Epilogue

Harry sat by the pond in the garden. Teddy was on a blanket, enjoying the nice weather, absolute joy on his face. Teddy had been forced to be inside so much since he was born; Harry was glad he was now able to get the simple happiness of fresh air. So many people took that kind of thing for granted.

He turned his gaze to the pond. It had over three weeks since he arrived in France. So far, no one from Britain had tried to make contact with him. Fleur's dad said they wouldn't dare unless they wanted a war with France. Harry tried to not think about who was missing. He had hoped George would join him by now, but he was still a no show. Bill had tried to contact him, but his owls went unanswered.

That scared Harry. Everyone knew that George was loyal to him and not Dumbledore. Charlie was sure George would be sneaky enough to get away, but if that was so, where was he? What had Dumbledore done to him?

And then there was Rabastan. He hadn't heard anything. He didn't know if Rabastan was dead or alive. He didn't know if Rabastan had just decided to not come because it was too risky. The not knowing was what was killing him.

Besides Teddy, George and Rabastan were the most important people in Harry's life, and he felt as if there was a gigantic hole in his heart because they weren't here with him.

Bill and Fleur had been great, and Gabrielle was still as sweet as ever. And Harry absolutely adored Victoire; he could already tell she'd be just like her mother when she grew up. Bill better be ready to properly threaten the teenage boys. Bill, Fleur, Gabrielle, along with Mrs. and Mr. Delacour doted on Teddy and Victoire equally. Teddy had always just had one or two adults to care for him, so Harry was happy he was getting more attention. Still, he couldn't be completely satisfied with how his life was going because his family felt incomplete.

Suddenly there was an alarm, the wards alerting to an intruder. Harry picked up Teddy, afraid that this was it. Dumbledore had come for him. Or had sent someone. Maybe Kingsley or Hestia.

Fleur came running out the back door of the manor. "Harry, come quick," she commanded," her accent even more pronounced in her excitement.

Harry followed the happy woman. He wondered what was going on. She wouldn't lead him into danger, so maybe the alarm was a good thing?

They made it to the front, and Harry felt his breath catch when he saw George being led away by Bill. George leaned heavily on Bill, obviously injured. He moved to go to his best friend but stopped when he realized there was someone else standing at the gate.

"Rabatsan," he whispered.

"He saved George's life," Fleur explained quietly, "And brought George here by side-along. I guess the tracking charm worked."

Harry stupidly blinked. It felt like his heart was going to jump out of his chest. He quickly handed Teddy over to Fleur's waiting arms and ran to the man he thought had given up on them.

Rabastan leaned heavily against a tree, exhaustion evident on his face. He didn't look injured thankfully, just tired.

Harry wound his arms around Rabastan's neck and held on for dear life. He laid his head against Rabastan's chest and listened to the heart beating a steady rhythm.

"Sorry, I took so long," Rabastan murmured.

"All that matters is you're here now. Although I wonder what happened that brought you and George here at the same time."

"That's a long story," Rabastan muttered.

"We have time," Harry promised. He tilted his head up.

Rabastan caressed Harry's cheek and leaned down. His lips met Harry's in a soft kiss, moving his lips and prodding Harry to open his own for exploration.

Harry returned it, holding Rabastan close as he lost himself in a touch he didn't think he'd feel again.

When air became necessary, Harry reluctantly broke the contact. He reiterated his earlier sentiment. "We have nothing but time now."

Rabastan's answer was to kiss him again.

The End