The After Years Chapter 17: Epilogue, a harry potter fanfic

Harry felt as if his entire existence was being torn asunder as he struggled to orient himself in a world filled with pain and visions, light and darkness. It was as if he was drowning in a substance denser than air, making his every intake of breath agonizingly inadequate.

"Where am I?" he thought to himself, trying to shake the cobwebs that seemed to stretch across his entire mind in an infinite tangle. This wasn't like the countless times he'd been knocked unconscious in the past. No, this one held a quality he'd never felt before…

Am I stuck here forever?

He felt a shiver of fear run down his spine.

Am I resigned to an eternity of torture?

As if in answer, the pain suddenly vanished and he found himself in a world that was white in all directions.

"Relax, dear, you're home," said a soft voice that was at once comforting yet unfamiliar.

Harry turned his head in its direction and discovered that it belonged to none other than Lily Potter.

"You've grown up well, son," said James Potter, his arm wrapped around his wife. "You've already fulfilled your destiny and defeated Voldemort, so you don't need to fight anymore."

Harry stared at the man before him…it was altogether natural for him not to recognize his father since he'd grown up without him, but what he did know of James Potter did not agree with this version of him.

"No," said Harry, shaking his head. "My father would never tell me to give up on life."

"What are you talking about, dear?" said Lily. "All we want is what's best for you. So just let go and you can be free of your pain."

Harry's eyes darted back and forth between the two people in front of him, almost wanting to believe them. Finally, though, he shook his head once more.

"You aren't my parents."

At once, James and Lily Potter's faces morphed, their features becoming grotesque and hateful, irises turning a crimson red, and the entire world around all of them shifting from blinding white to pitch black.

"You WILL succumb, child!" said the now demonic voice of Lily Potter, and the intense pain returned to Harry's body.

He screamed out in agony, his heart feeling like it was about to burst out of his ribcage. All the while, the two monsters in front of him laughed raucously as though they were watching the funniest spectacle they'd ever witnessed.

"I do not understand you humans," continued the voice. "Life is so fleeting and transient. Why do you hold onto it with such vigour when you are at the gateway to a place in which time has no meaning? Are you so sure you wish to displease your future master so?"

Harry's initial reaction was to just surrender to them, but then he remembered the promises he'd made back home.

"Do your worst, bitch."

The laughter stopped and the female demon bent down beside him.

"Let me know when you're ready to beg for forgiveness."

She then began breaking his bones one by one, requiring only the touch of a fingertip to do so. Sometime around when she moved to his leg, Harry mercifully passed out.

"Harry!"

He was being shaken awake, which was the last thing he wanted, as he could already feel the pain returning to him.

"Harry, wake up! We don't have much time!"

The urgency of the voice brought him to alert consciousness. He realized he was in some kind of corridor with walls as high as the eye could see.

"What game are you playing?" he asked the face of Lily Potter.

"What do you mean, dear?" she replied in confusion. "It's me, Harry. Your mum. I know you may not recognize me since it's been so long, but your father and I have come to help you."

"Mum?" he said, still unconvinced. "How do I know you're not lying?"

Lily tried to lay a hand on Harry's shoulder, but he withdrew from it immediately.

"Don't touch me!" he screamed.

Lily recoiled from him as if she'd been slapped.

"Listen son, we can't speak for long because the Reaper will get through this labyrinth and be here any moment," said James Potter.

Harry looked into the determined eyes of the man before him and made his decision. After all, he knew of no other way out of his current situation, so he had to take a chance, even if it meant possibly falling for some kind of cruel trick.

"Okay, I trust you. How do we get out of here?"

"We're currently all trapped between dimensions, in something you might call purgatory," said James hastily. "We can send you back to the world of the living, but we don't know what will happen to your soul."

"I can sense it approaching, James!" said Lily.

In response, James Potter already started conjuring up a portal.

Harry trusted his gut: he was now truly convinced that the people in front of him were his real parents.

"Come with me!" he said fervently.

"We're not in limbo like you, Harry, so we can't," said Lily with a sad smile.

"But what'll happen to you when the Reaper arrives?"

"We'll make do, go!" yelled James, pointing at the completed portal.

"I can stay here and help you fight it; I've already resisted it once."

"Can you do it for an eternity? We're already dead, Harry, let us go and live your life!"

Now, even Harry could feel that the Reaper was very close, even if he couldn't yet see or hear it.

But how can I abandon the very people who had already sacrificed their lives once for me? How can I leave the parents that I never got the chance to know?

As if reading his thoughts – maybe she could – Lily smiled and spoke:

"I'm certain we'll have plenty of time to catch up in the future, Harry, but I don't plan on seeing you for at least another hundred years."

"It's a promise," affirmed his father with conviction.

With tears in his eyes, Harry spared one last look at his loving parents. Still he hesitated, wondering what future exactly he wanted to create and what he'd have to leave behind.

There was no time left. They saw the Reaper rounding the corner and his father made the decision for him: Harry was pushed into the portal and felt like his very being was splitting into a million different parts.

Harry awoke crying to icy blue eyes.

"Where am I?" asked Harry while wiping off his tears. He knew that Daphne had seen them but had decided not to make mention of them. Instead, she answered his first question and the one he was about to ask next in her matter-of-fact way:

"We're at St. Mungo's. Brodie Cooper committed suicide after he thought he'd killed you. According to his personal record, his birth parents had abused him and he'd been adopted by Death Eaters. After they died during the Final Battle, no one knew what happened to him. If I had to guess, he had some kind of personal vendetta against you and after fulfilling it, he couldn't live with the atrocities he'd committed. For one so young to be consumed by such single-minded hate..."

"It's tragic."

"Why do you say that?"

"You know," said Harry, pausing for a second, "that could have been me..."

Daphne was briefly taken aback, allowing Harry to continue.

"When I was his age, it had only been a few years since I'd actually escaped the Dursleys and felt happiness and love for the first time in my life. If someone had taken me away from the wizarding world, the place I had come to cherish as my true home, and away from Ron and Hermione and the Weasleys...I don't know what I would have done."

Daphne looked into the distance pensively, once again not interrupting him.

"The look in his eyes before he cast that spell on me…I didn't see a Dark Lord consumed by anger or evil, all I saw was a frightened kid with a tormented soul."

"The press has been calling him the Dark Lord Jr.," said Daphne.

"Well that's a stupid moniker – he may have been brilliant and misguided like Riddle, but he had a conscience. I believe he could have been saved, but in the end, he was just one of those that fall through the cracks," he said, sighing deeply.

"I'm sorry, Harry, I forgot myself. I didn't intend to make you feel depressed the moment you got out of a coma. "

"No, Daphne, I wanted to know the truth, so thank you. Besides, it reminds us of the importance of schools like Hogwarts, and of professors like me and you."

"Do you think you'll be returning to Hogwarts next year?" she asked hesitantly.

"Of course, didn't you just hear me?"

"I just thought you might want to return to the Aurors after all that happened. Not to mention the whole situation with Tonks."

"No...in spite of the fact that we both still love each other, I think Tonks and I are over."

"Can I be frank?"

"That's what you promised, isn't it?" replied Harry, reminding her of the promise she'd made to him at the beginning of the year.

She smiled at him, his words giving her confidence.

"I've been terribly jealous of Tonks and even of Gabrielle, not just for the close relationships they share with you, but for the way they approached and built those relationships."

Harry immediately sat up in his bed, attentive to Daphne's rare outpouring of candor.

"I spent the better part of the past year trying to manipulate everything behind the scenes in a vain attempt at winning your affections. After almost losing you...I'm done playing games and being indirect."

"What do you mean?"

"You no longer have a girlfriend and I've already poured my heart out to you: Harry, will you go out with me?"

A light blush crept into her cheeks as she uttered those last words, and Harry had to keep himself from ribbing her for that – he knew it had taken her a lot to speak those words, not to mention the fact that she'd pay him back twice over for any teasing he did.

He studied her as she sat straight-backed and fearless in her chair, carefully appraising her words in his mind.

"I really don't know, Daphne. I mean I'm still in love with Tonks, and I also made that promise to Gabby...I just don't know."

Daphne had already prepared for those words.

"When has that ever stopped me?"

Thankfully, he snorted – a good sign.

"Harry, look at me."

He did so, losing himself in the startling warmth of her pale blue eyes.

"I love you, Harry James Potter."

Her sincerity startled him and for the first time ever, Harry saw Daphne completely open and vulnerable.

"Can you say that you don't feel the same? If you can look me in the eyes and say that you don't love me, then I won't pursue this any further."

Daphne felt like her heart was beating out of her chest and she silently prayed that she hadn't made the worst read and bet of her life.

After what seemed like an eternity, Harry spoke.

"No..."

Daphne smiled and felt as though all her burdens had been lifted from her shoulders.

"So where are you taking me out for our first date?"

She interrupted him before he could jump in.

"You're not breaking your promise to Gabrielle if you're attached by the time she graduates in a few days. Also, what better way to get over Tonks and set boundaries with her than starting a new relationship?"

"You really don't waste any time, do you? Absolutely ruthless," he muttered in disbelief, but without malice.

"That's why you love me, dear."

"Dear?" he said with a chuckle.

"Would you prefer honey?"

"Never mind," he said quickly.

"Maybe sweetheart?"

"Stop!"

"So where are you taking me out?" she said, returning to the original subject.

"Hmm," he murmured thoughtfully. "How about La Laurentide?"

"You remember?" she said with a gasp.

"How could I forget? At least by going there, we'd be correcting the lie we told your parents. Besides, that was probably the night I first fell in love with you."

Tears of happiness – another first – rolled down Daphne's cheeks, but she didn't mind them: she knew there would be many more new firsts in her time with Harry.

The Heads of House Gryffindor and House Slytherin watched as their teams competed in the final Quidditch match of the year which would also determine the winner of the House Cup. It was a tight game and it seemed inevitable that whoever's Seeker caught the Snitch would be the side crowned victorious.

Harry wished at that moment that Gryffindor still had Gabrielle on their team, but alas, she was now catching Snitches as the star Seeker of the Holyhead Harpies. His mind then wandered off to Tonks, but his thoughts were cut off by the raucous cheers all around him.

To his dismay, he found that the person beside him was also among those celebrating.

"You look happy," observed Harry, as he watched his girlfriend high-five a Fourth Year Slytherin.

"I always had my nose buried in my books when I was a student, so I don't think I'll ever reminisce over my school years with much fondness. But thanks to you, Hogwarts has become the place where I've had all my greatest memories and where I was the happiest I've ever been," said Daphne.

"I'm glad," replied Harry, pulling his girlfriend towards him in an embrace.

"Do you know what would put the cherry on the top?" asked Daphne with a suddenly devilish smile.

"What?"

"Let's get married."

Harry took a pace backwards while keeping his hands on Daphne's shoulders.

"You know, beating me at the House Cup, being the one to ask me out, and asking me to marry you – it makes me feel a bit emasculated."

"Oh, don't be a sore loser, sweetheart. Just say yes."

"Yes!" he exclaimed, bringing Daphne close to him once more and lifting her off her feet to kiss her deeply.

"Are you sure you're not moving too fast?" asked Hermione.

"No, I know it's only been a year, but Daphne probably knows me better than I know myself – in fact, I'm almost certain of that. As for me, I love discovering new, exciting things about her every day. I don't think I'll ever solve the complete puzzle, but I'm eager to spend my lifetime attempting to do so."

His long-time friend sighed.

"Why can't Ron ever be romantic like that?"

Harry blushed at the praise.

"You know that Ron loves you more than anything in the world, even if he doesn't say it."

"You're right, of course. Anyway, what can I do besides give the groom cold feet on his wedding day like the worst friend in the world?

"Just relax, Hermione. You're more nervous than I am, which is saying a lot."

"Are you sure you still want me to escort you down the aisle?"

"Yes, Hermione, I wouldn't want anyone else. Talk all you need to if it helps you calm down."

"Okay, let me think...when did you know she was The One?"

"Probably the moment I got out of my coma and she was the first person I laid eyes on."

"Aww, you're going to mess up my mascara!"

"You're the one who asked!"

At that instant, the music sounded.

"Well, that's our cue. Shall we?"

As Harry and Hermione descended down the aisle, their smiles were reflected on the faces of the hundreds of guests in attendance. The Greengrasses had spared no expense in regards to the wedding and had sent out invitations to people far and wide.

Finally, they reached the front of the church, and Hermione left him alone at the centre of the aisle to await his bride.

The music changed to "Canon in C" by George Winston and Harry turned his attention to the church's large double doors.

His voice caught in his throat as he watched the vision that was slowly approaching him.

Daphne was dressed in a simple yet elegant white wedding gown with a long train that was carried by her sister Astoria. No veil and practically no makeup covered her flawless face and Harry instinctually knew the reason why: she wanted to appear bare before him, not hiding behind any barriers.

He couldn't keep his eyes off her as the minister began the ceremony. Thankfully, it was some time before he had to play an active role, at which point he'd regained some of his faculties.

"Now," said the minister. "I'd like to ask our bride and groom to exchange their vows."

He nodded towards Harry.

"Some of my friends – I won't name names for the sake of their safety – asked me why I wanted to marry you."

This drew laughter from the crowd and a mocking tilt of the head from Daphne. Harry paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts.

"You're probably the most devious person on the planet, which I know you'll take as the highest compliment," said Harry, drawing a smile in response from his bride, "and they simply couldn't understand why I would want to wed myself to such a person.

"But behind all that, I know that you have a beautiful heart that is good and pure – just like a Hufflepuff."

Daphne now narrowed her eyes in mock annoyance and chuckles rang out from the crowd once more.

"In all seriousness, I fell in love with all of you: your enigmatic personality, your striking looks, your passion to better yourself...I could go on and on. Even today, you're a mystery to me, but like I was just telling Hermione, I love every new piece of the puzzle that I uncover. My life will never be dull with you in it, that I know for certain.

"Every day that I go to work with you beside me is another day that is full of surprises, fun, and delight. And every night that I go to bed with you in my arms, I fall asleep completely satisfied and at peace with the world. You're my everything and I plan to make sure you know that for as long as we both live."

He watched the tears run down Daphne's face and moved to delicately wipe them away.

"Daphne?" said the minister.

"You told me to speak from the heart, so I'll make it brief because my feelings for you are strong and pure."

Daphne wiped off her remaining tears, composing herself fully before restarting.

"I've made a lot of mistakes in the past. Even as recently as a couple of years ago, I hid behind masks and cared for no one but myself.

"You saved me. Before you barged into my life, I didn't even know what I had been missing. Now that I do, it would be impossible for me to go back to being the person that I used to be. You make me the happiest person in the world and I vow that I'll do all that I can to make you happy every day for the rest of our lives."

"Thank you both for the vows," said the minister. Then, he nodded in the direction of Ron, who stepped forward with the ring box.

"Harry James Potter, do you take Daphne Greengrass for your lawful wedded wife, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honour, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Daphne Greengrass, do you take Harry James Potter for your lawful wedded husband, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honour, comfort, and cherish him from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto him for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

The minister went over to Ron and took the rings. After a few more words, they were placed on the groom's and bride's fingers.

"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"

Harry put his hands on Daphne's waist before kissing his bride as hundreds of friends and family exploded into celebration.

As always, Platform 9 ¾ was a zoo as the students prepared to board the Hogwarts Express for the beginning of the new school year.

James Potter had inherited one emerald eye and one light blue one, though his disorderly hair undoubtedly came from his father. It was to be his first year at Hogwarts and he had butterflies in his stomach in spite of the fact that both his parents would easily be reachable within the castle.

Harry let Daphne try to calm their son down, all while holding little Dorothy's hand. It would soon be her turn to join her brother at Hogwarts, but for the moment she would be staying at Greengrass Manor along with her siblings Albus and Lily.

Harry surveyed the rest of the platform and spotted Tonks busily doting over her daughter with her husband, so he decided not to approach them. In any case, he already knew through the press that she'd replaced John Dawlish as Head Auror and had quickly changed the Auror policy regarding workplace relationships. The latter had allowed her to marry Jenkins, the Auror partner who'd saved her against the psychopath's attack while the two of them been patrolling all those years ago, back when she and Harry had been dating.

Instead, Harry walked towards another familiar figure.

"How's it going, Gabby?"

"Harry!" exclaimed the French witch, hugging him immediately. "I'm fine, how are you?"

"Just jolly. What brings you here?"

"Jacques and I adopted Sam, a child who was made an orphan by Brodie Cooper."

"Jacques…a French dignitary, right?"

"Correct. We're set to marry in the coming Spring, so keep your schedule open."

"Of course! But won't a Spring wedding interfere with your Quidditch?"

"I'm actually retiring from Quidditch to spend more time with Sam – I've been training as a Healer over the past few years, so as soon as I heard about Poppy's retirement, I knew that this is where I wanted to be."

He'd been so focused on recalling all that he'd heard about Gabrielle through newspapers and word-of-mouth that he'd failed to actually take a good look at her: she was dressed in healer's robes.

"Still trying to follow in my footsteps, I see."

"Oh, be quiet."

The two of them smiled at one another before Gabrielle spoke once again.

"You'll always hold a special place in my heart, Harry, for helping to shape the person that I am today. It's thanks to you that I was able to mature and find love with Jacques."

"I might say the same about you for the relationship between me and Daphne. That whole year between you, me, Daphne, and Tonks was something else, wasn't it?"

"I heard my name, what'd I miss?" said Tonks as she squeezed in between the two of them and put her arms around their shoulders.

"Wotcher, Tonks?" said Harry, for which he was rewarded with a smile. "We were talking about that crazy year before I started dating Daphne."

"I never got how that whole thing started, by the way," said Tonks.

"Well basically, Daphne sunk her claws into me the moment I regained consciousness. The rest, as they say, is history."

"Huh," said Tonks. "I remember spending some long hours at St. Mungo's when you were in that coma…I wonder what would have happened if I'd been the one at your bedside when you first woke up."

"I guess we'll never know."

With tears in his eyes, Harry spared one last look at his loving parents. Still he hesitated, wondering what future exactly he wanted to create and what he'd have to leave behind.

Harry awoke crying to auburn eyes.

As soon as Tonks saw that he was awake, tears came quickly to her own eyes.

"Oh, Harry!" she said, throwing herself onto him.

"Your chair looks awfully worn in...how long was I out?"

"Ten days...although to be fair, it wasn't just me who's been at your beside – Daphne and Gabrielle have rotated with me so we could keep a constant vigil."

"I'll have to thank them for that...I've been awfully unfair to all three of you, but you especially, Tonks."

"Shush, you're still recovering and not in any state to be worrying over that."

He could tell that what he had said had struck a chord – he would give anything to lift the sorrow out of those auburn eyes.

"No, I have to get this out – now more than ever, given what's just happened. I can't use my cluelessness as an excuse for my uncertainty and indecisiveness over this past year. How can I make it up to you?"

Tonks looked down at her hands, her thumbs twiddling incessantly.

"Can we give 'us' another try?"

"But what about your reasons for us breaking up?"

"I'm a fool in love, Harry. I felt so empty in the time we were apart...as though a part of my soul was missing. So call me stupid, reckless, insane, or all the above...but I want to give us another chance. I'm willing to accept that your heart also belongs to others right now, but we'll start from there and work on building up our relationship. Let's see if all those fairy tales weren't full of lies and if true love can really conquer it all."

"I love you, Nymmie," he said with a huge grin.

"I love you too, Harry, but don't think I won't remember to smack you for calling me that when you've recovered some more. "

"Should I go first or you?" asked Tonks.

"Ladies first," said Harry.

"I'm going to be Head Auror!"

"Congrats, Tonks!" said Harry, enveloping his girlfriend in a tight hug. After a few seconds, he pulled back from the embrace. "I thought you were happy with your old position, though."

"I realized that I've been far too insecure in the past, and that was one of the reasons I originally broke up with you. I don't want to just be known as Harry Potter's girlfriend."

"I'm proud of you," said Harry with sincerity. "What do you plan to do as Head Auror?"

"Well the first thing I'm going to do is change the archaic workplace rules: it has almost certainly ruined countless relationships in the past, and I'm not going to allow that to happen again. Anyway, what did you want to tell me about?"

In answer, Harry bent down on one knee.

"Nymphadora Tonks, will you marry me?"

He didn't even have a chance to open the ring box before Tonks shot herself at him, causing both of them to tumble to the ground.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! A million times yes! I love you!"

"I love you too, Tonks, now and forever."

Their wedding was a small and intimate affair, as neither of them wanted it to become a spectacle for the wizarding world. Thus, they'd decided on a very informal ceremony right on the beach.

Harry watched with nothing but love in his eyes as Tonks walked towards him to the string quartet version of "Say Yes" by Elliott Smith. She was dressed in a simple, strapless green dress that hugged her every curve – Harry knew he was the luckiest man on the planet.

"Would the two of you like to exchange your vows?" asked Ron, who'd become ordained for the event.

Harry turned to his bride.

"Words would not do justice to the way that I feel for you, so I want to show you this instead."

Harry reached into his breast pocket and took out a ring box. He opened it to reveal a blood ring that matched the one that Tonks had given him: it shone the truest red and was almost blindingly bright. As soon as she caught sight of it, Tonks burst into tears. However, she urged Harry to continue by quickly wiping them away herself.

"I was lost until I found you. I was a boy trying to be a man, but not knowing how. I wanted to have a family, but didn't know how to truly love. I wanted to make a difference in the world, but the idealized concept I had of myself had no basis in reality.

"You accepted me faults and all, and even more than that, you taught me to do the same; to unburden myself of impossible expectations and to not be afraid to make mistakes.

"As a result, I know now more than ever that I'm not perfect. But when I'm with you, I feel like I am the best man that I can possibly be and I will spend the rest of my life striving to become that man for you because you deserve nothing less."

There was no stopping the tears flowing down Tonks' cheeks this time, so she simply sniffled cutely to clear her voice as much as possible before speaking.

"You're an asshole, you know that?" said Tonks in jest, which drew laughs from their guests. "How am I supposed to follow that up?

"Our relationship got off to a rocky start and fate almost intervened so that we didn't make it. But we did. Like you said, you bettered yourself for the sake of us, and ever since you woke up from your coma, I've been trying to do the same. All the work we put into this relationship has created something whose foundation is unshakeable. All our history, our trials and tribulations, and of course our love have only strengthened the bond between us. We made it through it all and so I'm certain we can make it through whatever life throws at us in the future.

"When I was a kid, I didn't play with dolls or dream about being the princess who's swept off her feet by her knight in shining armour. Today, I'm getting married to my partner in crime, and I hope we'll go on many new adventures together for as long as we both live."

On cue, Ron went to stand between them with ring box in hand.

"Harry, do you take Tonks to be your lawful wedded wife?"

"I do."

"Tonks, do you take Harry to be your lawful wedded husband?"

"I do."

Ron allowed the two of them to extract their rings and place them on one another's fingers. After that was done, he closed the ceremony.

"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"

Harry did just that, dipping his new wife and deepening their kiss as they lost themselves in their own little world.

Harry waved at Gabrielle on Platform 9 ¾. For some reason, she was dressed in what looked like healer's robes. She also seemed to be approaching him to tell him something, but before she could do so, Daphne pulled him aside.

"Don't worry, it's nothing important. She's just joining the staff."

"As always, I won't ask how you know that. So what important matter did you want to speak to me about, Daph?"

"I'm pregnant."

"That's fantastic! I'm sure Sterling and Rosetta will spoil their little brother or sister rotten."

"Yes...I'm positive Sterling will be sorted into Hufflepuff this year and Rosetta will undoubtedly follow. They definitely did not inherit those genes from me."

"Don't sell yourself short, Daph. I know there's a Pillsbury Doughboy somewhere inside you."

Daphne cocked her head to one side and looked unblinkingly at Harry.

"Too obscure?"

"No, I just can't believe you truly think that – my children's kindness and patience come from Dan."

"Maybe...how's Dan doing anyway?"

"Busy delivering little Muggle babies."

"I still can't believe how you two met. Are your parents coming around to the whole mixed bloodline issue?"

"Slowly, but surely. Thanks, in no small part, due to the world you helped create."

She looked off into the distance.

"A part of me will always love you, Harry Potter."

Her icy blue eyes still captivated him and he felt a slight blush colour his cheeks. He was about to stutter out some imbecility, but she thankfully saved him from the embarrassment.

"But our hearts' priorities have shifted and these ones," she said, nodding her head towards their respective children, "now command all their attention."

As Harry nodded in agreement, Tonks took that moment to join them.

"Isn't he cute when he blushes? Remember when you were after this doofus?"

Unlike Harry, Daphne was unfazed by the startling relevance of Tonks' remark.

"Actually, I was just talking to Minerva about this year's Yule Ball and it reminded me of Harry suddenly jumping into a defensive stance when the lights went out at the Ball in his first year of teaching. I found it brave back then, but looking back, he was just acting completely paranoid."

The two witches giggled amongst themselves.

"Hey! I had a good reason for that reaction," said Harry in defence. "Sybill told me she'd seen a prophecy involving me and that I should be wary of darkness because...drat, I can't remember the rest."

"It doesn't matter love," said Tonks. "Just another one of Sybill's crazy visions, right?"

With tears in his eyes, Harry spared one last look at his loving parents. Still he hesitated, wondering what future exactly he wanted to create and what he'd have to leave behind.

Harry awoke crying to sapphire blue eyes.

"Harry!" yelled the young Veela, who was immediately at his side. "How are you feeling?"

"A little woozy, but I'll be fine. What happened?"

"You got knocked unconscious by the new Dark Lord and it's been ten days now that you've been here at St. Mungo's. I knew you would come back to us, but you gave all of us quite a scare: me, Tonks, Daphne, Hermione and the Weasleys…the list goes on and on."

"I'm sorry for making you worry. What happened to the boy?"

"He committed suicide before the Aurors got there. I heard he was the son of Death Eaters, but I don't know much more than that."

"That's fine, I'll get the full story later. Anyway, what's going on in the life of Gabrielle Delacour?"

"Well, my graduation ceremony is happening whenever you're ready."

"Huh?"

"It was pushed back because of the war and Headmistress McGonagall said that it would be held once you were healthy enough to present the diplomas. She never had any doubt you'd win and come back to us."

"No, she's stubborn like that," he said, thinking fondly of his former teacher turned friend. "I'd be honoured to be part of the ceremonies for you and your fellow classmates."

Gabrielle looked suddenly uncomfortable, as if something was bothering her.

"What is it?"

"Nothing, just shameful and selfish thoughts."

"Oh, alright. By the way, when's our date?"

Gabrielle squeaked.

"Is that what was on your mind? Don't worry, I haven't forgotten my promise to you."

"But what about Tonks and Daphne?"

"I won't lie to you, Gabby. At the moment, I think I'm in love with all three of you. But I'm a man of my word and you've been so patient and caring; not to mention the friend I didn't even know I was looking for. I think I've wanted to explore our relationship together the moment I laid eyes on you in that dusty old classroom on the first day of classes. When I woke up and saw your beautiful eyes again, it immediately brought me back to that moment. I think we deserve that chance together, to take the training wheels off and see if we can take flight."

Gabrielle broke down into sobs, and Harry circled his arm around her to bring her closer and allow her to bawl into his hospital gown.

"Did I say something wrong?" said Harry when her tears did not seem to stop.

"No, stupid, you said the words that I could not have imagined dans mes plus beaux rêves – in my wildest dreams."

The Hogwarts Graduation Ceremony was full of fanfare, but Harry didn't mind: after spending seven gruelling years at the school, the students deserved recognition for their hard work.

Since this was the first event he was attending publicly since his recovery, the press was also out in numbers. One by one, Headmistress McGonagall called out the names of the graduates and Harry dutifully shook their hands, gave them their diplomas, and posed with them for photos. A few were a bit more awestruck than usual around their former professor, but most were just happy to have him back amongst them.

"Gabrielle Delacour," announced the Headmistress.

Gabrielle walked up to the stage and Harry's smile widened as she approached. That grin was wiped off his face when the French girl went on her tiptoes to kiss him on the lips after receiving her diploma. He could see the numerous flashes going off in his peripheral vision.

"Is that some kind of Veela thing?" asked Harry as the two of them posed for the picture. "Marking your territory or whatever?"

"Nope, it's a girl in love kind of thing," said Gabrielle with a wink before walking away to take her seat.

After the ceremony was over, Harry went back over to her. Immediately, the two of them were given a great deal of room, even if a few cameras were pulled out and most stayed within earshot. Harry was long ago used to the treatment and didn't let it bother him.

"I never got to ask you properly, but what are your plans for next year?"

"I want to stay at Hogwarts with you, but I couldn't convince Headmistress McGonagall to hire me as a professor because of my lack of experience and the fact that there's already two young staff members."

"So what are you going to do, then?"

"The next best thing: I'll apprentice under Poppy as a healer."

"I think you'd make a great one," said Harry honestly.

"Are you trying to sweet talk me, Professor Potter? I think you should save that for later."

Immediately, hushed chatter broke out around them.

Harry just groaned.

"So how'd you pop the question?" asked his best man.

"Well, it was at the Delacour Manor. I asked for her father's permission first and then I proposed to her over dinner in front of her family," said Harry.

"Huh, I was expecting something a little more extravagant," said Ron.

"I think everyone gives me far too much credit. When it comes to these things, I don't think I'd get them right in a hundred lifetimes."

Their chat was interrupted by the sounds of "Hoppípolla" by Sigur Rós booming across the chapel.

Gabrielle Delacour seemed to be floating towards him in a silver silk dress adorned with lace and ribbons. He felt rooted to the spot as he watched the impeccable personification of beauty – his angel – slowly close the distance between them, their eyes connected all the way.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mesdames et Messieurs, we are here today…"

Neither bride nor groom was really paying attention to the words of the minister, as they were completely fixated on one another.

"Now, if you would please exchange your vows."

Harry nodded.

"Gabby...," he began with a smile. "When we met again at Hogwarts, it was ostensibly with me as the teacher and you as the student. But as time went on, the opposite became more and more true. You taught me to let go of grief and take life by the horns, to stay positive and believe in myself, and, of course, to fly!"

Gabrielle giggled at their secret joke.

"I love you with all of my heart, Gabrielle Delacour," he continued in French, drawing a gasp of surprise from Gabrielle and a number of the guests in attendance. "You are my sun, brightening my day when I wake up every morning, and my moon, showing me the way out when I find myself in a dark place. I vow to love you for as long as I live, to treasure you, and to give you all that you deserve."

"Merci, mon chéri," said Gabrielle. "I can't remember a time when I wasn't in love with you. At first, it began as puppy love, as the silly worship of a child who admired her hero, but even back then, I knew you were special. When you saved me at the Triwizard Tournament, you put me on a path towards you from which I could not deviate. Thankfully, by the time we met again, I had grown enough to know what love truly meant. It is trust and commitment, honesty and communication, acceptance and caring, and I offer you all of these today, tomorrow, and for all other tomorrows we both share."

"Harry James Potter," spoke the minister, "do you take Gabrielle Delacour to be your lawfully wedded wife? Voulez-vous prendre cette femme pour votre épouse?"

"I do."

"Gabrielle, do you take Harry James Potter to be your lawfully wedded husband? Voulez-vous prendre cet homme pour votre époux?"

"Oui."

Ron presented the opened ring box to the minister, who took the rings. He recited a few words, and then the rings exchanged hands.

"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. Vous pouvez embrasser la mariée!"

Gabrielle jumped into Harry's arms, her legs wrapping around his waist, causing him to burst into laughter. He wound his arms around her body, never wanting to let go, and kissed his new wife.

Harry and Gabrielle watched Tonks and her husband, as well as Daphne and hers, sending off their children on Platform 9 ¾.

"I'm sorry I can't give you any children, Harry," said Gabrielle with a hitch in her voice. "I know it's one of your greatest desires in life."

"Nonsense, Gabby, I love Sam like my own. You know that. I'm so glad we can give him the life he deserves after being orphaned due to the war."

Gabrielle nodded her agreement.

"But it's funny you should mention my greatest desires," continued Harry. "Did you know I looked into the Mirror of Erised before my battle with Brodie Cooper?"

"No, why did you do that?"

"I was still torn between you, Tonks, and Daphne at the time, and I wanted to set my mind and my heart at ease."

"What did you see?" asked Gabrielle with a tinge of fear.

Harry smirked.

"The vague figure of a woman beside me as we sat on our porch watching our children play. I couldn't make out many details, but I just knew that we were the perfect picture of unconditional love."

"Then why'd you pick me?"

"To be honest, it almost felt more like you picked me – not that I'm complaining, as I'm the happiest man on the planet. It just seemed liked the stars aligned in this universe to give us that first date, and from there I never stood a chance."

Gabrielle smiled.

"I am a Veela, after all."

"Don't I know?" said Harry, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"So fate brought us together. Where will it take us from here?"

"I don't know, but it seems to have guided me through my entire life...I'm just happy to go along for the ride."

Alright, first off I'd of course like to thank all of you, my wonderful readers (especially my regulars and those of you who stuck with me since the beginning – taking a nearly three-year hiatus is totally not cool). Next, a thousand kudos to RAfan2421 for his beta work and for his constant reminders for updates. Without him, I have no idea whether this fic would have actually been completed in the first place.

On that note, I have no immediate plans to begin another work, but once I do, it'll probably involve the Daphne character of this narrative (she was fun to write and seemed to be the most well-received), though in a completely different story. I've put up a new poll on my author's page regarding this new story that I'd love for all of you to vote on. Simply favourite/follow/whatever me if you want to be updated when that new story does eventually come out. I'll probably also add a chapter to this story as an alert in case you just want to stay subscribed to it.

Otherwise, I sincerely hope you enjoyed the ride and I look forward to reading all your feedback, whether for the final chapter or the story as a whole.

Take it easy,

mnidl