My goodness, I can't believe it's over…

This is the very last chapter, an epilogue, for this story. Thank you so much for reading the whole thing, I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have! And thank you for those of you that have been so kind to leave one or several reviews. It's what makes me keep writing!

And of course many thanks to ardchoile, for being a patient, speedy and enthusiastic beta :)

Alright, here we go…

xxx

There was no need for the use of actual words. The delicate arch of an eyebrow and the trace of a smirk on his lips was all Draco Malfoy needed. I told you so, they spoke both loud and clear.

And so he had, Harry silently acknowledged. Not that the smug bastard needed the confirmation of course. Which was why Harry had no intention of giving him any.

Instead, he looked back across the fields and admired the view. It was a late summer day in early September and the vineyard looked magnificent in the soft, golden light of sunset. The air was still warm, heat radiating from the sun baked soil. It would have made for a beautiful, peaceful sight if not for the whirlwind of harvesting activities going on all around them.

'You is not be doing this right! You needs to be listening to Kreacher!'

Harry hid a smile as he watched Kreacher bully an army of Malfoy house elves around the fields. The little elf was practically shining with glee and had taken to his new task like a pig to mud. The Malfoy elves were making quick work of the picking of the bunches of grapes, piling them up high on the carts waiting at the end of each row.

Yes, Draco had been right. It had been a brilliant idea to bring the Malfoy elves along to France for the harvesting. Harry had been worried that Kreacher might feel threatened, he'd been the only elf on the vineyard's grounds for years now after all. But instead, Kreacher had welcomed the Malfoy elves with open arms, ready to order them around within minutes of their arrival.

Harry and Draco had come back to France for the harvesting season a little over a week ago. They'd stayed in England all through the summer, making good on their promise to aid Hermione in any way they could. They had attended meetings, made speeches and given interviews. Draco had been questioned several times about his run ins with the Bald Eagle Society, patiently telling the story over and over again. They'd celebrated smaller and bigger victories, like the day Scrimgeour was escorted out of his office by a small army of determined looking Aurors or when the pureblood wing of St Mungo's was closed permanently.

'We've never had as easy a harvest as this one,' Luc mumbled from behind Harry.

Harry turned around to smile at his friend. Luc had gone back to France to help Stéphane with the running of the vineyard back in early August and Harry had missed seeing him daily.

'Hey Luc. Yes I know. Don't tell Draco though,' Harry warned.

'I don't think there's any need to tell him,' Luc said drily as he watched the trademark Malfoy smirk become wider as the piles on the carts got higher.

'You is being a disgraceful house elf, Poppin! I is knowing all about your heritage and there is being no excuses for this improper behaviour!' Kreacher scolded happily.

Harry was secretly glad that Hermione wouldn't be here until later. She might have interfered when she saw the elves scurry around at the harsh words. Poppin's eyes were suspiciously bright for a moment there, but all that was needed to bring a big smile back to the elf's face was a kind word from "Master Draco". And there were plenty of those to be had.

Nothing like hard work to make a merry band of house elves ecstatically happy, Harry mused. The eleven elves, Krinkey alone had elected to stay back at the Manor, laboured happily and got the harvesting done in no time at all. They were too busy to tug at their ears at Kreacher's shrill complaints and there were no walls to bang their heads against in self-punishment. So instead, they just got on with it.

'Yes, Kreacher was knowing that you could be doing this! You is being Malfoy elves and I is knowing your noble ancestors personally! You is making them be proud today!'

At the pleased compliments, the elves started to work even faster. Full carts were being floated to the chai where Flopsey had been assigned to oversee the cleaning and de-stemming process. They would leave the crushing and the rest of the wine making process to the Muggle workers that were coming in very early the next morning.

'I still don't understand why you're letting Muggles take over,' Draco complained. 'Wouldn't it be much quicker with the use of a little magic?'

'Well yes,' Harry acknowledged with a lazy smile. 'But you know, quicker isn't always better.'

They exchanged a heated look, a look full of promise for later.

'Alright,' Draco conceded. 'Alright…'

xxx

'Salut!'

Twelve glasses were clinked in a cheery toast at the large oak table in the dining room. Harry felt a warm contentment settle in his stomach as he looked at his friends around him. Ron and Hermione were there of course, Hermione chatting with Luc and Alain, Ron having an earnest conversation about a pink Pygmy Puff with Rose and Hugo.

Harry was very pleased for Draco that Parkinson and Zabini had been able to come over from their estate in Italy. As much as Draco got on with Hermione and Luc these days, he clearly enjoyed the company of his old friends. Draco was involved in what looked like a playful argument with Zabini while Parkinson chatted with Stéphane and his wife.

Harry couldn't look away from Draco as he took a sip from the rosé crémant. He barely tasted the fine sample of last year's harvest, so occupied was he by the flush of Draco's cheeks, the easy smile on soft lips and the wicked twinkle in those silvery eyes.

'You've really got it badly, haven't you…'

The wry words startled Harry out of his Draco-induced trance.

'What?' he asked, looking at Ron with a puzzled expression.

'Malfoy,' Ron explained. 'You really like him don't you…'

Harry looked at his oldest friend for a long time, trying to assess the feelings behind the question. In the end, he shrugged and gave Ron the simple truth.

'Yeah. Yeah I do,' was all that Harry said.

'Thought so,' Ron confirmed. 'It's obvious really. And if it's that obvious to me, well, let's face it, than it must be bloody obvious mustn't it…'

'Language!' came Hermione's scolding words, accompanied by a scuff around the ears for a pink faced Ron.

She didn't even turn away from her conversation with Alain and Luc. Seriously, the woman had some sort of radar for bad language, especially when being used around her children. Although right now, little Hugo and Rose were almost sleeping in their seats and wouldn't have noticed a parade of hippogriffs parading around the house. Not surprising really, seeing as it was well past midnight and of course way past their usual bedtime.

Ron followed Harry's eyes and sighed.

'Come on you two,' he said gently, 'let's get you to bed'.

He scooped up first Rose and then Hugo, heaved them up high and carried them out.

'But I'm not tired Dad…' Rose tried.

She hadn't managed to finish the last word before breaking into a huge yawn. Hugo didn't even try. He simply rested his sleep flushed face against his father's broad shoulder and closed his eyes.

'Your children are lovely,' Harry told Hermione, watching Ron's back disappear. 'Thanks for bringing them along. It's a pleasure to have them here'.

Hermione smiled.

'I know,' she said. But then she hesitated before continuing: 'I do worry about them you know. I've been so busy lately with the election and those trials… And it's only going to get worse if I manage to actually win the election next week'.

Draco snorted.

'Leave it out Hermione. That election is in the bag and you know it,' Draco smirked.

'Exactly,' Harry agreed. 'And about little Rose and Hugo… Hermione, you are brilliant at everything you do and that includes being a Mum. Those children adore you and with good reason'.

'And besides,' Draco added, 'it's not as if you have to do this alone. Loathe though I am to admit it, they've got a decent enough father in Weasley'.

Both Harry and Hermione gaped at him.

'What?' Draco said defensively. 'I'm only saying…'

Hermione recovered first, closing her mouth and clearing her throat.

'Anyway,' she said, in a clear attempt to change the subject, 'Have you seen this morning's edition of The Oracle?'

Both Harry and Draco shook their heads.

'What was that Hermione?' Luc joined in. 'The Oracle? That's Rita Skeeter's publication isn't it?'

Hermione nodded.

'Let me guess,' Draco sighed, 'Another fabulous report on how Mss Walker was convicted by a unanimous vote of the Wizengamot to a sentence of… what was it? Ten years in Azkaban I believe?'

'No,' Hermione said. 'Or I mean yes about the ten years. But no, that wasn't what I was talking about'.

'I still say it's a pittance,' Draco grumbled.

Harry couldn't agree more. He placed a warm hand on Draco's thigh and pressed down soothingly.

'Ten years? Merde… That doesn't seem anywhere near enough for what they did. What they put Draco through…' Luc exclaimed. 'And what about the rest of them?'

Harry sighed and answered: 'About half that for the others. Except Alden. The minute Ron had her in custody, she started hinting at her "high connections" within the Ministry. I'm not sure what she told the Aurors in the end, but apparently it was enough to get Scrimgeour booted out of office. And enough for her to come off with no more than six months of Azkaban'.

'Ron says that isn't the end of it though. Apparently some evidence came up recently that indicates Miss Alden in numerous illegal activities,' Hermione said, looking pensive. 'He won't go into details, but I think Miss Alden might face a second trial before her six months are up'.

They were all quiet for a little while, each brooding on their own thoughts. Harry didn't like it. Tonight was supposed to be about celebrating and no way was he going to let that Bald Eagle Society lot spoil even a second more of their time. He wouldn't want to give them the satisfaction. So he attempted to change the subject.

'So what were you talking about then? He asked Hermione. 'Earlier, when you asked us if we read the Oracle this morning?'

'This,' Hermione said, conjuring a folded copy from her purse. 'Remember how you allowed Skeeter to interview you both in exchange for all her help? Well, she published the story today. Or the first of the series I should say'.

The first thing Harry saw when the paper started unfolding itself were the huge black headlines screaming: "Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy; An Epic Love Story".

Harry and Draco groaned in unison.

'Let me see that,' Blaise said, quickly snatching the paper away from groping hands.

There was a short scuffle that Blaise won easily. All except Harry and Draco gathered around Blaise's chair as he cleared his throat and began to read the article aloud. Even Ron wandered back in, just in time to hear the whole thing.

'Anyone with eyes has been able to see it for themselves: Harry Potter is in love! The Boy-who-lived is now the Man-who-loves… none other than Draco Malfoy…

And who could blame him, my dearest readers? They make the most handsome couple and when they look at each other… Well, you can actually see sparks fly!'

Harry buried his head in his arms and tried to block everyone out. Tried, but failed. He could still hear Blaise's every word as he proclaimed them loudly. He also heard the shrieks of laughter from Parkinson and the snickers from Ron and Alain.

He heard words of how Draco was "Devastatingly handsome with a hint of the Bad Boy about him" and how Harry apparently was "A dark, casual beauty with an aura powerful enough to make every witch and gay wizard go weak at the knees".

'Make it stop… Make it stop…' Harry pleaded uselessly as he thumped his head against the solid table repeatedly.

'Fucking Skeeter…' he heard Draco mumble miserably beside him.

He looked up and gave Draco a consoling smile as the words "Almost palpable sexual tension" and "Silver eyes that were positively swooning when they locked with brilliant green ones" were flying through the air.

'I should never have let you talk me into this,' Draco said accusingly.

'Me?' Harry cried out incredulously. 'Come on Harry, what harm can it do? Those words ring a bell Draco? She helped save my Mother Harry, surely we owe her a little something. Yes? Any of this coming back to you at all?'

'More about this startling tale of Love in next Saturday's issue. The next instalment will cover their heroic efforts in bringing down the wicked Bald Eagle Society. The Wizarding world has a duo of Heroes now, and don't they look the part?'

'I don't know,' Luc pondered aloud. 'This picture sure is something, but I'm not sure I'd describe it as heroic exactly…'

'How about… Hot?' Parkinson offered.

'Oooh definitely!' Alain agreed.

'Intriguing? Captivating?' Hermione tried.

'Give me that!' Draco ordered, snatching the paper away from prying eyes to spread it out in front of Harry and himself.

They looked at it in silence. There were several smaller photographs, but the large one was obviously the one that had drawn all the comments.

Harry didn't know when it was taken, they certainly hadn't posed for this one. It looked too… private. Harry's cheeks flushed in embarrassment as he saw his photo-self smile at Draco in a way that he could only describe as… well… smitten. It was a close-up shot, with Draco looking somewhere behind the camera and Harry looking, no, staring at Draco. Like a lovesick puppy, Harry thought miserably.

But then, at the very end of the photo loop, photo-Draco turned his head and looked at Harry. There was a look of surprise and then his expression softened and he smiled. A smile that made something warm and wonderful unfurl in Harry's stomach. Carefully he smoothed down the black and white wizarding photo, silently vowing to keep it safe.

'Nice photo,' Draco commented.

'Mmm,' Harry agreed, looking at Draco with burning eyes.

Draco swallowed. They looked at each other without speaking for what could be seconds, minutes, hours…

'Er, hello? Remember us?' came Zabini's incredulous call.

'Not right now they don't,' Hermione replied for them.

Clever Hermione Harry thought, still not prepared to look away from Draco.

xxx

Harry looked at Draco as he writhed beneath him, beautiful, naked, wanting... Harry's hands traced every curve and angle of the blonde's gorgeous body, touching, stroking, caressing…

His fingers traced a path from delicate collarbone, to flat chest and abdomen, down lean legs and then back up again. Draco gasped and arched himself up into Harry's hands like a kitten being stroked. The blonde hair lay splayed like a golden curtain, framing Draco's striking features. Harry couldn't get enough of looking at the beautiful blonde, lying there with lips slightly parted, his eyes dark and almost dangerous-looking with pupils blown wide.

'Beautiful,' Harry said absently as he raked his fingers through the silky smooth locks. 'Beautiful,' he repeated as his lips started following his hands, pressing tantalising kisses on Draco's nipples, jutting hipbones and the soft skin of his inner thighs.

Draco shivered and moaned softly, urging Harry on. Harry gripped the blonde's hips firmly, almost bruising the pale skin. Draco didn't seem to mind. All he did was throw his head back, worry his bottom lip between his teeth and moan louder.

Harry's lips continued their path down Draco's chest, but were now joined by the occasional scrape of teeth, always followed by a soothing, almost apologetic lap of his tongue.

'Harry,' Draco breathed as Harry moved lower and lower. 'Please Harry… please…'

The last word ended in a sob as Harry finally gave in and enveloped Draco's straining erection in the warmth of his mouth.

'Yessss…' Draco hissed, bucking his hips up wildly in search of more, deeper, faster…

Harry tightened his grip and effectively pinned Draco's hips down while he used his tongue to drive the blonde wild. He teased Draco with a darting tongue, alternating between languid laps and twirling licks from base to tip and back again.

Harry couldn't explain it, but he just needed to touch Draco, feel him. All of him. Every single part. Now. With some regret he released Draco's cock from his mouth. It wasn't enough… Not enough… Hands, fingers, lips and tongue went exploring again. He lay down on his side and faced Draco, pulling the blonde toward him.

Yes, Harry thought. More skin to trace now, he could stroke down Draco's back, following the path of his spine to the curve of his arse. Soft, firm, delicious… Harry thought. He closed his eyes and inhaled Draco's scent, revelling in the feeling of closeness.

He smoothed his hands further down, along the back of Draco's legs, making him squirm slightly as he touched the sensitive skin behind the knees.

'What… What are you doing?' Draco whispered.

'Touching you,' Harry said, demonstrating the truth of this statement by gently caressing Draco's cheeks.

Draco raked his fingers through Harry's hair, making a delicious shiver ripple through Harry's body. Harry bent forward and buried his nose in the crook of Draco's neck.

'Smelling you,' he continued, inhaling Draco's scent deeply. Merlin he smelt good, Harry thought, leaning in to breathe the scent in.

He let himself fall backward and pulled the blonde on top of him.

'Kissing you…' he finished, pressing his lips to Draco's, first softly, then growing more urgent. Draco opened his lips and Harry sighed blissfully as their tongues began a lazy duel.

After that, Harry was lost… Draco was everything, everything was Draco and Harry liked that just fine. Stroking hands, kissing lips, hips thrusting together… He didn't know where one began and the other ended. And he didn't care.

He cried Draco's name over and over as the blonde eased his cock into Harry and started to move in, out, in out... Slowly, slowly, so very slowly…

'That… that what you want?' Draco panted, his body tensed with restraint.

'Yes,' Harry moaned. 'Or no… I mean yes… but… more, now, please, now, now…'

He looked up at Draco's flushed face and laughed as Draco relented and sped up. Draco promptly silenced the laughter by almost slamming his hips forward, pounding into Harry relentlessly until all he could do was babble incoherently.

Harry felt his heart speed up ever faster, heard it pounding in an almost deafening rhythm. He moaned unashamedly, his climax building to an impossible high, tossing his head from left to right. He raised his legs to wrap them tightly around Draco's hips and pushed himself up. He whimpered as the angle made it possible for Draco to slide even deeper, feeling so good, so incredibly good…

The smirk on Draco's face was what pushed Harry over the edge. Harry cried out and came, and came and came... He looked at Draco as if enthralled, seeing the smirk disappear and be replaced by an expression of almost awed pleasure. Harry couldn't stop looking, didn't want to.

Even half an hour later, with the lights dimmed and Draco fast asleep, Harry still couldn't take his eyes away for the beautiful man in his arms. This is what I want, Harry thought with absolute certainty. This. Exactly this.

'Will you stop,' Draco complained sleepily.

Harry startled.

'Stop what?' he asked in confusion.

'Stop looking at me,' Draco grumbled, opening half an eye.

Harry grinned.

'Never,' he vowed, grinning even wider.

Draco opened both eyes now and leaned back a bit to look at Harry quietly. After a while, he sighed heavily, closed his eyes again and snuggled even closer.

'Alright then,' Draco conceded, the corner of his mouth twitching suspiciously. Harry could see Draco try and fight it, but before long, that twitch curved into a full smile.

'Yes it is,' Harry agreed. He smiled, wrapped his arms tightly around the blonde and pressed a tender kiss on smiling lips. Yes it is, he thought again, so very alright.

xxx

Reviews very welcome!

Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be back soon with a new Drarry fic. Not ready with these two yet ;)