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CHAPTER POSTED: 8 July, 2019

CHAPTER SIZE: 3,354

Chapter 8
Epilogs

A/N: Sorry, I haven't read the newer books or movies all about Ilvermourny, etc. And, it's not like I can just give myself a spoiler-alert warning and keep going – so this is set using the early fandom guesses around Salem Academy.

Monday, 26 December, 1994

Remus knocked at the back door at the Granger's house in Crawley.

Harry jumped up from the table and let him in, "Remus!" He gave him a hug.

Remus smiled at everyone, "Everyone ready to go meet the relatives?"

Hermione, Peter, Alicia, Dan, and Emma sat around the table finishing breakfast.

Hermione smiled deviously at Harry, "So, Remus, explain again what you've told them?"

Harry still looked rather nervous, "Yeah, tell me again."

Remus smirked at Harry asking yet again, "Basically, I've told your ancestor's paintings – everything. All the gory details because they beat me about the head and shoulders when I took the paintings out of storage. They would not let me hang them up until I told them everything."

Harry still looked very nervous, "Ok – but – how did they take it all?"

Remus was still being patient, "To be honest – they are very nervous of meeting you. Somehow, with something I've said, they are now very intimidated by you."

Harry stepped back shocked, "Me? Why?"

Remus shrugged, "I don't know what I said that caused it. Are we ready?"

Harry balked, "Wait – won't we be interrupting the other visitors?"

Remus chuckled, "Harry, it's Boxing Day. The museum is closed today. We've got it all to ourselves. That's why we're going today."

Harry sighed having run out of stalling tactics, "Ok. Let's go."

Remus started moving, "Ok, everyone grab your coats, it's raining out there."

Peter smiled, "That's still better than all the snow in Boston."

Alicia ran back into the guest room, into their Tardis trunk to get her coat, "Got it."

Remus held up a short rope, "Everybody, hold on tight!"

Hermione wrapped it around Harry and wrapped her arms around him, "Ready."

"Activate!" They flew through the dark to land in what looked like a beautiful five-star hotel lobby. Marble floors, large paintings on the walls, a wide curving staircase leading up, huge windows around the front glass-filled doors, a huge cut glass chandelier hanging in the centre.

Alicia squeaked, "Whoa! What is this place?"

Remus dropped into tour-guide mode, "This is Peverell Manor. The Peverell family are some of the ancestors of the Potter family. The land was given to the Peverell family in the early 600's. This manor was built in 1641 and then updated in 1782. When the Peverell main line died out rather suddenly in 1803 the land was lost because it was unplottable and it had not been passed down to the Potter family properly. Then, when MI5 found all the unplottable properties, this was on the list. The Goblins regained access to it. Since Potter Manor was destroyed in the first Voldemort war and the Black family properties were – a bit of a mess with dangerous dark objects and some truly dangerous wards – we moved everything of interest to this house and lands."

Peter was turning slowly around surveying everything, "How big is this house?"

Remus tilted his head in thought, "It's a bit complex. There are 15 main house bedrooms and suites. That means rooms for family members or guests. Then there are rooms for human servants, of which there are 10. Then there are areas for up to 40 House Elves to live. Of the public rooms, there are two libraries, two sitting rooms, two game rooms, a duelling or training room. Of the family bedrooms, five are suites with full baths, offices, sitting rooms, balconies, closets, and the like. Not to mention the four storage rooms, the kitchens, the larder, the potions lab, the walk-in freezer. It's – rather large." He pointed toward the back of the house, "Let's start this way, through the kitchen."

Remus led them all through a long tour of the house, the back gardens, the upstairs suites, and the game rooms. Then, outside the main suite in the hallway he stopped, "And this next room I have saved for last because I know it will be a favourite." He held out his hand pointing to the next door, "The music room."

"Yes!" Harry moved in with a gasp, "Look at all this!" Large windows filled one wall, landscape paintings, and musical instruments of all sorts filled the room, some hanging on pegs on the walls. Pianos, a harpsichord, a harp, even a vibraphone. Violins, cellos, a stand-up bass. Brass instruments of many kinds hanging on the walls. Harry took off his watch, with it's magical-containment wards, and sat at the grand piano and started to play. "Oh, this is perfect!" He dove into a long introduction to 'Stella By Starlight'. His magic filled the room and the house that had not seen much magic for almost 200 years.

Hermione wandered over to the standup bass and started playing a simple walking bass-line along with Harry. Harry started singing the first verse and Hermione joined in as a harmony.

As that song ended Harry moved over to a horn hanging on the wall and Hermione moved to the piano. She started playing 'Alice In Wonderland' and drug Harry into playing it. Peter found a classical guitar and started playing along.

As that song ended Harry spoke up, "Ok, mom, 'When I Fall In Love'."

Hermione started an introduction on the piano and Harry started improvising on the vibraphone. Alicia, Harry, and Hermione started singing intertwined melodies and harmonies. Peter picked up a violin from a cabinet against the wall and joined in. It was joyous! Harry and Hermione's magic bound them together and filled the music with laughter. They played the song several times through, adding improvisational sets, before it wound down. The finale was soft and sweet and ended with a soft chord.

The room broke out in applause and clapping. The crowd loved it. They whistled and cheered.

Then Harry noticed, "Hey! Where did you all come from?"

More laughter broke out, but this time came mainly from the occupants in the paintings. The paintings on the walls were no longer landscapes but were full of crowds of people watching and clapping.

Remus walked to the centre of the room and waved a hand around the room, "Harry, these are all your ancestors. Well – the nice ones. If they couldn't be nice they were stuck in the basement."

The crowd laughed and clapped some more.

One man stood out, "Bravo! Bravo, Harry! Unbelievable! But – maybe for us dense ones you can introduce everyone?"

Alicia came forward, "You! I remember you! You were at the hospital! When Harry was dropped off."

Remus interjected , "This is Alicia Serena Forrester. Harry's adoptive mother."

Sirius bowed low with a flourish, "Indeed, madam, I am the very one you met that night. Or – at least that's what Remus tells me. Sirius Orion Black, at your everlasting service for taking care of my Godson all these years."

Harry stood with his jaw hanging.

Hermione came up beside him and was immediately wrapped in Harry's desperate hug. Harry was trying not to cry.

Remus continued. He pointed to Peter, "On the violin is Peter Randall Forrester, Harry's adoptive father."

Peter bowed.

Remus pointed to Dan and Emma, "Dr Dan and Dr Emma Granger, the parents of Hermione Granger." He pointed to Hermione, securely wrapped in Harry's arms.

Hermione waved lightly while being ensconced in Harry's arms.

Remus turned to Sirius, "Would you now do the honours?" He waved his hand toward the paintings.

Sirius got a mischievous glint in his eye, "I'd be glad to. Let's start with your cowardly father! Who can't manage to show himself. James? Oh, James?" He started shading his eyes with his hand and looking off in the distance.

"Oi!" Sirius was clapped on the back as a man walked up behind him, "You old dog. I was tending to the Mrs. – She's – a little overwhelmed, you see." He pointed behind the crowd, then turned to Harry with wide overwhelmed eyes, "Harry ... You've grown up." He tried to smile, "It's – very difficult. The last time we saw you, you were one and a half. And – now look at you." His smile grew, "A man of many talents."

Harry looked a bit confused as he tried to recover, "Why is that so difficult?"

James looked hollow, "I am basically 22. I won't grow up – or become any more mature than I am now. In a few years you will be older than I am. I can't be the father I wanted to be. And to try to call you son – would not be right."

Harry nodded through his tears, "And I can't be the son you wanted. I'm sorry."

A woman came to the front of the crowd with red hair, tear-stained cheeks and a wan smile, "No, you are much more than the son we wanted. We had hopes of what you could be but you have surpassed them all."

Peter looked a little sheepish, "Well – at 22 years old with your first new baby, how far in the future could you imagine for him? I think what you're feeling is natural."

She turned to Peter, "Thank you. You have done an excellent job."

Peter smiled, "Well, I think parenting is a mutual-growth process. We all grew up together." He motioned toward Harry and Alicia. "Unfortunately, something you didn't get the chance to do. You gave your lives for Harry."

Lily nodded to Peter with tears threatening, "So did you. Every day."

Peter nodded in understanding, then smiled, "Yes. And I'd do it again, in a heart-beat."

Remus interrupted with a cough, "Um, if I could –"

James smiled knowingly, "Yes, Moony? You've got something brewing in that brain of yours, what are you thinking?"

Remus started to smile like he hadn't in years, "I thought it would be fun if Harry and Hermione could share some of their recent memories of their musical performances."

Gasps from the picture-crowd, and laughter from Harry.

Harry got his laughter under control, "Ok, would you like to see us shake up Hogwarts with music? How about last year's Winter Percussion at World Championships? This year's marching band Finals? Or our Wind Ensemble concert? And our jazz quartets? How about a choir competition?"

Everyone was both confused and excited, but they wanted it all.

Remus pulled out the family pensieve and got it ready as Hermione helped Harry pull copies of his memories into the bowl, and some of her own.

Remus turned to the paintings, "Let me warn you. This will be nothing like you have ever seen before. But this is a slice of Harry and Hermione's life in non-magical school."

Every one of the physical people dipped a finger into the bowl and Remus touched the painting while dipping his finger in. The room fell completely silent and still as everyone experienced Harry and Hermione's performances from a first-hand perspective, inside their ensembles. None of them came through unchanged and everyone came through overjoyed.

Monday, 2 June, 1997

Remus walked into the band room at Mason High and looked around for Harry or Hermione. He listened and couldn't hear any motion of breathing in any of the locker or practice rooms. Just Mr Monetti in his office. Then he heard them outside in the trailer parking area finishing their cleaning and organising of the storage containers.

Remus smiled as all the memories of the last three years washed over him. The chaperoning, all the competitions, the practices, all their trips. It was very emotional for him, not just because he got to participate with Harry and Hermione, but all the other kids in this program. And working with Peter and Alicia, and all the other parents helping with the programs. He never would have believed what this all would mean for him. To participate in all these kids growing up. It was phenomenal!

Mr Monetti came out of his office, "Mr Remus! How are you this fine day?"

He cleared his throat to get it working again, "Mr Monetti – I am speechless. To see and be involved in this program has – changed my life."

Mr Monetti laughed, "Yup, it's pretty fun. Watching the kids grow up and take on big challenges – and then realising they can do it? It's the best thing in the world." His smile softened, "So, this is the end for you? No more nephews or nieces to go through the program with?"

Remus laughed, "Yes, I'm afraid so. But, honestly, it's tempting to stay involved."

"It has been amazing having you involved. We don't get many parents who have the time – and inclination – to be so involved. You have made a huge difference in a lot of kids lives. Not to mention encouraging two of our finest."

Remus chuckled, "Those two didn't need much encouragement. They were hooked. And I am so glad. I think this is such a rich program."

"So, now you said you are going back to England?"

"Yes. I have a position associated with the National Trust managing some historical properties."

Monetti smiled knowingly, "Well, leave me your number. If we take another group over to England maybe you can help us find some good places to perform."

Remus nodded, "Yes. I would love that."

"Remus!" Harry came running in the back door and gave Remus a drive-by hug as he grabbed some drum gear and ran back out the door. "Almost done!" His voice bounced back into the room.

Monetti sighed watching Harry disappear, "I'm going to miss those two." He looked serious.

"Me too. At the end of summer, when they head off to Perdue, I'll return to England. That will be life-changing." He coughed to clear a hitch in his voice, "I don't know how I will handle it."

Monetti looked at Remus and put out his hand, "Thank you. For all your help over the last three years. You have made this program so much richer."

Remus shook his hand with significant emotion attached, "It has been an honour. I will treasure these memories." He looked around the room, at all the memories, "Now I think I understand, when I hear teachers talking about all 'their' children they see graduate. Because it feels like some of their success is mine, too. They feel a bit like my children."

Monetti grinned, "That's the truth! I get to have all these kids –" He held up his hand and whispered behind it, "And then hand them back when they're done!"

Remus broke out laughing.

Harry and Hermione came in the back door hand in hand.

Hermione motioned toward the back lot, "All done."

Remus held out his arms, "There you are! I was beginning to think you ran away."

Harry chuckled, "What? Run away? We live here." A grin broke out, "You gonna bring dinner?"

Hermione leaned over and whispered loudly to Harry, "He's trying to give us a suggestion."

Monetti shook his head, "You two stay here much longer and I'll have to start charging you rent."

Hermione rushed up and gave him a hug, "Mr Monetti, thank you. I never would have guessed, in my wildest dreams, what this experience would mean to me when I came over here. I am so much more because of what you have provided."

Monetti struggled with his composure.

Harry followed with another hug, "I knew it was good, but – wow. This has been such an awesome experience."

"Aw, come on guys. You don't want to see an old man cry." He wiped his eyes.

Harry patted him on the back, "We will always be a part of this program. And this program, a part of us. So if you need anything, let us know."

Monetti smiled, "I always need to hear what you're up to, every so often. Come back and see me some time."

Harry nodded seriously, "You bet. We'll drop by and watch some competitions. The Friends and Family shows."

Monetti laughed, "Good. Now, I think that rent timer is about to start." He looked at his watch and glanced at them smirking.

Everyone laughed and waved their goodbye as they started walking the few blocks home.

Remus looked out of the corner of his eye, "So – a good experience, there Hermione?"

Hermione burst out laughing, "Oh my God, Remus! I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I never would have believed it. I have so many friends! Going to Winter Percussion World Championships, our trips to Europe, and Drum Major! –" she laughed again, "Me?"

Harry hugged her, "You were the best Drum Major! So Awesome! You had those kids jumping to get everything done! Not an attitude problem anywhere!"

"Oh, yes!" She made a whip-cracking motion and a sound to match, "And I couldn't have done it without you, Harry. The best Brass Captain I could want." She leaned into him and kissed his cheek.

Remus shook his head, "You know, guys, that was an amazing leadership program. I am so glad you got to be part of it – but so am I! I learned a lot by hanging around and watching!"

Harry chuckled, "So much fun. And now, tomorrow, we work on NEWTS?" He looked to Remus hopefully.

"Yes. Tomorrow. Today we relax. Hermione, your parents will be back in a month for vacation in August, then the exams, spend a few days with Harry's grandparents in Vermont, then before you know it, it will be time to leave for Perdue."

Harry looked concerned, "Then you leave for Britain? You sure?"

Remus smiled, "Yes. You two are all set up. You've learned all I can teach you. I will go back and put some significant time into building up the Potter and Black Stewardship and museums. I'd like to start doing some events at those facilities; music, arts, maybe even some theatre. Eventually, I'd even like to fund some historical research into the families places in history and the conditions in society at the time. It will give the Stewardship a bit of an educational bent. The story of magic in England and these families places in that history."

Harry smiled hugely, "And will that include school tours?"

Remus smiled, "Oh, yes. We'll host some Hogwarts history classes. The Hogwarts choir for an evening performance. I think that will become a landmark social event. And, hopefully, an annual event." He looked at Harry, "Did either of you settle on a major at Uni?"

Harry nodded his head with indecision, "Well – I can't decide between physics, engineering, or math. But I'll probably do a number of minor subjects, including music, so – they'll all be in there somewhere. "

Hermione grinned at Harry, "I've settled on biochemistry – basically pre-med. With at least a minor in music."

Remus smiled at their boundless ambition, "And magical Masteries?"

Hermione nodded, "Healing to start. But that will likely take only two summers to finish so I can probably do more."

Harry looked at Hermione and smiled again, "I can't decide between transfiguration and conjuration, so maybe both?" He looked back at Remus, "But we have decided that we will work towards doing our PhD's at Cambridge."

Remus laughed, "That's wonderful. I can hardly wait."

They continued talking about their future as they walked home. Their hopes and dreams, their ideas on how to bring them about, what their challenges might be. A future filled with friends, family, learning, and always more music.