Epilogue: Can't do much better

Four months later, it was once again time for a wedding. A real wedding this time.

It was Ron and Rose who waited in a separate room this time.

Rose tried not to think of the last time this happened, but it was impossible to not draw parallels. There were, of course, obvious differences. She was not in chains this time. She was here of her own choice. Her family were all here. And she wore a stylish, more traditional wedding gown. And she was happy. Happier than she could remember feeling in a long time.

But some things were the same. She would walk up the aisle to wed one of the most kind and beautiful people in the world. This time, she would not have to pretend to dislike the kiss. She looked up at her father. He smiled, though there was a touch of sadness there as well.

"What's wrong, Dad?" Rose asked.

"Nothing. It is just hard to think that my little girl is already so grown up. It seems only a few years ago that you were eagerly hopping on the Hogwarts Express for the first time. Now, here we are, at your wedding," Ron said, smiling.

"I know what you mean. Only a few months ago, I ignored Scorpius. I was focused on school and thought that was how life was supposed to be. Yet looking back, the reason I was ignoring Scorpius was because I didn't want to admit feelings for him. It took a major crisis for me to truly see who he is. He is a good man, even if he would never admit it himself."

"I suppose you could do a lot worse than Scorpius," Ron said, trying to sound like he only grudgingly admitted this. But the huge grin on his face gave him away.

"Yes," Rose replied. "But not much better. Come. It is time"