Epilogue

The Future We Fought For

"What's got you so down cub?" asked James as he sat down beside his nephew, Leo, who had been behaving in an unusually subdued and quiet manner for the entirety of the day.

"It's nothing Uncle Jay," said the fifteen year old unconvincingly, his platinum blonde hair as dishevelled as both his maternal uncles.

"Leo James Malfoy," said James with a grin, "If you don't 'fess up to me now, I won't be able to assure your mum that there's nothing to worry about. And then she may just decide to use Legilimency on you."

Leo chuckled under his breath as he tossed a stone into the nearby pond, "She's a bit scary sometimes."

"She takes after your Grandma Ginny that way," said James, not mentioning that his own temper could sometimes rival his younger sisters, "So what's got my lion cub in such a depressed state of anxiety?"

"I'm fifteen Uncle Jay," Leo rolled his eyes; "That nickname was cute when I was six."

"You are the first Malfoy to ever make it into Gryffindor," shrugged James, "The name stuck. Now stop trying to change the subject. I'm not your Uncle Al." Leo sighed and resigned himself to his fate. It was true, Leo was a Gryffindor whilst his brother Orion "Call me Orion and die, the name is Ryan" Malfoy had just been sorted into Slytherin House. Oddly enough, he had the Potter colouring of black hair and green eyes whilst his brother the Gryffindor had the platinum and silver.

"It's my girlfriend," he said finally, his eyes widening as James punched his hand into the air, an obvious gesture of victory.

"Your dad owes me five galleons," said James when his nephew continued looking at him quizzically.

"You placed bets on me?" he sounded outraged.

"Kid, when your Aunt Cassie was your age, your parents were placing bets on how long it would take for her to shag Albus," he grinned at the disgusted look on the young Malfoy's face.

"So why are you moping around if you've got a girl?" James continued when Leo remained silent.

"Because even though I really like her, none of you guys will accept her," he said in a hesitant voice, "And I don't want to have to choose between her and my family."

"Leo," said James seriously, gazing at his nephew in imploringly, "I fought a war to get rid of prejudice and discrimination, do you really think we wouldn't accept a girl who makes you happy?"

"Her family fought for the other side," he said quietly, not meeting his uncle's gaze. James sighed, realising the problem.

"What's her name?" James asked quietly, watching as more pebbles got thrown into the pond.

"Nereida Zabini," he said, "And everyone knows the Zabini's are a dark family." James stared at his nephew, understanding dawning across his face. His father's generation often spat at the Zabini name due to the crimes of Blaise Zabini, the Betrayer. Though the family were grateful for Syrena's actions in the final battle, certain individuals (namely his uncles, aunts and parents – although Ginny and Harry where forever grateful to her shade for their son's life) couldn't forgive her for breaking his heart and betraying the Order all those years ago, even though he himself had long since gotten over the pain. Time had healed his wounds, and during the rebuilding effort following the war he had begun a romantic relationship with Alison Longbottom. Leo had been the ring-bearer at their wedding; he had been just five at the time. Looking down at his favourite nephew, he knew what he had to do.

"Have you covered the War in History of Magic yet cub?" he asked, raising his eyebrows as Leo shook his head.

"Its O.W.L level," he said, "We're going to cover it this year."

"You got your textbook from Diagon Alley then?"

"I got the deluxe, autographed edition," he said somewhat proudly, "Though I suppose that's because Grandma 'Mione wrote the book."

"It also helps that she's your Headmistress," said James dryly, flicking his wand to summon the textbook from his sister's nearby house. Scorpius and Lily had moved into the property on which the Burrow once stood and had built their family home there. A thick red book came whizzing through the air, hitting him on the back of the head with a dull thud causing Leo to snigger appreciatively.

"Turn to the page on Syrena Zabini," said James kindly as he rubbed his head, his annoyance forgotten in the face of his nephews misery. He watched as Leo nervously flicked through the book before coming to rest on the section containing important figures from the last Wizarding War. His eyes widened as he began reading.

Syrena Isabella Zabini

"The Siren"

Syrena Zabini (born 8th February 1999) was a war heroine who distinguished herself during the Second Battle of Hogwarts, during which she changed sides and saved the life of the then leader of the Order of the Phoenix, James Sirius Potter, at the cost of her own.

She was born to parents, Blaise Zabini "The Betrayer" and Daphne Zabini (nee Greengrass), both of whom held formidable standing in the dark hierarchy. Her elder brother Delphin Oritel Zabini, who had fled the country after being branded a blood traitor by his parents, is known to have kept in contact with her despite their clashing viewpoints of the ideology of pure-blood supremacy.

During her time at Hogwarts she was sorted into Slytherin House and later joined the Inquisitorial Squad, under then Headmistress Dolores Umbridge, and was responsible for the deaths of Frank Longbottom and Alexa Kreiss (both of whom were high ranking members of the D.A). She attained six O. and the same number of N.E. , in the subjects of the Dark Arts, the Mind Arts, Potions, Arithmancy, Charms and Transfiguration. She later went on to study the Dark Arts under Astoria Nott (nee Greengrass) her maternal aunt and a handmaiden of Bellatrix Lestrange.

Syrena defected to the Order under false pretences during the spring of 2016 and the details of her assignment are to this day unknown. What is known is that she became romantically involved with James Sirius Potter, before betraying the Order and returning to the Dark Side.

She later participated in the Second Battle of Hogwarts, fighting alongside her parents upon her broomstick, and was thrown from the sky after a short but heated battle with Ginevra Molly Potter (nee Weasley). She survived the fall; having landed in the Hogwarts Lake after her broomstick was shattered beneath her. She re-entered the battle and is prominently known for her actions in foiling Audrey Weasley – A death eater – from killing Roxanne Scamander (nee Weasley).

She later encountered her former lover, James Sirius Potter, fighting the dark dragon Malyxstrytheridon with the legendary Sword of Gryffindor. At some point during the fight, Syrena Zabini flung herself between the dragon and James, fatally wounding herself by taking the attack that was meant for him.

She was posthumously awarded the Order of Merlin Third Class for her role in the war, and was granted the moniker "The Siren" for her role as a martyr who died for the man she loved. She was entombed in the Hall of Heroes upon the grounds of Hogwarts and is the only death eater (Save for Hermione and Draco Malfoy; see pages 567 – 574) to have ever received such honour.

Leo looked up at his uncle in awe as he finished reading, a light smile spreading across his face as he took in this new information.

"There is no such thing as a family that is purely dark or purely light, your great-uncle Percy proved that when he fought against us in the Last Battle," said James wisely as he patted his nephew on the back.

"Thanks Uncle Jay," said Leo as he flung his arms around his uncle, before suddenly pulling away blushing slightly at the show of familial affection and staring at James accusingly.

"Did you really shag my girlfriend's aunt?" asked Leo, with his arms crossed and eyebrow raised, his emerald eyes twinkling with amused indignation.

(*)(*)(*)

Artemis, the snowy white owl swooped in through the open window, depositing a pale blue envelope onto Teddy Lupin's bacon. Affectionately, she nipped at his fingers before flying towards Victoire, who smiled as she fished for some owl treats in the kitchen drawer. Teddy scowled at the letter for a minute, acknowledging the way his bacon grease seeped into the paper before noticing the spidery handwriting on the front. Eagerly he grabbed it and tore it open, quickly yanking out the folded parchment and beginning to read.

Hey Mum and Dad

France is great but the Auror training is really difficult, you would think that great-aunt Gabriella with give me some slack because I'm family but if anything she's harder on me than everyone else. I hope that explains why I haven't written in a while, really sorry about that by the way. I know mum said I should write at least three times a week but that's kind of unreasonable considering I have no free time whatsoever.

Also I met this girl a few months ago, her names Belle Summers, and she actually isn't interested that my surname is Lupin. It gets really tiring after a while you know, when every girl you meet is after you for your parents fame but Belle really doesn't give a damn that you guys saved the wizarding world. I may be bringing her home for Christmas so dad; please, please, please hide the baby albums from mum. Also warn Grandma Fleur that if she mentions wedding plans I shall run for the hills. I'm only twenty years old (not that I need to remind you, oh benevolent ones who gave birth to me) and whilst early marriage worked for you people, I have the luxury of time on my side. On a side note, warn Grandma Ginny that she needs to be nice to Belle if (when) she comes. It really isn't conducive to my love life for her to scare everyone away because they're not "good enough" for me. Honestly it's getting embarrassing. Did you know she sent Howlers to Lavender Patil and Alexis Finnigian for the entire summer because she walked in on the three of us in bed together? That was just a bit of drunken fun, I didn't even date either of them.

How are Dominique and Louis (My two favourite Lupins), I miss those kids like crazy and I've already gotten their Christmas gifts by the way. Don't worry mum, it's nothing too explosive. I don't fancy another howler from Headmistress Malfoy because my siblings are somehow setting the school on fire - again. You think she'd be used to that by now considering her own grandchildren spend more time in her office than out of it. By the way, tell Domi if she uses her veela magic on one more guy I will not be liable for my actions. I am a half-trained auror and I forward this motion to keep my sister locked away in a tower, guarded by a dragon, where no boy can reach her. Also tell Louis that he needs to stop bitching to me about his furry little problem every time he writes because it's getting annoying. It's not my fault the werewolf gene skipped Dom and I and went straight to him. Break it to him gently; I don't want any more broken bones next time I visit.

Hope you are all doing well and missing you like crazy.

-Remy (The handsomest and most intelligent of the Lupin's)

P.S. Will somebody please tell Uncle Harry that there is no chance in hell that I'm coming back to work for him in England. Yes I know he's the Head Auror but its too damn weird having to call your grandfather boss every morning. It's one of the reasons I transferred to France in the first place. That and the fact my apartment is right on the beach where I have a perfect view of the French girls sunbathing in the nude.

Teddy chuckled to himself as he handed the letter to his wife, shaking his head as he thought of his eldest son. Remy Lupin had become quite the playboy over the years; he had inherited his father's metamorphmagus abilities and werewolf strength in addition to his mother's veela charm – a lethal combination to the female population of the world. He was still grinning when his twins, Dominique Nymphadora Lupin and Louis Altair Lupin came hurtling down the stairs towards the table, devouring their food as only two fourteen year olds could.

"He's bringing a girl home?" choked Victoire. Remy did not bring girls home. He usually just brought them back to his bed . . . but Victoire was suddenly feeling overwhelmed that her son may finally be settling down. It made her feel old.

"His baby photos are in the attic, first box on your left," said Teddy with a grin, his turquoise hair changing into his son's signature neon green.

(*)(*)(*)

The burger patties sizzled on the muggle grill, nobody noticing as Draco and Harry aimed their wands at the contraption and mutter a few incendio's to stop the fire from dying out. Christmas this year was unseasonably warm and it had been decided that a barbecue was in order, Harry and Draco had both insisted that they were perfectly capable of working the grill whilst their wives worked in the kitchen making the salads and side dishes.

The entire family were sprawled around the magically expanded garden of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, a family that although had suffered a drastic decline in its numbers during the war were now as numerous as ever.

Teddy, James and Albus were clustered around one of the tables playing a strange muggle drinking game which would no doubt lead to one of them falling asleep in the bath-tub; Harry had hoped that fatherhood would mature his sons but all three had become much more carefree after the war and Harry hadn't the heart to discipline them. They deserved their fun after all they had seen in their youths. Besides it was much more amusing to watch Victoire, Alison and Cassandra rage at their husbands whenever they did something too reckless.

Teddy and married Victoire three months after the war ended; she was now the Head of St. Mungo's Hospital and Teddy was teaching as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts, something their three children weren't so keen about but his numerous nephews and nieces (all of whom adored Uncle Teddy) were. Remy was a playboy, Dominique was a flirt and Louis was a brooding youth who was stronger than the rest of them put together – him being full werewolf and all. The twins in question were both swimming in the recently installed swimming pool, Dom boasting a vibrant pink ponytail whilst Louis favoured a head of neon orange spikes.

James and Alison had married last of all his children, Harry had understood that his eldest biological son had needed time to grieve following Syrena's sacrifice and hadn't pushed him into settling down. Now though, the Leader of the Order of the Phoenix and the Leader of the D.A were happily wed with two children. Trystane Neville Potter was due to start Hogwarts next year, his younger brother Daniel Harry Potter was six. Their daughter was somewhere around the yard. The couple were currently trying again, hoping for a second girl, something that Harry really didn't want to know but over the years he had found out more about his children and grandchildren's (Remy) sex lives than he was comfortable knowing. James and Alison in particular lived in Grimmauld Place and they were extremely loud.

Albus and Cassandra had avoided the fanfare that was sure to have come had they had a traditional wedding. Both were extremely famous for their respective roles in the war and to avoid the media and having to plan an elaborate event . . . they had eloped. Ginny had nearly killed them when she found out. They had four children, Calypso Hermione Potter was thirteen and a tomboy if Harry had ever met one, collecting scabs were other girls her age collected dolls. Her older sister Aurora Ginevra Potter was in her sixth year at Hogwarts and was currently reclining against her boyfriend's (Seth Finnigan) chest near the swimming pool. Harry scowled at the sight – his granddaughter was much too young to be dating, she was only allowed to have a boyfriend when she turned forty – it didn't help matters that she was extremely beautiful. Aurora had inherited her mother's beauty and her father's colouring in addition to her Grandpa Draco's sleek hair. Her raven hair fell in a sleek wave down to the small of her back, her emerald eyes always glimmering with mirth across her porcelain skin. Albus seemed to share Harry's sentiment, he was glaring at the boy every few minutes from his seat but Cass had warned him not to scare the poor boy away as he had with all his daughters other suitors. Draco on the other hand didn't know why the two of them bothered, Cass was a war heroine and every boy in the world knew firsthand that Aurora's mother had gone head to head with Bellatrix herself during the war and lived to tell the tale – nobody dared mess with a daughter of Cassandra Malfoy. The twins, Lyra and Gemini, were still five and where playing together quietly. Harry sometimes felt sorry for his son, having four daughters.

Lily and Scorpius had two children, Leo James Malfoy and Orion Albus Malfoy – she was currently pregnant with her third son and the only part of her unborn son's name was that his middle name would be "Edward," Teddy's actual name. The reason for the large age difference between fifteen year old Leo, twelve year old Ryan (named for the constellation Orion) and their unborn baby brother was that Lily's second pregnancy had been a difficult one and she had been told she would be unable to have any more children after his birth. Her third son was thus an unplanned miracle.

Harry would never forget that Scorpius had thrown him in the deep end when it came to his grandson Leo – really the man had fought Voldemort and yet had sent his son to his father-in-law to receive "the talk," – or so he had thought at the time.

"Grandpa Harry," said a then fourteen year old Leo, "Dad said I need to ask you for help because I'm a man now and he doesn't want to explain."

OH MERLIN NO!

"He had to go to work and said I should ask you or Uncle Albus but I think Uncle Al will laugh at me."

THE TALK! HE DIDN'T EVEN NEED TO GIVE THE TALK TO HIS OWN SON'S – THEY HAD JUST SACKED UP AND SHAGGED!

"So I was wondering if we could go to Diagon Alley today and buy the stuff we need and then you could show me how to do it."

MERLIN! THE KID WANTED A DEMONSTRATION! HOW THE HELL WAS HE SUPPOSED TO DEMONSTRATE SOMETHING LIKE THAT?

"Are you okay Grandpa? You look like you've seen a ghost. I know there might be a bit of blood the first time because I really have no experience but I'm sure you'll be able to heal me with a few charms. We should get Grandma Ginny; she's good at that stuff."

MERLIN HELP ME!

"Grandpa Harry . . . You know what, I'll just ask Remy to teach me how to shave."

Harry had almost died of an aneurism that day.

(*)(*)(*)

Hermione took a seat beside her husband, balancing her plate of food on her lap, the twelve years encased in crystal had made it that she looked drastically younger than Draco and the rest of her friends but she didn't mind. Wizards had abnormally long life spans so she had no doubt she would one day have as many wrinkles as Fleur and her hair would be as grey as Ginny's – she was enjoying her relative youth for as long as she could.

Across from her, Lysander was trying to settle his four year old daughter Angelina, whilst Roxanne was arguing with her son Lorcan – he stood half a head taller than her but cowered under his mothers rage as she berated him about his new tattoo. Hermione laughed at the sight, Lysander had never been able to control his children so it often fell to his wife to discipline them. George Weasley, now greying, was talking animatedly with his grandson Joey – who had inherited the prankster genes and was single-handedly driving Hermione (Headmistress Malfoy) insane. Joey's parents where Fred II and Lena Chase (now Weasley) and he had a younger brother Alex who would be starting Hogwarts next year, Hermione sighed at the thought – those grey hairs would be coming sooner than expected.

Arthur Weasley sat nearby, his gnarled walking stick leaning against his chair as he balanced his youngest great-grandchild on his frail knee. Syrena Alison Potter clapped her one year old hands, giggling up at her "Gramps" as James smiled fondly at his daughter in Arthurs arms. The Weasley Patriarch had seen a lot of grief in his time, but he had managed to cope by pushing all his remaining life into doting and spoiling his great-grandchildren.

There was a crack of apparition and Hermione turned to see none other than Remy Lupin, slim and lithely muscled, his spunky neon-green hair flashing in the sunlight as he held onto a blonde girl beside him. This must be the famous Belle Summers. The entire family was talking about her and Hermione already had quite a respect for the unknown girl – it took a special type of lady to be able to get Remy to become monogamous. Then her eyes widened, noticing the girls extremely large, obviously pregnant stomach. Well that explains it.

"Hey guys," said Remy with a sheepish grin, "This is Belle, we're having a baby!"

Ginny and Victoire were on their feet in an instant, Fleur close on their heels as three bat-bogey hexes caught Remy in the face. She watched amused as Cassandra led the poor girl – Belle – obviously overwhelmed aside to speak with Lily and herself. Remy on the other hand was running as fast as he could, dodging his mother's hexes before finally taking refuge behind Harry and Teddy, both of whom were doubled over with laughter. Bill wheeled himself forward and laid a restraining hand on his wife, who just shook her head before sitting into his lap and letting Victoire deal with the green-haired boy. James grabbed his mother around the waist to keep her from interfering as Albus noticed his daughter's boyfriend lean in for a kiss. With a bellowing roar he was on his feet, sending a stinging hex right into the boyfriends crown jewels. Aurora was on her feet in an instant, beginning a shouting match with her father.

Hermione smiled at her massive, sprawling family surrounding her. They were chaotic, somewhat dysfunctional but still perfectly happy.

She remembered all the pain of the war, all the sacrifices they had made and sighed. Draco came up beside her and asking:

"Something on your mind 'Mione?"

"Just thinking that it was all worth it in the end," she said, pulling him in for a kiss.

-The End

(*)(*)(*)

Notice: If you enjoyed this story be sure to check out "The Good Son"

Authors Note: Firstly thank you all for reading this story. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. It was a blast, it's been twenty six chapters and over a hundred thousand words and is the first major story I've ever completed. Thank you to everyone who followed this story, everyone who listed it as a favourite and everyone who left an awesome review. You guys gave me the motivation to keep publishing. A big thumbs up to you all!

Special thanks to the reviewers who gave me feeback on almost every chapter. Thank you to:

Grovek26

ADivergentPotterhead

Leilanecris

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And all the rest of you awesome people!

Another big thank you to you all!

Etymology of Names

House Zabini : Syrena – Siren; Delphin – Greek demigod lieutenant of Poseidon; Nereida – The goddess of the nyads, spirits of water. . . The names of the Zabini family were inspired by the ocean because Blaise means seafoam in ancient Amareic.

House Malfoy/Potter: Cassandra – The Constellation Cassiopeia; Leo – The constellation/zodiac symbol Leo; Orion – The Constellation of the Hunter Orion; Altair – The brightest star in the constellation Aquila; Aurora – The celestial lights known seen over the Poles; Lyra – The constellation of the harp; Calypso – A moon orbiting Saturn, named for the Titaness in Greek Myth; Gemini – The constellation/Zodiac sign of the twins.

A brief explanation about Ron

I never saw Ron as a bad person per say; rather I used his character to show how bitter a person can become due to unrequited love. Hermione never cheated on him, they were never together as this story is non-epilogue compliant and it is stated in previous chapters that Hermione always loved Draco. The character Ron was abusive to Scorpius and Cass (to a lesser extent than he was to her brother though) because he saw them as the children that should have been his, as tangible reminders that Hermione had fallen in love with somebody else. This may not seem logical but remember he had thought the woman he loved was dead for five years before she returned to leave her young children with Harry and Ginny and the truth came out that she had eloped with Draco Malfoy –Ron's school nemesis. In the end he redeemed himself by giving his life to save Hermione but he could never let go of his bitterness and it festered to make him a chaonic shi – restless spirit/ tormented soul. He was never bashed or made out to be evil; I feel he falls into the category of a tragic hero.