beverage to boot. At the revelation that it was Rosalie who had distilled and magically enhanced it, Rabastan was further annoyed to see Rowle only stepped up his efforts at attracting Rosalie's attention. It was definitely an amusing spectacle.

Hermione was so content in that moment, she took a step back and thought on where her life had taken her. She was genuinely at peace for the first time in a very long time. She still had some healing to go through and some things to sort out, but she had her family and she had Rodolphus. She would be just fine. She would be more than fine. She would be great. Feeling a pair of strong arms encircle her waist,she leaned back into his chest.

"I fear my brother may have some competition in winning the heart of Rosalie," Rodolphus chuckled in amusement.

"Rosalie is certainly not used to such attentions. But it is funny to watch. I have a feeling, though, that Rabastan has already won her heart. She is a brilliant, beautiful and a powerful witch. Rabastan better take exceptionally good care of her and treat her right."

"Poor Rowle," Rodolphus laughed as he held her tighter and kissed her temple.

"Thank you for everything, Rodolphus. Although the gift was a bit extravagant," she said as she turned around in his arms and wrapped her arms around his waist.

He smirked down at her, "If you think that's the only gift I have for you, you're sorely mistaken, my love. Come with me." He took her hand and lead her toward the entrance. He slid off his coat and wrapped it around her shoulders as they walked outside and made their way to the winter garden - her favorite spot. He had her sit on the bench and he paced nervously in front of her.

"Rodolphus is everything alright?"

He turned to her and stilled as he fumbled with his pockets. "Hermione, I really don't know what I did to deserve your love, but I couldn't be more happy to have you in my life. I've loved you for years and only dared to hope that you could ever love me in return." He started slowly pacing again when she grabbed his hand, entwined her fingers with his and brought it to her lips to kiss it softly.

"I do love you Rodolphus, so very much."

That was encouragement enough for him to continue, "I know that I still have things I need to work through, but knowing you'll be by my side makes it all bearable. I know we never talked about our age difference but I've learned to not wait too long to go after what you want," he paused, running a hand through his hair and finally sitting next to her on the bench, taking her hands into his own. "I've been given a second chance at a real life. A life I thought would only ever be a dream. It's because of you, and I've come to realize I will never want another witch. I will always love you with every fiber of my existence. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known. Although your physical beauty can not be denied, your inner beauty shines with a brilliance that can never be quenched." He paused a moment as he got down on one knee in the snow, pulling a black velvet box from his pocket. "I know we've only been dating less than a week and while this may seem sudden, I've known for so very long that if I ever had this opportunity, I wouldn't let it slip. Hermione Granger, would you make me the proudest and most happiest of men and allow me to love you for the remainder of my existence. Would you be mine in every sense of the word? Will you be my wife?" He opened the box to reveal a beautiful white gold diamond ring. She didn't even pay attention to the ring. Through his whole speech tears began to trickle from her eyes. When she saw the ring she didn't hold back anything as she threw herself into his arms and kissed him with a passionate fervor. He sighed into her kiss and wrapped his arms around her.

"Yes! To everything, my love. To you and me. To forever together. Yes!"

He laughed and slid the ring on her finger and she finally took in its details. It sparkled like sunshine against fresh snow on a bright winter's day. The band had an intricate detail of vines and leaves with small diamonds embedded throughout and a single round one carat diamond glistening brilliantly at the center. It wasn't too big, it was perfect for her. She wouldn't have wanted anything bigger.

"Perfect." She beamed, looking up at him. "Let's go share our wonderful news." They walked, arms wrapped around one another as they headed back to the inn. She had been in thought and stopped at the porch,turning to him. "Let's set the date for Christmas Eve next year. We can have it right here and invite everyone back. What do you think?"

"He smiled brightly and kissed her, "I think that sounds perfect."

"As for the inn, I'd say the first order of business is fixing that ridiculously slow elevator. I've been waiting for someone to get themselves stuck," Hermione said with a chuckle.

Rodolphus laughed, "Then that's the first thing we'll do."

They walked back through the entrance, hand in hand, to the start of their new life together.