Fickle Fate: Chapter 57

This is the END! I can't believe it but it's finally over. I want to thank everyone who's stuck through this bumpy journey with me and gave this whacky story a chance. I never expected it to end up this long but I wouldn't change it. This epilogue might have a lot crammed into it, but I wanted to wrap up as many loose ends as possible.

Thank you again and I hope you enjoy this final installment of Fickle Fate!

Warnings: Just...a lot of feels. Yeah, that's it.

Disclaimer: I wish I did...but I don't.

Please enjoy!

Epilogue

Months Later...

Harry tried to calm his fidgeting but the more he tried to be still the worse it got.

"It will be alright, Harry. No one will think less of you or use this information against you." Harry turned to look at his father and tried to smile at him, only for it to come out as a grimace.

"In my head I know that, but...I've never told anyone everything, you know? Well, I mean, I tried once when I was little but that went really wrong." Severus moved to sit next to Harry on the Hospital Wing bed and wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulders.

"I'm sorry you didn't have adults you could trust to protect you growing up. I can't erase what happened but I'm hoping you can start getting at least some of the childhood you should have had." Harry leaned into Severus's side, taking the offered comfort.

Their relationship had come a long way, and so had the Wizarding World. It had been over five months since the "Battle of Hogwarts," as the Prophet called it. In that time a lot had changed…

The first major change was that Madam Bones became Minister of Magic. She had personally ousted Minister Fudge after his corruption was fully uncovered and seeing as she was head of the Wizengamot, she became the Interim Minister. She held that position for four months until a formal vote could be organized and the people given the opportunity to have their say. Unsurprisingly, she won by a landslide.

During her time as Interim Minister she cleaned house, got the Ministry started on shifting from war mode to peace time and met privately with Harry and Tom. Harry had been terrified; he hadn't met a politician that actually listened to him and didn't want him thrown in prison. His family calmed him and Tom told him to be completely honest with Madam Bones. So, Harry didn't hold anything back, except perhaps the gory details of his treatment at the Dursleys, though he felt justified glossing over that part of his life.

Harry had almost collapsed in relief when he was dismissed from her office with no consequences and only a sympathetic look. After he had come out, Tom went in.

That meeting went much longer than Harry's and he only heard about the consequences the following day. It was summarily decided that for the sake of public well-being Lord Voldemort would be "killed". Tom Riddle could keep his persona as Lord Slytherin, since he really was the heir, but Lord Voldemort would be no more.

The Daily Prophet printed pictures of the "dead" Dark Lord on the front page a week later. The official story was that the body found was actually a golem created by Albus Dumbledore who used it to start the war and run both sides of it ensuring he would come out the victor. It was flimsy if anyone asked too many in depth questions but at that point the public was more than willing to accept it, if it meant the war was over. Harry for one had just rolled his eyes and moved on. It wasn't his problem anymore.

Despite having "killed" Lord Voldemort, Madam Bones was not satisfied. That's where the second major change came in.

The new Minister of Magic was requiring Tom to attend bi-weekly Mind Healer sessions at St. Mungo's with a Mind Healer of her choice. The Mind Healer would report back to her on the sessions and Tom's progress, and Madam Bones would decide when Tom was no longer required to continue with the sessions.

This stipulation, while humiliating, was worthwhile and helpful to Tom in the long run. Having a shattered and split soul on top of a traumatic childhood left the man with a desperate need for healing.

In addition, while Tom could keep his seats on the Wizengamot he would never be allowed to run for any sort of office. He was required to donate to multiple charities to help the Wizarding World rebuild. He was to relinquish all cursed artifacts in his possession for destruction (rather than letting them sit in some Ministry storage room). Finally, he had to head one major project for the good of the Wizarding World.

Tom did not find the last requirement difficult as he already had many ideas he wanted to implement.

Harry wasn't sure how he felt about Tom not getting any prison time, but he supposed that would require a trial leading to the public discovery that Lord Voldemort was not actually dead. Though their connection was gone Harry and Tom corresponded on a semi-regular basis, so Harry knew that Tom was more than happy to work to repay the debt his part in the war had caused and had some brilliant ideas in the works already.

The third change also involved Tom. Harry had a new friend.

When Tom had finally returned to his rooms at Lestrange Manor following his recuperation in the Hospital Wing, he made an amazing if heart wrenching discovery. The reason Nagini had been gone for many weeks that previous summer was because she was pregnant. Tom found a snake nest hidden in the back corner of his closet. How he never noticed it, he had no idea. However, that day, the eggs hatched and seven beautiful snakes entered the world.

Tom spoke with them and after a week all but two decided they would rather venture out into the world instead of staying. Lord Slytherin kept one but then asked Harry in one of his earliest letters if he would like to have the second baby snake.

Harry had been concerned at first, believing his Parseltongue ability was gone. To reassure him that he could have a pet snake without being able to talk to it, Tom invited Harry over to meet the baby snake. They quickly discovered Harry's talent had stuck.

So, Harry now had Hedwig the owl and Nila the snake. Nila was a spunky little thing always sassing everyone even though only Harry understood her. It had caused him to snort at some inopportune moments but it was worth it. Her companionship and sarcasm helped Harry as he adjusted to his new wand and new magical abilities; she motivated him to keep pushing through frustrating lessons and setbacks.

She was also a great help (along with his other, human friends) when it came to dealing with what Harry considered the biggest change of all. It was definitely the one he cared about the most.

As part of his whole confession/explanation to Madam Bones, Harry admitted that Severus Snape was actually his father and James Potter was his godfather like Sirius Black. The new Minister of Magic was shocked to say the least but she took it all in stride. Then she asked a question that had floored him: "Who do you want to stay with as your primary guardian?"

To think, he had never had an option before and now he had two: his blood father or his current legal guardian, Sirius Black. Though Harry practically jumped for joy upon learning he genuinely didn't have to return to the Dursley's, his stomach grew nauseous.

Everyone had been very worried when Harry returned from the Ministry looking ill but refusing to discuss anything. Thankfully he hadn't needed to. Severus had assumed the question would arise sooner or later, and also assuming Harry's likely reaction to the question, he had taken the initiative to start the custody conversation with Sirius.

At first, the idea of sharing his godson made Sirius reluctant but after calming down he knew it wouldn't be fair or right to keep Harry all to himself. However, he was very firm in his stance that it should be Harry's decision, which Severus completely agreed with.

So, Remus, Sirius and Severus had approached Harry for a discussion. Given the state of the school and the serious trauma many students endured, Minerva McGonagall as temporary Headmistress declared an impromptu holiday for an entire week. This had given Harry and his friends some much needed downtime and his father figures the time to talk with him about his future…

Back in the present, as Harry sat on the hospital bed still awaiting Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey, he smiled as he remembered the conversation. He had been so scared when they all wanted to speak with him but in the end he couldn't have been happier.

"What has you suddenly looking so happy," his father asked. Severus was rather curious what could cause his previously anxious son to go from nervous to happy in but a moment.

"Just...thinking about how now I have multiple parents to care for me and more than one home to go to." Harry turned to face his father fully. "Thank you for being willing to work with Sirius on this. I didn't want to have to choose." Severus inclined his head in acknowledgement of the thanks offered.

"It would have been cruel to make you choose. I am glad you are happy with the outcome." Snape's serious expression broke as the corner of his mouth ticked up in a smirk. "Though you might regret it now that you've got adults concerned about the quality of your schoolwork." Harry mock groaned, feeling more relaxed as he bantered with his father.

"Severus, why did you accept the Headmaster position from Professor McGonagall," he suddenly asked. "I thought you hated teaching." The Potions Master let out a small sigh as he acknowledged his son's comment.

"I dislike teaching disrespectful imbeciles about a delicate magical art that can easily get someone hurt. It is stressful, frustrating and dangerous. However, I do highly value education and want to ensure this school returns to its former glory as a institution of learning." Harry nodded his understanding though a small spark of disappointment lit in his chest. Then Snape leaned closer. "I also want to remain close to my son. I may have agreed to share custody with Black but I'm not above cheating a little to get more time with you."

Harry couldn't stop the laugh or the smile from forming even if he wanted to. He ducked his head as a light blush of happiness alighted onto his cheeks. Severus silently congratulated himself on successfully distracting Harry from the distressing situation they found themselves in.

"Well, Mr. Potter, it looks like we are finally ready to begin," came the harried voice of Madam Pomfrey. She was followed by his head of house and Auror Tonks. Given what they were doing a Ministry official was required to be present to report on the findings and continue with an investigation if necessary. Madam Bones suggested Auror Tonks since she knew Harry would be more comfortable with her.

Harry gave the three witches a grimace but nodded that he was ready as well. Severus gave his shoulder a squeeze before standing. Tonks stepped forward holding a glowing metal sphere of some kind and gave Harry a kind smile.

"Alright, Harry. This is a recording device and it will keep account of everything said here once I activate it and will become part of the case file. I'm probably going to have to ask some uncomfortable questions along the way but you don't have to answer if you don't want to. This won't impact your current guardianship in any way, alright? So don't worry about that. Do you have any questions for me?" Harry took a deep breathe and shook his head. Tonks smiled again, tapped the sphere with her wand to get it going and then stepped back to make room for Madam Pomfrey.

Severus stood next to Minerva and watched as the school nurse began to perform a medical history scan on his son to determine the severity of abuse wrought upon him by his muggle relatives.

"I'm sorry it took this long and so many terrible things had to happen before we were finally able to start helping our students," Minerva suddenly murmured. Severus nodded his agreement.

"I agree, however we are helping them now. I understand you have two more lions to assist?" At her nod he hummed in sympathy. "I recommend speaking with the other Heads and figuring out a schedule so you aren't each bombarded with all of this trauma at once. I am also in the process of finding a counselor, perhaps two, to help with student health and any future abuse cases." Minerva gave him a smile and wiped a tear from her eye.

"That is a wonderful idea, Severus. I must say you are making a wonderful Headmaster so far." Severus snorted while trying not to lose his cool at seeing his son's medical history chart getting longer by the moment.

"The standard has been rather low for quite a while. I find it isn't hard to impress in such situations." Minerva hummed and shrugged in an acquiescent manner and changed the subject.

"I understand Mr. Potter's friends have been very helpful preparing for this?"

"Quite," Severus said. "Though they've all been helping each other. Mr. Weasley still struggles with his lack of parents, though I understand his father is improving. Harry tells me Ronald and Ginevra visit their father in the Janus Thickey ward whenever Mr. Longbottom goes to visit his parents." Minerva hummed in sympathy. Harry was wringing his hands as Tonks started asking for explanations for injuries noted on Madam Pomfrey's record.

"The sheer amount of Imperio's that poor man endured over the years is staggering, and for him to be as sane as he is still? Truly astonishing. Bill and Charlie seem to be doing well helping their siblings at least." Severus agreed and forced himself not to interrupt Auror Tonks as she gently pressed Harry for more information. Normally he wouldn't be allowed in the room seeing as it was his son being examined for abuse, but he was the Headmaster. Plus, everyone knew he wasn't the one who had physically abused Harry for years (the Occlumency lessons notwithstanding; he and Harry still struggled with that part of their past occasionally).

"Yes. Draco and his father are still working on their relationship. My godson misses his mother terribly despite what she did to him. However, his Aunt Andromeda has surprisingly stepped up to offer him the maternal comfort that Lucius cannot." Minerva was happy to hear that and said as much.

"I'm sure the budding romance between the young Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy is also providing the two boys a nice distraction," she said rather cheekily. Snape actually turned to look at her with a brow raised. He didn't answer immediately, though when he turned his head to focus back on Harry, Minerva spotted an amused smirk forming.

"Yes...well...it still seems to be at that awkward crush level rather than a budding romance, as you suggest. I can't seem to bring Draco up without Harry blushing and Draco has taken to bursting into my quarters at random to start ranting about how "annoying" my son is for ignoring his rather dreadful attempts at flirting. I'm quite sure Ms. Granger is about ready to lock them in a broom cupboard soon if they don't figure it out. Mr.'s Zabini and Nott would gladly help her." McGonagall shook her head in amusement and her smile softened as she stared at Harry.

"He finally gets to have something normal, Severus. He finally gets to be a child." Severus let out a shaky breath and gave his son an encouraging smile when Harry looked to him for strength.

"Yes, he does, Minerva. He finally gets to just be Harry."

I hope you enjoyed the wrap up! I plan to take a short break to get some of my other stories ready to start publishing but I'll be back soon. I'm going to focus on my avengers and white collar stories for a little while since I've been immersed in the Wizarding World for so long and hopefully that will get fresh HP stories flowing from me in a while. Thanks again!

PS I looked up the bare minimum on snake births/maternal habits given the (maybe?) accurate info I could find on Nagini's species.

PPS I decided to hint at a relationship rather than include it as a major point in the story. I got a lot of suggestions for who to pair Harry with and Draco/Harry won by one vote. It was the only relationship suggested more than once! XD

Please review! :)