A Promise Kept - Chapter 80 - A Promised Epilogue
A Promised Epilogue
“No, don’t get up,” he insisted as he silenced the charm clock to wake him just before sunrise. “There’s not so much that needs doing today.”
Isabelle merely hummed in response before turning on her side and falling asleep again only a moment later, eliciting a chuckle from Wendell. He did not have the luxury of sleeping in, but that didn’t mean his wife couldn’t.
No, he needed to check on the mooncalves, and the mundane cattle before tending to the rest of the livestock and harvesting the fluxweed that was to be sold in the coming days.
To most, his life would seem rather unfulfilling, but Wendell had inherited his father’s, and grandfather’s love of farming, and there was nothing he loved more than working the land.
Upon the announcement of their nuptials, his father had gifted him his own fields, and Isabelle’s parents had insisted on building them as a house as a gift.
Not that he didn’t appreciate the gesture.
Their home was more than suitable for them.
With a groan, he reluctantly left his warm bed and entered the kitchen to make his morning coffee before heading out into the fields to begin his day.
He’d been at it for perhaps an hour two when he spotted his wife running towards him holding the wireless aloft, and she was breathless by the time she made it to the paddock.
“Harry,” she wheezed. “Listen.”
Wendell frowned, his heart sinking into his stomach as he did so.
“Witnesses claim that Potter killed the Dark Lord Voldemort at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the early hours of the morning, putting an end to the war that had gripped Britain for so long. We will have more on this soon, when we receive confirmation of what transpired.”
“Sonofabitch,” Wendell choked.
“Do you think it is true?”
Wendell nodded.
“It’s true.”
He’d immediately written to his friend but had decided to not burden the man with his presence just yet. Harry would be busy for some time dealing with the fallout of the war, and Wendell himself was coming to terms with the revelation that he was to be a father.
Not that he was opposed to the idea, and though they’d not discussed having a baby so soon, Isabelle was delighted she’d fallen pregnant.
Harry would certainly get a kick out of it.
Checking the clock, Wendell decided there was enough time to have a coffee before paying a visit. With Isabelle busy working as much as she could until her own career would be put on hold for a while, she wasn’t here, but she would insist Harry visit them soon enough.
Of that, Wendell had no doubt.
(Break)
Bliss.
In a matter of hours, he would be allowed to fully indulge in the peace he had fought his entire life for, and standing by his fence, watching the griffins would not be tainted by thoughts of the responsibilities he carried.
As expected, the fallout of the war had been rather significant, but much to Harry’s relief, wizarding Britain had come together to begin righting the wrongs of the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters.
Only a mere two days after the fighting had ceased, a slew of volunteers had arrived at the castle to help in fixing it; a job that would’ve taken months being completed in only a couple of weeks.
The young the old, the men, and women had worked together to return Hogwarts to what it had been for the past thousand years. Of course, the school bore the scars of what future generations would look upon as a dark day in history, but one that the Dark Lord Voldemort had finally been defeated.
Of course, putting Hogwarts back together was only one facet of undoing the damage caused.
The many funerals of the dead had been taking place up and down the country as per the wishes of those that had perished, and Harry had attended more than his fair share, along with official memorials hosted by the Ministry of Magic.
It served as a reminder that the cost of war was too great a price to pay, and though it would undoubtedly rear its ugly head once more, he hoped that it would not come so soon, that the memories of those who had lived through this would not be so short.
Along with the funerals and services came the arrests, and Harry had Arthur and Amelia Bones to thank for their efforts in processing the many facing justice quickly, and efficiently.
Even those recovering in St Mungo’s had not been spared the time to see what fate had in store for them, and many had been taken from their hospital beds to the waiting Azkaban to begin serving out their sentences.
Amelia in particular had been rather ruthless, and the members of the Wizengamot had not hesitated in allowing her to do her job, taking little time to deliberate over each case, none falling for the claims that the Death Eaters had not been acting of their own volition.
Justice had indeed been swift, for the most part, and with the last of those awaiting trial due to be heard today, Harry was hopeful that he would indeed be granted the bliss he sought, well, until the baby arrived, at least.
Although Sabine had been busy preparing for that, and their impending wedding, Harry had been unable to ignore the dark cloud that had formed over the coming of his first child, the threat of the Dark Lord not something he’d been able to forget.
Flashback
Winthrop certainly seemed to be confused and curious as to why Harry had demanded a meeting with him, but one look at the man told him that he was harbouring no guilt, that Riddle learning of Sabine’s pregnancy had not come from him, which meant there was only one other possible guilty party.
“Is something wrong, Potter? My lawyers haven’t even sent the contract yet.”
“This isn’t about our agreement, but something else that was brought to my attention.”
Winthrop frowned, his confusion only becoming more apparent.
“I’m lost.”
“Your son.”
“My son?”
“Took it upon himself to attempt to Sabine and my child in aner by revealing her pregnancy to Voldemort.”
Winthrop swallowed deeply.
“Are you certain of this?”
“Unless it was my mother, godfather, Sabine’s parents, or Sabine herself, then yes. You didn’t happen to do it, did you?”
Winthrop shook his head.
“Of course not! Our agreement suits us both perfectly. I would not jeopardise that for petty revenge.”
“But your son would.”
Winthrop deflated.
“I cannot say the same for him,” he admitted.
“Then we have a problem.”
The man rubbed his eyes tiredly and nodded.
“How do we solve it?”
End Flashback
Winthrop had left that meeting much less happy than when he’d arrived, and only a day later, Harry had received the confirmation that his son had been handed over to the British Aurors for passing on information to the Dark Lord, as well as being cast out of his family.
The young Winthrop had ceremoniously been sentenced to five years in Azkaban, cast out of his family, and was little more than a social pariah back home.
Harry would’ve preferred to kill the damned fool, but that would cause significant problems with MACUSA, and in truth, he’d grown tired of death.
That didn’t mean that he wouldn’t seek further retribution when the opportune moment presented itself, and he’d already ensured the man’s stay in the British prison would be most unpleasant.
He grinned at the thought, smiling at the sight of Sabine making her way towards him.
“I thought you might want a coffee.”
He nodded appreciatively and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, as he accepted the cup.
“Enjoying the peace?” she asked amusedly.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it. How is the little one?”
“Proving to be as much trouble as their father,” she returned with a mock glare. “I will be glad when they’re here.”
“We’ve got the wedding first.”
Sabine nodded and smiled brightly.
“And then?”
Harry frowned at the question.
“Well, I plan on taking some time off before I start playing Quodpot. You’ll need me round whilst you’re studying.”
“Harry, I’ve not even looked into it…”
She broke off as he removed a roll of parchment and handed it to her, gasping as she unrolled it.
“You’ve gotten me an interview for an apprenticeship with Newt Scamander?”
“No,” Harry denied. “You’ve gotten yourself an interview with Newt Scamander. I only ensured he received your NEWT results and told him of your love of animals. He made it very clear that he would be doing me no favours,” he added with a chuckle. “I like him.”
Sabine placed a searing kiss on his lips.
“Thank you,” she said appreciatively, “but the baby…”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t do what you want too,” Harry interjected. “It will be our baby, and I want to enjoy doing nothing for a while except for enjoying all of this and sharing it with the little one. That’s not so bad, is it?”
“Of course not. You’ve earned it.”
“And it isn’t as though you’ll need to start your apprenticeship straight away.”
“If he accepts me.”
Harry shook his head.
“Within two minutes of him hearing of what it is you want to do, and the passion you have for it, he’ll take you on. I don’t doubt that. Even Aurelius is starting to like you, and he hates everyone.”
The griffin chirped dismissively, eliciting a laugh from them both.
“He’s just being a stubborn git,” Harry snorted. “Believe me, if he didn’t like you, he’d be over here letting you know.”
Aurelius glared at him from where h was lounging on the grass.
Harry would always be grateful for the assistance of the herd when he’d needed them. It wasn’t until he’d returned home to find them all here that he knew they’d all survived and learned of Sabine’s part in sending them to him.
She’d earned Aurelius’ gratitude, even if the griffin continued to be difficult.
“Isn’t Wendell coming today?”
“He is an will be here soon.”
“Are you going to ask him to be your best man?”
“Depends how much of a git he is.”
Sabine rolled her eyes at him as she rested her head on his shoulder.
“It is peaceful here.”
“Not for long,” Harry sighed. “Wendell just arrived.”
“You’ve missed him.”
“Maybe, but you can never tell him that. Bloody hell, I’d never hear the end of it.”
Sabine laughed.
“Why are men so strange about missing each other?”
“Why do women use the same cubicle in public bathrooms?”
“So they can continue the conversation they were having without being interrupted,” Wendell answered as he reached them, beaming as he placed both hands on Sabine’s stomach. “I made the mistake of asking Isabelle that question and found myself having to explain urinal etiquette and splash zones.”
“You have an exciting marriage, Wendell,” Harry chuckled.
“We get by, oh, and same deal for the two of you for our little one if anything happens to us?”
Harry nodded thoughtfully.
“Only if you do ss good a job as I did advocating for you with Isabelle’s family.”
Wendell frowned for a moment before spitting into his hand and offering it to Harry.
“Done.”
Harry accepted the proffered limb, and Wendell peered over his shoulder.
“I still think he’d make for a fine breeder,” he commented, nodding towards Aurelius.
Aurelius chuffed irritably.
“Or not,” Wendell snorted. “What, is there something on my face?” he added to the confused Sabine.
“What just happened?” she asked.
“Oh, Wendell and Isabelle are having a baby and we are apparently going to be the godparents, and this jackass just agreed to be my best man,” Harry answered.
She looked between the two of them as though they’d taken leave of their senses before shaking her head.
“I think I’m going to go back into the house,” she declared. “Congratulations on the baby, Wendell. I’m sure Isabelle will be a delight,” she finished with a knowing grin.
“What does she mean by that, Harry, and why was that smile so evil?”
“Oh, you’ll see,” Harry assured him. “She won’t let you forget what she is sacrificing for you.”
“I suppose I’ve only got myself to blame. Anyway, how’s it going?”
“I’ve been much worse.”
Wendell nodded before pulling him into a tight embrace.
“You’re one crazy sonofabitch, Harry, but I’ve known that since the day I met you. I’m just glad it is all over with, and so are Isabelle and the others. Have you heard from them?”
“I’ve had letters,” Harry answered fondly, “and even one from Reg, who made me promise I would visit him and Nancy when everything has calmed down.”
“Well, there isn’t any sign of that,” Wendell snorted.
Harry shrugged.
“After today, that won’t be my problem.”
“You’re going to step down.”
“With immediate effect, and if anyone tries to talk me out of it, they’ll get a foot up the arse.”
Wendell shook his head.
“From what I hear, people think you’re a great Minister of Magic.”
“Only when it came to dealing with Riddle. The day-to-day stuff, I can’t do that Wendell. I have other things I’d rather be doing than dealing with people trying to kiss my arse, and the dirty politicking.”
“Harry, people are always going to be kissing your ass.”
“Not as much as if I am the Minister. Besides, I’m not even eighteen yet, I have a baby on the way, and other things waiting for me. Arthur will be a great replacement.”
“If they vote him in.”
“If they want to kiss my arse as much as you say, they will.”
“So much for not wanting anything to do with dirty politics.”
Harry shrugged once more.
“I don’t mind helping a good man who will do an exceptional job for the right reasons.”
Wendell nodded and clapped him on the shoulder.
“So, you’ll retire from being the Minister of Magic, and spend your days…”
“Being a father for now, and as long as I feel like just doing that. Everything else can wait.”
Wendell offered him a smile of approval, and Harry became acutely aware of the stone he carried with him.
Thus far, he had managed to ignore the urge to summon his own father, perhaps concerned the man would be disappointed in him for all he’d done, or maybe just that ding so meant he would truly have to say goodbye to him.
Whether or not he would do so, he had not decided yet, but he could not deny that it was getting harder to find an excuse not to. Why wouldn’t he take advantage of such a unique opportunity, after all?
(Break)
He held the small babe in his arms, unspeakably relieved that Ares would not grow up in a world torn apart by war.
Sirius had never lost faith that would be successful, but he would never deny that life was often cruel and unfair and could’ve proved to be so once more.
Fortunately, that had not been so, and even as he’d looked upon the corpse of the fallen Dark Lord, he’d been compelled to ensure the man was truly dead by nudging him with the tip of his boot.
The Ministry of Magic had taken the body, and what remained of the basilisk with the assurance that both would be disposed of immediately.
Sirius suspected both had been tossed through the veil.
“It’s alright,” he soothed as Ares began to fuss. “There’s nothing out there that can get to you.”
The boy had certainly taken on the appearance of the Blacks, down to inheriting Sirius’s grey eyes, and he understood just how readily James had sacrificed himself so that Harry and Lily might be granted a chance to live.
He would do the same for Ares and Emmeline, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t continue to miss his friend, or lament on memories that had never been made between James and Harry.
Sirius had done his utmost to be there for his godson, and even Lily, and that wouldn’t change, though some things would.
Harry was indeed a man now. He’d made it against all odds and would undoubtedly thrive in the years to come.
“You’re oddly quiet.”
“I’m just thinking.”
“About how terrible things could’ve been.”
Sirius shook his head.
“I was,” he admitted, “but I’d rather think of the better things to come. Too many people sacrificed too much for us to think about what could’ve been.”
“That sounds like something Albus would’ve said.”
Sirius grimaced at the thought.
“I spent too much time with the old codger,” he sighed amusedly. “Anyway, I would rather think about us getting married.”
“And if I refuse?”
He grinned amusedly as he wrapped an arm around her.
“You won’t.”
Emmeline scowled at him, but her heart wasn’t in it.
“I suppose we should,” she mused aloud, taking Ares from him. “I will not have my son looked down on because his father was unable to control himself enough to wait to be married.”
“You couldn’t either!”
“Maybe I just eventually fell for your charm, Sirius Black.”
He allowed a smile to crest his lips, though sitting among what remained of the Wizengamot was no reason to. The numbers would grow once more, but not until today was done, at least.
It was finally time for the last of the Death Eaters to be sentenced for their crimes, and then, just maybe, Britain could truly begin to heal from what had plagued it these past years.
The war would always be an ugly chapter in its rich history, but now, it would be at an end, and another could begin anew.
He had watched proudly as Harry had given his verdict these past weeks, how he’d presided over the proceedings, leaving none in any doubt that those who had followed Riddle would be punished to the very limits the law allowed, and today would be no different.
He cleared his throat as he finished signing off on the final sentences before looking towards Draco Malfoy.
Lucius, and his son, had been caught attempting to flee Britain only a few days after the fighting had concluded.
Robards had been thrilled to be the one to apprehend them and would certainly enjoy the 250-galleon reward for doing so.
“Draco Lucius Malfoy, for the kidnapping of five of your fellow students, and serving the Dark Lord Voldemort willingly, you are hereby sentenced to life in prison,” Harry declared.
The young man protested his innocence, and fought against the Aurors, but was stunned as he pleaded with his watching mother for help.
The pale Narcissa said nothing, but wept silently as her son was dragged from the chambers of the Wizengamot.
Sirius would not deny that he was surprised that the woman had not directly involved herself in Riddle’s plots and had told the truth when she claimed she’d been an unwilling participant.
Even so, the rest of her life would see her as an outcast, and she would live it quite alone, wherever she chose to do so. As far as Sirius was concerned, she was getting off lightly for raising such a scumbag of a child, but he took some comfort knowing she would have nothing left.
“Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, for the murder, rape, and torture of countless victims spanning more than twenty years, and your wilful following of the Dark Lord Voldemort, I hereby sentence you to life imprisonment. There are those among us who would see you thrown through the veil, but death is too good for you. I would see you suffer for the remainder of your days for all you have done. Take him away.”
The dishevelled Lucius held his head high as he was led from the room, and Harry watched him, evidently wondering if he’d done the right thing.
He had.
Death was too good for a man like Malfoy, and he should be made to suffer for his transgressions.
“Before we conclude this gathering,” Harry spoke once more. “I would like to announce that I am stepping down as Minister of Magic with immediate effect.”
Sirius was not surprised by the declaration.
Harry had made it clear he’d only sought the position as part of a deal he’d struck with the goblins, and that he would only serve until the war was concluded.
With the last of the Death Eaters now having been processed, he had fulfilled that promise, though it was obvious his decision was not popular.
Those within the chambers protested, many offering their thoughts on him doing so, and Harry held up a placating hand, offering a smile of gratitude.
“I am not even eighteen years old yet,” he reminded them. “These past months have been solely focused on dealing with Tom Riddle and his followers, but I have no idea how to do all the other stuff. It has been Arthur Weasley who did that and did so admirably. I have spent my life with all of this hanging over me, was forced out of my home before I could even hold a conversation and lost more than any should. I appreciate your confidence in me, but I am not the right man for the job, especially when my heart isn’t in it. There are other things waiting for me, but for what my opinion is worth, I truly believe that Arthur Weasley is the best man to continue the work we have stated. He is a pureblood, has served the Ministry for most of his life, and is nothing if not a fair and honest man. He gets my vote to be the next Minister of Magic, and I urge the rest of you to follow my lead one final time in seeing it done.”
“What will you do, Minister?” Lord Boot asked.
“I’ll be here when I am needed,” he assured he man, “but for now, I have a beautiful woman to marry, a baby on the way, and I plan on enjoying both for a while without the likes of Voldemort hanging over me.”
The other Lords and Ladies began whispering amongst themselves, some likely disappointed that Harry would certainly not be considering potential matches for marriage, but most were smiling encouragingly.
Sirius was among them, as proud as the young man as he could ever have imagined, and he did not doubt that would continue in months and years to come, no matter what Harry decided to do with the life he had fought so hard to live.
(Break)
One Month Later
She couldn’t put into words just how glad she was that she’d decided to travel to learn more about the Veela culture across the world. It was proving to be more fascinating than she could’ve imagined, and Gabrielle had barely begun her journey.
She’d started in the familiar conclaves of France before heading east into India, where she’d discovered that the Veela way of life had not changed in centuries, mostly because they had chosen not to interact with humans.
Instead, they kept among themselves, living in isolation away from the rest of the world.
It had taken some time, but Gabrielle had managed to track them down and convince them to allow her to be among them for a while. They’d agreed only after she had assured them she would live the way they did, which meant she had no contact from the outside world, no had she been allowed to bring her wand along.
The experience had been something she’d never forget, and she could write a book on that one period alone.
What she hadn’t expected, however, was just what had transpired in her absence.
She had written to Harry before her isolation, informing him that she would be out of reach for some time, and that she would write to him again when she could.
She’d expected a simply reply of acknowledgement, but there had been two letters from him, the first exactly what she’d assumed, but the second had given her pause.
Before she could ponder it, however, she’d opened one that had arrived from her mother, containing a myriad of newspaper clippings from around the world.
Potter Triumphs Over Dark Lord!
Harry Potter: Our Hero!
Potter’s Final Victory!
Potter Steps Down as Minister of Magic!
Potter Wedding Speculation!
She had been confused by them, but the accompanying letter cleared it up, and it helped her understand Harry’s just a little more.
Gabrielle,
By the time you read this, I expect you will be confused, and maybe a little angry with me.
When we spoke last and you revealed your plan to travel, I did not know that Sabine was pregnant. She was expected to marry someone else, and then things changed very suddenly.
The last thing I want is for you to think I purposely led you on or gave you any false idea that things might work out between us one day.
I like to think you know me well enough to know I wouldn’t do that.
Anyway, I hope you’re well and your travels are living up to your expectations.
I look forward to hearing and reading about them.
Harry
Her mother’s own letter had explained what had happened in the lead up to Harry confronting Voldemort at Hogwarts and she could only breathe a sigh of relief that he had triumphed, that Voldemort was truly dead, and that Harry could finally live a life without th man who’d murdered his father lurking in the shadows.
She wasn’t angry with him for anything.
In truth, the two of them had somewhat grow apart romantically long before he would’ve gotten Sabine pregnant, and as they’d discussed, their paths would be diverting significantly.
Both had known it for some time before they’d shared that last conversation, and truthfully, Gabrielle was happy for him.
Harry was not a bad person, had been so good to her since they’d known one another, and welcomed her into his life, despite so many other shunning her for hat she was.
No, she wasn’t angry, and not even upset, not when someone she cared for so much had been freed of the misery that plagued him and now had so much to look forward to.
Perhaps she would too when the time was right, but for now, her own journey felt as though it as only beginning.
(Break)
Lily could only smile proudly as she watched Sabine and Harry sharing their first dance as husband and wife.
The journey they had taken, and adversity they’d overcome to find themselves in this moment had not been negligible, but against all odds, they had made it.
The ceremony had been as intimate as both had hoped for, with each having only invited a handful of people, with no more than fifty in all in attendance.
Sabine’s family were here, as were her closest friends from Ilvermorny, along with Newt Scamander and his wife, Tina, who she had invited after the man had accepted her as his apprentice.
Harry’s on friends were here, as were the Tonks family, and of course, Sirius, Emmeline, and Ares, along with the Weasleys, who had brought Hermione with them.
Most of the members of the Order were here too, but no journalists had been invited, nor anyone else outside their closest acquaintances, except for Tullius.
“Charlus would be proud.”
Lily nodded her agreement of Reginald Yaxley’s assessment.
“As would James,” she agreed.
Soon enough, the baby would arrive, and the two of them would be embarking on yet another journey, but Lily had every faith them they would do so admirably.
It was clear to see the two of them were madly in love, and their child would be doted on by the most dedicated of parents, and the three grandparents they would have.
It was something she was looking forward to, and yet, she could not ignore the slight pang in her chest that her own husband would be missing out on so much more than he already had.
Of course, without James’s sacrifice, she couldn’t even be certain that she, let alone Harry could’ve survived that Halloween night.
She shook her head of such a maudlin thought.
James Potter had done the very same thing she was willing to do to see their son survive, and though not a day went by that she didn’t miss him, especially such occasions as today, she did not need to question how he would feel about just how incredibly brilliant Hary had been all these years.
Not only had he triumphed where all others had failed, he was truly living a life he deserved, and just as James would be, Lily could not be any prouder of or more pleased for her son.
(Break)
“Twenty-four,” Arthur murmured.
The investigation had been ongoing for months before the war had come to an end, and all of the gathered evidence from his and Amelia Bones’ efforts pointed to twenty-four others in various departments of the Ministry of Magic who’d been complicit in Umbridge’s antis over the years.
From bribery to favours, and to those who simply shared her unpleasant views, the woman had not been successful without these accomplices, and when presented with the evidence, they’d been unable to deny their involvement.
Not that they were around to continue in such efforts.
All had either resigned or been fired, meaning that the Ministry itself was free of their presence, but Arthur was under no illusion that there was still a long way to go.
For as long as he was the Minister of Magic, he would do his utmost to maintain these changes, and just maybe, he might live to see Britain become just that little more pleasant during his tenure.
Harry had certainly laid the foundations, and now, it was up to him to see it through, for as long as the people of Britain wished for him to serve them.
Thus far, and though he was aware it was merely the beginning, he’d been well received, and Arthur Weasley was hopeful, that finally, Britain could begin to thrive without any further threat rearing its head.
(Break)
It felt as though barely a moment had passed them by that they’d been sharing their first dance as husband and wife, and now, Sabine found herself in their marital bed, breathing heavily as a smiling Tullius tended o the new-born baby he had delivered.
“You have a beautiful, healthy son,” he declared.
Sabine breathed a sigh of relief, and the babe was placed into her arms.
For several moments, she could only look upon him in a state of disbelief that she was a mother, the boy she held her son, and the husband and father of both the very same standing at her side, beaming proudly.
Harry placed a kiss on her brow as he moved the swathe of blankets covering their son’s head, his smile widening as he did so.
A small tuft of dark hair became visible, and Sabine rolled her eyes.
“He’s going to look just like you, isn’t he?” she sighed.
Not that she minded, of course.
From what Lily had told her, Harry took after his own father mostly, and even his father before him.
Her gaze shifted towards the redhead as Harry took hold of the babe, and she gestured for the waiting Lily Potter to come forward. She did so, her expression softening as she took in the sight of her son, who against the odds, no had one of his own.
“Here,” Harry murmured, offering the babe to her.
A few silent tears rolled down Lily’s cheeks, and though she had not doubted it for a single moment, Sabine knew she would be the most doting of grandmothers.
“He’s perfect,” she declared with a watery chuckle. “Have you thought of any names?”
Sabine looked towards Harry who offered her a smile.
“James,” he decided. “He should be named for the bravest of men.”
Lily nodded her approval, and it was indeed decided.
Their son was to be named for Harry’s father, the man who’d sacrificed his life so that his wife and son might just live.
Even her own mother and father did not disagree, both smiling proudly as Lily presented their newest grandson to them.
For Sabine’s part, as much as she wanted nothing more than to hold the boy to her chest and do little else than watch him grow before her very eyes, she was exhausted, and with only a nod from Harry, she allowed herself to fall into the waiting slumber; tired, but no less excited for what the future held for her and her family.
(Break)
For three days the home had been a flurry of activity as he, Sabine, and baby James were inundated with visitors. Of course, Harry’s mother was living with them, but Valerie and Augustine had opted to stay for a while to allow his wife to rest.
Of course, Sirius and Emeline had arrived in a matter of hours after James had been born, and the former had broken down into tears when learning the name of the boy, declaring his approval.
Clara had been the first of their friends to visit, and had arrived shortly before Wendell and Isabelle, followed by Olivia, Maggie, and Marisa, who had all brought gifts before doting on the boy.
Since then, Minerva, Filius, and even Professors Fontaine and Clarke had been and gone, as had Arthur Weasley and Amelia Bones, who had been oddly taken with the baby.
Harry would never have imagined such a stern woman cooing at James, who seemed to be just as taken with her.
Reg and Nancy had also visited, and Marcus had stayed for almost two days, until he’d left a few hours prior.
For the first time in almost a week, Sabine and Harry now had the house to themselves, and whilst his wife rested, Harry took the opportunity to spend some time with his son.
Never could he have imagined that he would feel such a strong, and overwhelming sense of love for something that had only just come into his life, and yet, he did.
It made him realise just how easily James Potter had done what he had that Halloween night. Still, he felt it to be grossly unfair that the man had not been here to share is such a moment.
There had been many of those over the years, and though Harry had toyed with the idea of using the stone, he had not done so, not yet, at least, but as he found himself in this moment, it seemed to be the right time.
He remembered the promise he had made to himself several years prior, that when he finally triumphed over Voldemort, he would speak with his father.
Releasing a deep breath, he took the fabled Hallow in his hand and began turning it, urging himself not to change his mind, to break his own vow.
It was almost as though he was looking in the mirror when the figure of the man coalesced into a man only a few years older than himself, and Harry understood why many remarked on the similarities between him and James Potter.
For a moment, he looked around confusedly before his gaze came to rest on Harry, who found he could not speak so readily. It wasn’t often he was lost for words, but faced with his father, he did not know what to say.
“Harry?” the man whispered, his eyes widening as he received a nod in response. “You’re grown.”
“Thanks to you, Mum, and Sirius.”
James Potter smiled sadly.
“How is your mother? Actually, don’t answer that. I expect she has been quite furious with me.”
Harry shook his head.
“She has always been proud of you, just as I have. If you hadn’t have faced him the way you did, we may not have made it.”
“I would do it again.”
Harry nodded and wiped an errant tear from his cheek.
“I know, I understand that more than ever now,” he chuckled, nodding towards the babe in his arms.
“You have a child!” James whispered reverently.
“Named for his grandfather.”
James stared at his namesake for several moments, his mouth agape before he swallowed deeply.
“I’m sorry, Harry, for not being there for you.”
“You were there when it mattered,” Harry corrected, “and I had Mum, and Sirius. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them.”
James offered him a bright smile.
“And now you have a son of your own.”
“And a beautiful wife, and you don’t need to worry about Mum. She’s here with us and will always welcome.”
“Then I can only tell you just how proud I am of you, Harry,” James said sincerely. “What about…?”
“I got him. For everything he did to us, he suffered, and he is dead.”
“Then my death wasn’t meaningless. It wouldn’t have been even if you managed only another five minutes. I would give my life for you and your mother a thousand times if I had to.”
Harry nodded.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t wish things were different. This war has consumed me my entire life…”
“And no it is over,” James interjected. “Now, you get to live.”
“Now I get to live,” Harry echoed.
“What will you do?”
“For now, I just want to raise my son and be half the father you were.”
“And then?”
“I have a few things to do in the coming years,” Harry returned with a fond smile.
“Then you should start doing all of those things, Harry, and I know I do not need to say it but watch over your mother for me. I expect none of this has been easy for her.”
“I will,” Harry promised, shivering as his father’s hand came to rest on his shoulder.
“We will meet again,” he assured him. “When the time is right, we will all be together.”
With his final words given, James offered him a last smile, his gaze coming to rest on the babe as he faded from the room, and Harry could only breathe a sigh of relief, somehow feeling much freer for facing the man who’d given it all, so that he might just live.
He would do just that.
If nothing else, he had learned that life was precious, that it shouldn’t be taken for granted, because as it had with his father, it could be taken in little more than a fleeting moment.
No, there was indeed much for him to do, but for now, he was happy, content, and simply looking forward to being a husband and father, the very thing James Potter had been denied when he’d proved just how good a man he was.
(Break)
Ten Years Later
“James, I will not tell you again, stay out of your sister’s room.”
The boy pouted, and Sabine took pity on him, helping him clean the horse manure out of his hair.
He had grown to be a rambunctious boy, mischievous much like his namesake, and the resemblance between her son and the photos she had seen of the man was uncanny, except for the eyes. James Potter’s eyes were a lighter shade of brown than her son’s, who shared the darker brown of his mother.
Save for that, it truly was as though James Potter had been reborn.
“He went into Callidora’s room, didn’t he?” Lily sighed as she entered the kitchen. “She said she’d set a trap for him.”
Sabine hummed as she nodded, kissing her son on the cheek and sending him on his way.
“And leave the griffins alone,” she called after him.
Aurelius had proven to be very patient with the boy this past decade, but often, James would impose himself on the herd a little too long, and the large golden male would chase him off, much to the boy’s delight.
There was no malice in it.
James adored all of the creatures Sabine had accumulated over the years, and she was not foolish to leave the more dangerous ones anywhere her children could access them.
No, they lived within the three suitcases Newt had gifted her, and not even her husband ventured in there.
Sabine had indeed completed her apprenticeship under the man, ran a very successful medical practice for all kinds of creatures, but she’d developed a passion for the preservation of them, and many she now possessed were incredibly rare.
“Mum, James as in my room again, and is probably covered in crap.”
“I know,” Sabine sighed amusedly, “but you’ll miss him when he is at Hogwarts, just as much as your grandmother will.”
Lily nodded.
She adored all three of the children, and not a day had gone by that she wasn’t here with them.
Callidora had been born only eighteen months after James, around the same time Sirius and Emmeline had welcomed their daughter, and a year after Wendell and Isabelle’s son had come along.
The latter couple had birthed another four after, but Sabine and Harry were content with three.
James, Callidora, and the now six-year-old Henry were more than enough for them.
There would be no mistaking her daughter for anyone else’s child.
She looked so much like Sabine that it was rather eerie, and even shared the same interest in magical creatures, but there was no denying that she was so much like her father in personality.
Callidora was a bright girl, mischievous in her own way, but just as fearless as Harry when atop a broom.
It was terrifying to watch, just as it as with James and Henry, who were equally talented.
Their youngest son was much quieter than the other two, looked just like his father in every conceivable way, and absolutely idolised the man.
James did too, but he was close to Lily, who was pleased that he seemed to have inherited a talent for potions that Harry had lacked, though she did lament that he had little interest in Charms, already favouring Transfiguration.
“Shouldn’t Harry be back now?” Lily asked.
Sabine frowned as she looked towards the clock.
He’d been gone for almost six hours to attend what should’ve been a rather straightforward meeting with Donald Winthrop.
Before she could ponder his reasoning for being late, however, her husband entered the kitchen and scooped their waiting daughter up into his arms.
“Why is the boy covered in shit?” he asked, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips.
Sabine tutted.
“Because he went into my room,” Callidora said innocently.
“And why do you have horse poo in your room?”
“To keep James out of it.”
Harry chuckled amusedly.
“That makes sense,” he declared, placing the girl back on the floor before kissing Sabine on the cheek. “How is he?”
Sabine smiled.
“Much better than he was, but he is old, Harry. He might only have another year or two at most.”
Truthfully, Bruce was doing well for a horse of his age.
Although he wasn’t up for the long hacks he’d enjoyed during his younger years, he still liked to be ridden but had been ill for the past week. She’d been worried, but under her care, he was already on the road to recovery.
“There’s plenty of life in him yet,” Harry said dismissively. “The same cannot be said for my Quodpot career.”
Sabine looked at him questioningly, and Harry released a deep breath.
“I decided not to renew my contract for another year. I just don’t feel like playing anymore.”
“I don’t suppose Winthrop liked that.”
“No, he even offered me three million galleons to sign on for another two years.”
“Well, he has no reason to complain You’ve made him a fortune over the last six seasons.”
“And us,” Harry pointed out.
From what Harry had told her, he’d increased the wealth of the Potter family significantly since he’d fulfilled his obligation to Donald Winthrop, and he’d continued to do so for more seasons than he’d initially agreed to.
“So, what will you do with your free time?” Sabine asked curiously. “We both know you have no intentions of sitting around here all day.”
“No,” Harry murmured. “There is another obligation I have to fulfil.”
He offered her another smile and kissed her on the cheek once more before taking his leave of the kitchen, and Sabine looked towards Lily questioningly.
“I have no idea,” the woman sighed.
Sabine didn’t either, but Harry would tell her when he was ready.
Still, despite the sudden, and even ominous change that had come, she was more than content with the lives they had built for themselves.
Since Riddle had fallen, Britain had been at peace, and her husband had been allowed to pursue whatever ventures he wished without the man lurking in the shadows.
Lily was certainly happier than she’d ever been, as were all who had lived through the years that Lord Voldemort had plagued them.
For that, they had her husband to thank, and it wasn’t as though his deed had ever been forgotten.
No, even now, when Harry appeared in public at the meetings of the Wizengamot, or simply taking a stroll through Diagon Alley, the people of Great Britain remembered all he’d done for them, how he had rid them of the Dark Lord, and how he served them still.
Sabine could not be prouder of her husband, of their children, nor happier with the lot in life that she had been granted against all odds.
(Break)
He could not be certain how long he’d been separated from reality after he had perished at the hands of Harry Potter, but when the Dark Lord’s thoughts became lucid once more, he found himself occupying yet another sentient being; this one, the form of the snake he had come to quite enjoy the company of.
At first, Nagini had taken exception to his presence, had fought against, him, but even in such a weakened form, his mind was much stronger than that of the serpent, and eventually, she had relented, allowing him to fully take control of the vessel.
What he could do now, however, he did not know.
Nagini was such a large creature, and not one that would be found in Britain, nor anywhere else in the world after he had changed her in so many ways.
Quickly, he realised he was stuck, and having lost the war, it was unlikely he would be able to find any help from what followers remained, For now, he had decided to remain close to the Riddle home where he’d left Nagini, and had only ventured as far as the Gaunt family shack under cover of darkness to confirm that Potter had indeed managed to retrieve the ring belonging to his magical relatives.
Upon approaching the home, he had sensed Potter’s presence, and it only grew stronger the closer he drew.
Potter had not been lying.
He had somehow discovered the Dark Lord’s secrets and had destroyed them in front of him; a final mockery before he found himself here.
What he would do, he did not know, but he did not intend to feast on rats and other vermin for the rest of his days. How long could Nagini’s body sustain him anyway?
What he’d done was unprecedented, so he could not even give himself an accurate timeframe, but for now, it appeared to be holding up. Even so, this was not what he had envisioned when creating his Horcruxes. No, he had been assured that either Lucius or Bella would be perfected placed to assist him, or that one of his others would’ve been happened upon.
That was not to be, and it appeared that Lord Voldemort would indeed be spending the next inordinate amount of time as he was now, helpless, trapped, and uncertain.
Perhaps he would begin attempting to venture abroad where he might find another willing person as he had Quirrell to assist him until he was able to create another body for himself.
He began pondering that very idea, planning just how he would so, only to pause as he felt quite the overwhelming sensation of magic washing over him in waves; something that grew steadily more powerful until he heard a gentle voice, and soon after, footsteps nearby.
The Dark Lord coiled up tightly within himself, not wanting to be discovered, but the footsteps came closer still, and he realised that the voice he heard was someone humming almost as though they were soothing a babe.
The tune was somewhat familiar, but it stopped suddenly.
“Oh, I know you’re here somewhere,” the voice cooed. “There is no need to be shy. It is not as though you can hide from me.”
He dared not moving, thinking that Potter had somehow discovered away through the protections here, but it did not feel like Potter. No, the magic he could sense was like nothing else, but also somehow familiar.
“Ah, there you are!”
The Dark Lord could only hiss in protest as he was snatched from the bush he’d been hiding in, and he looked upon the most curious man confusedly.
“Birds singing in a sycamore tree…dream a little dream of me,” he murmured lovingly. “Better? I do despise such fear. It is most unbecoming of you, Tom. It is you, isn’t it?”
The man laughed, and the Dark Lord felt a coldness washing over him, which only increase as he took in the one familiar green eye of the man as he gazed upon him.
Potter.
The eye undoubtedly belonged to him, but the other was a deep red, malevolent in nature, though both narrowed equally as they took in his appearance.
“Yes, Tom, I know you are in there,” he murmured. “Hmm, perhaps I should keep you as one of my pets. I think you above any other would appreciate them, but no, you’re not anywhere near as useful to me.”
He laughed once more, cackled almost at a joke only he seemed to understand, but it ceased quickly, and Lord Voldemort could only look on in horror as he opened his mouth to expose two rows of sharpened fangs before the two of them vanished, dragged through a void and into a cold stone room.
They paused only briefly to look upon two men, before that infernal laughter sounded again, and the Dark Lord felt something much colder wash over him before he knew no more.
(Break)
He quirked an eyebrow as he felt a familiar presence, one that had not been here in a number of years now, but one he’d expected again.
“You know, I thought you may have forgotten about our agreement.”
“No, but things were busier than I expected them to be.”
“I have seen,” Clarence chuckled. “And now?”
“Now, I am here to fulfil my end of the bargain. I promised you three years of service.”
Clarence nodded as he offered the man his hand, which was accepted readily.
“It’s good to see you, Harry,” he said sincerely. “How is the family?”
The man smiled, and Clarence could not miss how he did so without the underlying tension.
Life had been unkind to him when he’d been just a babe, but now, he was truly free of what had burdened him.
“As well as I could hope for. My son will be going to Hogwarts this year.”
“Not Ilvermorny?”
Harry shook his head.
“No, even if his mother wishes he would. Minerva has made it very clear that she would have James.”
Clarence chuckled amusedly.
“I am happy for you, Harry, and you could not have arrived at a more opportune time. Come, there is something I would have your opinion on.”
He led the man from the study they had spent many hours in what felt to be so many years prior, and into another room that was familiar.
“The veil.”
“The veil,” Clarence confirmed. “It has been restless recently.”
Harry hummed as he inspected the magical curiosity.
“The voices are louder,” he murmured. “Something has passed through it.”
“We haven’t lost anyone.”
“No, something came through it this way,” Harry corrected, drawing his wand and casting a few spells, his gaze flitting towards the ceiling, “and it went out that way.”
“What is it?”
Harry frowned and seemed to follow a trace of magic Clarence could not sense before tapping the veil expectantly.
“I don’t know,” he answered, “but whatever it is, it’s gone.”
He tapped the veil once more, and took a step back as a cold laughter filled the room, echoing off the stone walls before fading away.
“It’s gone?”
Harry nodded, his expression becoming one of concern.
“It went back through.”
“You’re certain?”
“Just now. I felt it pass by me.”
“I didn’t see or feel anything.”
“Only because it didn’t want you to,” Harry replied quietly, casting another series of charms. “Whatever it was is something we do not want to come back here. Bloody hell, I’ve never felt anything like it.”
“Then that is your first task, Harry,” Clarence declared. “I want you to find a way to seal the veil.”
Harry nodded once more, and though Clarence had never believed such a measure would become necessary, it was undoubtedly the right thing to do.
If the man who had defeated the Dark Lord as Harry had was so concerned, then whatever it was truly could not be allowed back in.
“Do you think you can do it?”
“I think I must,” Harry answered. “Whatever that was is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.”
“But you have an idea of what it is, don’t you?”
Harry swallowed deeply, his expression becoming a mixture of concern and confusion.
“It felt like me.”
“Like you?”
“Like me, but different,” Harry whispered worriedly, before he set to work on finding a way to seal the veil and did so with urgency.
In all his years, Clarence Croaker had witnessed some frightening and wondrous things throughout his time as an Unspeakable, but never anything such as the fear that crept into him now.
Although he could not feel it at first, it had become so prominent, so suffocating, and there was indeed a familiarity about it that he could not deny was much like the man standing before him, though it was certainly different, much darker, and Clarence could not agree with the young man more.
Whatever it was that had come through the veil was indeed something that needed to be kept out.