Epilogue: Fighting From the Shadows

One year had passed since Voldemort's defeat, and still Harry could not be rid of the nightmares.

He saw green flashes of light wherever he turned, consuming his vision. His family in mortal peril, with him powerless to save them. Voldemort, back from the dead, with Harry having missed one of his horcruxes to allow him to return to full power once more. And Death itself, lurking around every corner, waiting to cash in on its favor and ensnare Harry in another lifetime of misery—

"'Arry, it is okay! Calm down, mon amour...it is only a dream."

Harry groaned as he was wrenched from yet another horrid dreamscape. It took several minutes for him to calm down, his heart beat gradually declining as Fleur held him close, stroking his hair gently. Finally his tremors ceased and he was able to breathe normally again, though he still held onto Fleur for dear life.

"Sorry," he panted. "That was a really bad one."

"You do not need to apologize," said Fleur. "Eet is normal for someone who 'as been through all that you have."

And how many people can say they've been through what I have? Harry chuckled humorlessly to himself. Twelve straight years of looking over his shoulder, with the weight of the world upon him, should have been enough to break him down completely. He was frankly surprised he had not been driven to madness by it all.

Harry knew he would not be able to sleep any longer, so he slipped out of Fleur's arms and stepped out onto the balcony. He stood on the terrace overlooking the moonlit sea, breathing in the placid summer breeze. The distant roar of the waves soothed him – the power of a force much larger than himself, churning endlessly for millions of years without pause. The thought of something that mighty and eternal, far beyond the silly machinations of mankind, both awed and comforted him.

The cliffside villa Harry and Fleur resided in was once a safe house owned and operated by Sebastian Delacour. He had stationed the Potters there temporarily while searching for a more permanent arrangement, but Harry had taken a shine to the place. The isolation from society and serene surroundings appealed to him – he wanted to be far away from the bustle of society for a while. Once the rest of the family found lodging elsewhere, he and Fleur simply stayed, with her father's approval. Harry had offered to pay the man back someday, but Sebastian would hear of no such thing.

After a few minutes, Fleur stepped out onto the balcony with him, pressing herself into his back affectionately. "I can owl Professor Dupont again," she offered. "Perhaps you would like to see 'im again—"

"No," Harry said quickly. "I'm fine, honestly."

"'E would never repeat what you told him to anyone," Fleur encouraged him. "I know that 'e would help you as much as 'e helped me—"

"Thanks, but I can handle it on my own," Harry snapped.

Shortly after the war ended, Fleur had begun meeting with Professor Dupont, a retired Beauxbatons teacher who had taken up Mind Healing in his later years. She recommended that Harry also meet with Dupont separately, but he'd canceled their meetings after just one session. The man asked too many probing questions that made Harry uncomfortable, inviting him to share intimate details about himself that he did not want to divulge. He knew that wasn't the answer Fleur wanted to hear, but she thankfully dropped the subject.

"Are you excited to see your family tonight?" asked Fleur.

"Is that really today?" Harry asked casually. But he knew perfectly well it was tonight. They'd received an invitation from Sirius and Amelia to meet them for dinner, with everyone else in the Potter clan slated to attend. It would be their first time together since they split apart nearly a year prior, shortly after leaving Britain. And Harry had been anticipating the reunion for weeks.

"I am going into town later to pick up some things for dinner," said Fleur. "Would you like to come?"

"No, thank you," said Harry. Fleur liked to shop in a quaint French village some five miles away, which Harry had accompanied her to several times. It was a nice enough place, reminding him a bit of Godric's Hollow, but too crowded for his liking. Being around people gave him anxiety, so he preferred the isolation and safety of home.

So when the sun rose a few hours later, Fleur Apparated to the market while Harry settled into the library downstairs. He liked to start his days reading, having built up a rather impressive collection of books over the past year. He'd borrowed many from Krum's personal library, while also perusing bookstores in magical districts around the European continent. Most countries had an equivalent of Knockturn Alley that contained a darker selection of tomes, which interested Harry more than what was legally available.

Currently he was reading a centuries-old book on soul magic from a Greek necromancer named Skiaphos, who had been a former understudy of Ekrizdis before the man went on to found Azkaban. It was clear to Harry that their research had formed the basis for the creation of dementors, using rather foul magic to allow Lethifolds and Inferi to breed together. Some of the graphic descriptions and sketches caused Harry's stomach to turn, but it was captivating work all the same that deepened his understanding of the creatures.

Fleur returned from the market around noon, nose wrinkling in displeasure at the sight of the book. "Must you continue to read such 'orrid tales?" she fretted.

"You never know when the information might come in handy," Harry shrugged, closing the book to join her in the kitchen. He pulled her in for a tender kiss, and despite her overtures of annoyance, she relented and returned the gesture.

"Your Dark Lord is dead, 'Arry," she said softly. "Why do you continue to burden yourself with these things?"

"You never know when the next Dark Lord might pop up," Harry shrugged. "I want to be better prepared for when they do."

He didn't dare divulge the true reason for his studies. He knew he would one day be forced to face Voldemort once more, in another world, another lifetime. According to Death, the man may have found alternate means of immortality, and Harry did not want to be caught unprepared to deal with it. He would spend the rest of this lifetime studying the topic, in the hopes of unearthing the same methods Tom Riddle used – or would use – to hide his soul away from Death.

"Father owled me this morning," Fleur added. "He is preparing a trip to Japan in ze fall to pursue a new business venture. He asked if you would like to join 'is party."

"Sure," said Harry. "Maybe we can make a vacation of it."

"I would like that," Fleur smiled.

Sebastian Delacour had offered both Harry and James work after the war as part of his personal security detail. The man's business dealings sometimes put him in contact with powerful and dangerous witches and wizards, so he kept a rotating staff of bodyguards to keep him safe in case of an incident. Harry had accompanied him on a handful of trips, most of which were uneventful, though he did successfully thwart an assassination attempt in Turkey months prior, bringing the would-be killer (and his financier) to justice. Sebastian had offered Harry a full-time position for a significant sum after that, but he'd declined, preferring the luxury of picking and choosing his jobs while maintaining his hard-earned freedom.

James, on the other hand, did not take a liking to the job. By his own admission, he was no longer as spry and nimble as he once was, and the work was taxing on his body and mind. He'd been present for the assassination attempt as well, but suffered an injury from an obscure curse that confined him to a bed for weeks. It might have claimed his life if not for Harry's efforts with the Elder Wand to undo the curse. The man had officially retired from combat life after his recovery, much to Lily's relief.

Harry found himself restless that afternoon as the family reunion approached. Normally he enjoyed having afternoons off with Fleur, lounging around the house and luxuriating in doing absolutely nothing, but for once he was eager to leave. So the pair got ready to leave early, and linked arms at five o'clock sharp to Apparate away.

Sirius and Amelia had purchased a home in the French countryside shortly after the war, just south of Paris. It was modest compared to Sirius' old British manor, but still a luxury by Muggle standards, with two stories and a multitude of spare bedrooms to accommodate visitors. Harry had stayed there on several occasions, to help out with Cassie while Fleur or Amelia were away on business, and of course to spend quality time with his godfather after such a stressful war.

"There they are!" Sirius laughed as Harry and Fleur approached the front door. He wrapped Harry in a tight bear hug before greeting Fleur with a kiss on both cheeks.

"Are we early?" asked Harry, glancing over his shoulder into the house.

"Not at all!" said Sirius. "In fact, most everyone is here already."

"Huh," said Harry. It appeared that he was not the only one eager to see family tonight.

Sirius ushered the pair inside the home. Harry was granted a brief view of the entryway before a blur of black hair obstructed it, and he was nearly bowled over by a full-body hug. "Hey, moron," he laughed, setting his assailant back on her feet. "Staying out of trouble?"

"Hey, idiot," Dahlia giggled. "Not even a little bit."

"Spoken like a true daughter of a Marauder," chuckled Sirius. "Boy, I've missed you lot."

"Missed you too, Uncle Sirius," said Harry. "How's Cassie doing?"

As if in answer, Harry heard a peal of laughter from somewhere above him. He looked up just in time to see a blur tumbling head-over-heels towards him; his Quidditch instincts kicked in, catching the object before it hit the ground. Cassie squealed with delight as Harry righted her, bewildered at the girl's lack of fear.

"Oh, yeah, she does that now," Sirius chuckled, seemingly unconcerned. "She likes to jump from the second story and bounce down the hall. She's got the Black insanity gene, that's for sure."

"It's normal for magical babies to test their limits early," said Dahlia, reverting into explanatory Healer mode by instinct. "Her magic protects her from serious harm, so she's far more resilient than a Muggle baby would be."

"Don't I know it," Sirius chuckled. "Reggie and I used to launch ourselves head-first down the stairs at Grimmauld Place as toddlers. Nearly gave ol' Walburga a heart attack...shame we stopped, or we could've finished her off earlier."

"Sirius?" a voice called out from above. "You didn't forget to block the banister again, did you? You know Cassie likes to climb over it."

"Of course not, dear!" Sirius called back innocently, as he frantically motioned for the others to keep quiet. "She's down here with me."

Amelia appeared on the stairwell, looking suspicious as she descended towards them. She kept one hand protectively cradling her belly, currently swelling with her second child. Harry handed off Cassie to Sirius to greet her with a gentle hug.

"Sorry I'm late," Amelia sighed. "Couldn't get out of work until half an hour ago."

"You are still working zis late into pregnancy?" Fleur remarked. "That must be exhausting!"

"It's not so bad," Amelia shrugged. "I figure if I can join a resistance army in my ninth month of pregnancy, I can handle some light legal work in my eighth. Besides, Sirius has been a great help around the house."

"Someone's gotta look out for this little troublemaker," Sirius grinned, motioning to his daughter. "If you ask me, Lia got the easier gig." Cassie took that very moment to leap from Sirius' shoulder towards the ground, bouncing harmlessly off the tile floor and into Dahlia's arms, giggling hysterically at her own stunt.

"Your mother and father are out in the back garden," said Amelia, gesturing down the hall. "I imagine they are quite eager to see you."

Harry headed outside at once to greet James and Lily. He found them sitting side by side in the grass, holding hands and conversing in soft tones. It warmed his heart to see them like this, still madly in love some twenty years after first getting married. They look up and saw him from afar, beaming and standing to greet him.

"Harry!" James exclaimed, throwing his arms around his son. "How have you been, son? It's been too long this time."

"Yeah, it has," Harry agreed. He hadn't seen his parents in several months, as there hadn't been a handy excuse to get together since James' quasi-retirement. He would simply have to make more excuses in the future.

"Good to see you, Fleur," said Lily as she hugged the French witch. "Keeping our son out of trouble, I hope?"

"I do what I can," Fleur said with an exaggerated sigh. "Ze best I can do is guilt him into inviting me along for ze trouble."

"Like father, like son," Lily grumbled good-naturedly. "Best get used to it, dear."

The group migrated inside to reconnect with the others in the sitting room. Remus and Alessia arrived soon after, looking sun-tanned and cheerful. Harry was glad to see Remus thriving in this life, genuinely happy for what seemed to be the first time in both timelines. Alessia had also quickly become part of their little tribe, matching the chaotic energy of the Marauders while infecting them all with her sheer enthusiasm for life. It was no wonder Remus had fallen for her.

Harry relished in the cozy environment, surrounded by loved ones once again. He normally didn't like such chaotic atmospheres as this one, but for family, he would make an exception. It was similar to summers at the Burrow in his first timeline, but this time it was his own family he got to enjoy the company of. He hoped this would be just the first of many such reunions over the years (and decades) to come.

Soon the group moved to the kitchen to prepare for the meal. "Is Damian coming?" Remus asked as the table was set. "I thought he'd be here by now."

"He had to cancel last minute," said Lily. "He was invited to a Quidditch camp in Colorado for the summer. Apparently it's a place for professional scouts to assess young talent for the big leagues."

"Wow, good for him," Remus remarked. Damian had picked up the sport again after enrolling in Ilvermorny the previous fall, and proved to be just as much of a menace there as at Hogwarts. He was already slated to be one of the top Beater prospects for the American Quidditch League after he finished his upcoming seventh year.

"I'd love to see him play sometime," James mused. "Maybe we can make a trip to Massachusetts this fall to watch one of his school matches."

"I saw him play in the spring," said Harry. "He's brilliant."

"You did?" said Remus, looking confused. "How did you get a Portkey to the States? I've heard the wait list for approval can take months!"

"I, er...made one," Harry admitted.

"You what?!" Lily exclaimed. "Dear, that's extremely illegal! What if you'd been caught?"

"Well, I didn't," Harry said stubbornly. "I know how to be discreet."

"We really don't need another magical government on our backs, son," James sighed. "Try not to take risks like that in the future."

"C'mon, Prongs, Harry here knows how to handle himself," Sirius said. "It's not like you've never taken risks like that! Remember when we were sixteen and stole your dad's brooms to fly across the Channel and back?"

"Not so loud, Padfoot," James grumbled, as Lily just rolled her eyes and pretended not to have heard.

Soon after, the group was seated around the dining table and eating the feast Sirius had prepared. The meal was punctuated with excited talk as the group told one another what they had been up to for the past year. Scattered though they were across the continent, it warmed Harry's heart to know everyone was finding their feet again after the turmoil of fleeing Britain. Such an event had been traumatic in the moment, but with one another's support, they were finally picking up the pieces and building happy and successful lives elsewhere.

Once most people had cleared their plates, Lily clinked her glass for everyone's attention. "I just want to say how nice it is to have everyone back together again," she said. "It's been a challenging year for all of us, and I wish we could do this more often."

"Hear, hear," said Remus. "It shouldn't need to be a special occasion to see family."

"Agreed," said James. "That said, this is a special occasion...let's give it up for Dahlia graduating from Beauxbatons with top marks!"

The table cheered as Dahlia blushed in her seat. She had finished her seventh year of study at the French institute the month prior. Harry was initially worried that she would not fit in at the foreign school, but she proved immediately popular at the school, thanks in part to her relationship with the Delacours and the tales of her contributions to the British war effort.

"Dahlia mentioned in her last letter that she had more good news to share," Lily added. "Want to tell everyone, darling?"

"I just received the owl last week," Dahlia smiled. "I've been accepted for post-graduate study at the Healer institute in Milan." That set off another round of delighted cheers, as everyone toasted to the good news.

"Congratulations, kiddo!" Sirius grinned. "Isn't that the same place Alessia studied?"

"Yes, it is," said Dahlia, grinning over at the woman. "She was a tremendous help with the application process. She even put in a good word for me with the professors."

"I was 'appy to do so," Alessia beamed at her. "Though I suspect you would 'ave been accepted either way...your accomplishments during ze war are well-known among Healer circles by now."

Harry had indeed heard whispers of Dahlia's growing reputation abroad. Her efforts to save lives during both the Battle of London and the Battle of Hogwarts had earned her significant acclaim, as many international soldiers had brought tales of her heroism back to their home countries with them. Her clever use of Stasis Charms to save lives had even been discussed in research papers and recommended for broader adoption worldwide. Dahlia would undoubtedly find support and success in whatever endeavor she pursued next.

"Since we're on the topic of good news," said Remus, gesturing to himself and Alessia. "We have some to share as well."

"You two working on a cousin for Cassie yet?" Sirius quipped. "We're not getting much younger here, Moony."

"No, it's not that," Remus chuckled, as Alessia blushed beside him. "Well, soon, we hope. But it's about the potion business. We're starting up production again in the fall."

"What?!" Lily gasped, looking astonished. "But how? I thought you couldn't find the money!"

Remus and Alessia had been trying to secure government funding to revive their potions manufacturing business for the past year straight. But no Ministry around the world was willing to fund the project, due largely to the exorbitant cost of basilisk venom. The pair had even been contemplating moving to South America to start a basilisk breeding farm to increase the world supply.

"We got a message from Gringotts last month," said Remus. "An angel investor reached out with an offer to donate the fifty thousand Galleons we need to get up and running again."

"But why?" James frowned. "What do they get out of it?"

"Dunno," Remus muttered. "But it gets weirder. We tried to find out who is behind the donation, but the goblins wouldn't tell us. All we know from the paperwork is that it came from a non-profit organization called 'The Dobby Foundation'."

"The Dobby Foundation?" Harry repeated, bewildered. "Isn't that the name of the Malfoys' old house-elf?"

"Could it be Narcissa stirring up trouble?" asked Lily, turning to Sirius. "What is her angle?"

"It couldn't be her," Sirius frowned. "Not alone, anyway. By law, she can't access the Malfoy funds by herself because Lucius' heir still lives. Doesn't matter if he is a fugitive – as far as Gringotts is concerned, Draco is still in control of the family vault."

"But what could Draco want with our business?" Remus wondered aloud. "Is he trying to gain a favor over us? Use the company as leverage to get revenge somehow?"

"I don't think so," Harry muttered thoughtfully. "It might be a genuine token of goodwill."

"How can you know that, dear?" asked Lily. "Weren't you and Draco enemies?"

"Once upon a time, yeah," Harry shrugged. "But the last time I saw him, I told him to 'pay it forward' to the next person that needed help. Maybe this is his way of doing that."

"We aren't the only ones the Foundation has donated to, either," said Remus. "According to legal filings, they've also contributed to a house-elf resettlement program and a support fund for fighters who were disabled in the Battle of Hogwarts."

"How about that?" James whistled. "Maybe the little shit actually grew up and decided to use his father's money for good."

"Yeah, maybe," Sirius grumbled suspiciously. "I'll do some research and see if it's all above-board. My nephew is still a Black, after all."

"You're also a Black," Harry pointed out. "So was Andromeda, and Tonks, and your brother. You wouldn't say they were all evil, would you?"

Sirius raised his eyebrows at Harry. "Point taken," he snorted.

"How are things at Gringotts, Fleur?" asked Lily. "Was the transition difficult moving from London to Paris?"

"Not at all," said Fleur. "Ze goblins transferred me with no questions asked. I 'ave only six months left before I officially obtain my curse-breaker license."

"Good for you!" James appraised her. "I hear that program is extremely difficult."

"Yes, well, I 'ave had plenty of help," said Fleur, winking towards Harry. She had indeed asked him to help identify several difficult enchantments during her studies, leaning on his heightened sense of magic and the Elder Wand's knowledge of obscure curses.

"She's brilliant in her own right," Harry said quickly. "Thirty people began the program last year, and she's one of only five who have made it this far."

"You aren't planning to go diving through cursed tombs though, I hope?" Lily winced. "I hear people die or get disfigured every year in that line of work."

"I do not think so," said Fleur. "I will likely leave Gringotts after I get my license. I was thinking about opening my own business, specializing in enchanting and disenchanting objects for everyday use."

"What a lovely idea!" Lily beamed. "A far safer profession to pursue while raising a family— er, I mean, if you decide to."

Fleur merely smiled and nodded politely at the remark. James and Lily had been subtly dropping hints to Harry and Fleur about the prospect of grandchildren for the past year. And they weren't the only ones – Fleur's parents also seemed to expect it in the near future. Apolline was far more direct about it, cornering Harry on their third day back in France and demanding when he intended to put a ring on her daughter's finger.

They had discussed it, briefly, after leaving Britain. Neither Harry nor Fleur was eager to rush into parenthood, but they both wanted it someday. Fleur had also made it clear that she didn't expect a proposal right away if Harry did not feel ready for it. He was grateful for it – he knew he wanted to spend his life with Fleur, but he also needed time to process the trauma of the war and figure out how to live life as more than just a child soldier. Twelve years of stressing over whether one might be killed any day had taken its toll on his psyche, and he didn't want to begin a marriage on such unstable footing.

"What about you, Harry?" asked Amelia to change the subject. "What have you been up to lately? I heard you had a guest residency at Beauxbatons this spring?"

"Er...yeah, I did," said Harry. Fleur had reached out to her old Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, who invited Harry to guest lecture the students and speak about his war experiences. He'd been reluctant at first, but it wound up being an engaging and fulfilling week.

"He was brilliant," said Dahlia. "Even with Fleur translating for him, the students hung on his every word. He's a great teacher."

"I agree," Fleur smiled. "And so did Olympe. She 'ad glowing things to say about 'is performance."

Indeed, Madame Maxime had been effusive in her praise of Harry's teaching prowess at the end of his visit. She had even hinted that she might offer him the Defense job after the current professor retired.

"Did you enjoy yourself as a teacher?" asked James. "Could you see yourself doing it full-time?"

"Maybe," Harry muttered. "I dunno."

"Well, you're still young," Lily offered. "You can always return to it when you're older."

"Funny, Professor Flitwick told me something similar once," Harry chuckled.

In truth, he had enjoyed his time instructing the students. Once he got into the rhythm, it came naturally, and he'd had little trouble finding a rapport with even the youngest students. But something about the experience felt...off, somehow. He felt like an alien visitor, and not just because of the language barrier. And after pondering it for some time, he'd recently realized why that was.

He missed Hogwarts. It had been his true home for twelve years across both timelines, and he yearned to return to its majestic halls. Beauxbatons was beautiful as well, but it lacked the same sense of wonder and, for lack of a better term, magic. All he could think about while teaching at Beauxbatons was how much better it would be if he was home, among the familiar stone walls he'd always taken such comfort in.

But that future was no longer possible for him. After all, how could he ever find respect in the castle again, after murdering its most beloved Headmaster within its very walls? After carrying out the bidding of a Dark Lord upon his fellow students? It pained him to even think about the place he loved more than any other.

The conversation turned elsewhere, as Alessia asked Lily about her recent trip to Algeria for a potions conference. Harry's mood had darkened somewhat, but he did his best to mask it, continuing to smile and laugh with the others. Fleur alone sensed his shift in demeanor and held his hand tight beneath the table for support. As always, he was grateful for her unwavering support, even if she did not always understand his bouts of unexplained sadness.

Suddenly, James' head perked up, and he stood to full attention, causing the table to go quiet. "Someone's breached the wards," he said in a low tone.

Harry felt it too. He leapt to his feet, the Elder Wand leaping to his palm in an instant.

"Dad, Harry, it's okay!" Dahlia said, standing to calm them both down. "It's not a threat. It's for me."

"Dahlia asked us if she could invite a guest," Sirius explained sheepishly to James. "I must have forgotten to mention it."

"A guest?" James repeated, looking to Dahlia in confusion.

A knock at the front door caused everyone to jump in surprise. Dahlia just rolled her eyes and headed for the entryway. Harry ran after her, wand poised to strike just in case anything were to go awry, but when she opened the door, an unexpected face greeted him.

"Neville?" he said.

"Hey, Harry," Neville smiled sheepishly. "Hope I'm not intruding."

The boy – now a man, Harry had to admit – looked far different than he had the last time they'd crossed paths. He had re-gained the muscle weight he'd lost while on the run from Voldemort during the war, looking far stockier and healthier than ever before. He also sported a fresh haircut and neatly-trimmed facial hair, looking every bit the celebrity he had been in Britain for the past year.

"Mr. Longbottom?" said James, looking surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Neville suddenly looked self-conscious. "Er...I don't mean to intrude," he said. "Dahlia invited me to come and celebrate her acceptance to the Healer institute. But I understand if I'm not welcome here."

There was a tense stand-off as James and Neville stared at one another. Harry knew that his father bore some of the same resentment he himself did – not at Neville necessarily, but the unequal treatment the Potters had received in comparison to him. Neville was enjoying the praise and goodwill the Potters were being denied, and for all his humility, James' pride was clearly hurt by this fact.

But James stepped forward and extended his hand. "Of course you're welcome, Neville," he said. "Good to see you, young man."

That broke the ice, as everyone came forward to greet Neville. Lily rushed to fix him a plate as the group returned to the table, with Neville now squeezed in between James and Sirius. He quickly became the center of conversation, as despite the group's expulsion from Britain, they were all eager to hear news from their home country.

"Things have quieted down a lot," said Neville. "The first few months after the war were full of public events and ceremonies honoring the lost. But then most people moved on with their lives and began to rebuild. Ginny told me last week that this was the first incident-free year at Hogwarts she'd ever had."

"How are Ginny and Tori?" asked Dahlia eagerly.

"They're doing well," said Neville. "Astoria just got her Head Girl badge for her upcoming seventh year. And Ginny graduated with five N.E.W.T.'s and plans on trying out for the Quidditch league this fall. Last I heard, she's been writing with Mark Davis a lot...wouldn't shock me if they became an item soon."

"And that girl told me she'd be single forever," Dahlia chuckled. "Bet she'll be married within the year."

"She'd still be the third in her family," Neville chuckled. "Ron and Daphne tied the knot this spring with little Dale Junior watching on. Kid looks nothing like his namesake, though – those Weasley genes are simply too strong. They wanted to invite you all to the ceremony, but...well, you know."

"Who else in the family got married?" asked Lily, skating past the uncomfortable topic.

"George eloped with Alicia Spinnet just a few weeks ago," said Neville. "Wouldn't surprise me if Fred and Katie Bell did the same soon...they reconnected after Angelina's death. Oh, and Bill's been seeing a fellow curse-breaker he met in Indonesia last winter. I think he's finally moved past what happened between him and Fleur."

Harry was glad to hear it. He still felt guilty about his role in Bill's unhappiness over the past few years. He hoped that restoring the man's memory would help him find closure and move on from that unfortunate chapter in the war.

"What's been happening in the Ministry since we left?" asked James, clearly disinterested in the relationship drama back home. "Amos still rounding up anyone he suspects of being a Death Eater?"

"Actually, Minister Diggory is rather unpopular at the moment," Neville admitted. "He lost a lot of favor once he tried to open an audit into half of the Wizengamot's voting history during the war. People are ready to move on and don't want to follow him on his quest for vengeance any longer."

"Britain has an election this fall, doesn't it?" asked Remus. "Is Diggory running for re-election?"

"Doubt it," Neville shrugged. "He knows he won't be able to win even if he does."

"Who are the front-runners to win the Minister job next?" asked Amelia.

"Well, if you ask the Prophet, myself and Cedric are the most popular options at the moment," Neville chuckled humorlessly. "But I'm sure as hell not running, and Ced is perfectly happy running the Auror Office with Tonks. Er, Dora, I should say – they just got married in April. They're expecting, by the way."

"Good for them," Sirius smiled. "Another Black entering the world that won't have total tossers for parents."

"Dale Greengrass also has support, but he doesn't want the job, either," Neville continued. "The most likely candidate to win it right now is Arthur Weasley. He and his whole family gained celebrity status after their resistance efforts became public knowledge, and he's well-liked within the Ministry."

"Oh, lovely," Harry said dryly. "A Minister Weasley will do wonders for the Potters' reputation. They were at the forefront of our smear campaign at the end of the war."

"You might be surprised," said Neville. "The Weasleys and I all got together after the war and talked things through. Ginny told everyone what you did for her at Hogwarts, and Ron and the twins explained your efforts with the resistance. Bill shared what you had been up to in the years leading up to Voldemort's return. Even Percy admitted he'd been wrong about you all along."

"Huh," Harry said thoughtfully. It was indeed a surprise to hear the Weasleys were coming around on him. "What about Arthur and Molly?"

"Molly still has her reservations, I think," Neville shrugged. "She always thought you were trouble, even if she doesn't see you as outright evil anymore. Arthur is harder to read...he keeps his opinions to himself, mostly. But he respects his children's opinions, and I think they might be able to sway him."

"Arthur always was a sensible bloke," James remarked. "A bit eccentric, but not in a bad way. He might make a good, fair leader for Britain."

Harry could not disagree. Despite his friction with the Weasley family over the years, Arthur had always kept his distance, quietly processing information rather than jump to conclusions. He had supported his sons and wife during the attack on Harry in the park, but Harry got the sense that he was a reluctant participant rather than a driving force behind the assault. Besides, he still had fond memories of the man from his prior timeline – the only proper father figure he'd had up to that point.

Could an Arthur Weasley administration herald a more positive attitude towards the Potters in the future? Harry had assumed Britain would continue to be ruled by sycophants like Amos Diggory for the foreseeable future. Could it be that the fires of discontent would cool on the Isles? Could the Potters actually return to their homeland one day? It was almost too much to hope for.

The conversation about politics carried on for a while as James, Sirius and Amelia discussed the new developments within the Ministry. Harry could tell that Neville had other things on his mind, however. Eventually, he awkwardly cleared his throat and motioned for silence around the table. Harry suspected there was more to the visit than Neville had let on; based on the way the table quickly fell silent, so too had most of the others.

"There's, erm, actually another reason I'm here," Neville said nervously. He turned his attention to James at the head of the table. "I've come to talk with you about Dahlia."

Harry felt his sister stiffen in the seat beside him. Did she know that this was going to happen?

"What about her?" James asked, keeping his face stoic and unaffected.

"I...well…" Neville stuttered, staring down at his feet before forcing his gaze back up to the Potter patriarch. "I wish to ask your permission to marry her."

That sent ripples of reaction across the table. Lily gave a low gasp of surprise; Sirius muttered something under his breath; Remus and Alessia shared a significant look. Only James did not react immediately, simply studying Neville's face, scrutinizing him.

"I don't understand," James muttered. "You two have been apart for a full year. Where is this coming from?"

"We've been writing letters to each other nearly every day," Neville admitted. "Poor Bandit has probably flown across the Channel hundreds of times this year alone. We've had feelings for each other for a while now, and the past year has only made things more clear. I don't want to be apart from her any longer."

"Neville," said Dahlia, sounding slightly exasperated, "I've already told you that you deserve better than me. You shouldn't sully your name with ours; it will hurt your reputation—"

"Maybe I don't give a damn about all of that," Neville said sharply, looking far more assertive and confident now than he had all evening – hell, in all his life. "Maybe I'm sick of my future being dictated to me by other people. I know what I want, and it's you, Dahlia."

Lily stifled a small sob at this heartfelt gesture, and Fleur squeezed Harry's hand so hard he thought it might break. The men were not entirely unaffected either; both Sirius and Remus regarded Neville with begrudging admiration. Yet still James remained stoic, his feelings on the matter not readily apparent.

"Dahlia is right, Mr. Longbottom," James finally said. "Associating yourself with the Potter family would disgrace you in Britain. You would throw away much of the goodwill you've built up for yourself in the past year."

"They'll come to understand it," Neville shrugged. "I've spent the past year defending yours and Harry's actions during the war to anyone who will listen. I wouldn't have all this goodwill if you two hadn't taken all the heat off my back in the first place...hadn't done the dirty things I never could have."

"I'm afraid we have little to offer you in the way of a dowry," James said, and he actually seemed wounded by this admission. "The Potter vaults were decimated during the war."

"I don't ask for anything," Neville said adamantly. "Only Dahlia. She's all I could ever want from you."

James nodded thoughtfully as he contemplated this. He looked to his daughter. "This is something you want, my darling?" he asked.

Dahlia looked slightly bashful, but she straightened herself and nodded. "Yes, Daddy. We've been talking about it since last fall."

"I waited to ask you until she got her N.E.W.T.'s," Neville confirmed. "And I know she intends to continue her studies in the fall. We wouldn't have to rush anything – I'm happy to wait until she finishes her schooling to settle down and start a life together."

"And what of her career after that?" Lily demanded. "You would not have her give up her passion to become a housewife, I hope?"

"Never!" Neville shook his head. "I think she'll be a brilliant Healer...hell, she already is one. I mean, I do want a family someday – a big one," he chuckled, blushing slightly, "but I'm willing to wait if she wants to put her career first."

"Well, despite my best efforts over the years, I've never been able to control my daughter's wishes," James chuckled softly. "So I'm afraid my word means very little...even if I said no, she would just do what she wants anyway. I will defer to whatever she decides and support it fully."

All eyes turned to Dahlia, who looked frozen by the sudden attention. Neville stood and walked around the table towards her, kneeling at her side. "Dahlia," he said, his voice trembling and full of hope, "I love you with all my heart. Will you marry m—"

"Of course I will, idiot!" Dahlia sobbed, launching herself at Neville with a passionate kiss. That opened the floodgates; Sirius and Remus whooped with excitement, Lily and Fleur both burst into sobs, and everyone stood to congratulate the newly-engaged couple.

All the tension of Neville's arrival was broken, and the gathering now truly felt like a celebration. James broke out a bottle of champagne and filled everyone's glasses, and soon they were all sitting around, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Harry had never seen Neville so content, so happy in his life, with Dahlia sitting in his lap, head nuzzled up against his.

The group retired to the sitting room to continue their drinks and merriment. Neville fit right in with the group, laughing and joking along with the Marauders. He'd gained a lot of confidence over the past year, and despite the circumstances, Harry was glad to see the young man come into his own. He wouldn't have wanted his sister saddling herself with someone who was unsure about his place in the world. He knew Neville would care and provide for her in his stead.

Still, though, Harry could not fully swallow his lingering resentment about the whole situation. Neville truly had it all: celebrity status, the admiration of his peers, and now the girl he loved at his side. And still Harry was an outcast, unable to return to his true home, unwelcome and unwanted. He congratulated the pair and celebrated with the others, but still in the back of his mind he could not shake just how unfair it all was.

That's not Neville's fault, though, Harry told himself. He deserves to be happy.

Not as much as you deserve to be happy. You've accomplished far more than him, and aren't getting the proper credit.

Harry shoved that secondary voice from his mind. Sometimes he wondered if it was the Elder Wand playing tricks on his psyche, but it was becoming harder to distinguish its whispers from his own thoughts now. The Hallows were an inextricable part of himself now, and sometimes Harry was unable to tell where the boundary between his soul and Death's objects stood. Perhaps there simply wasn't one any longer.

Soon after, Amelia retired upstairs to put Cassie to bed, and Remus and Alessia said their good-byes to catch their Portkey back to Italy. The others continued to chat and reminisce in their stead, unwilling to go their separate ways so soon. James and Lily were slated to leave for Monaco for another potions conference the following week, and clearly wanted to spend as much time with family as possible beforehand.

After a while, Harry realized that Neville was curiously absent from the group, having left for the bathroom and not returned. He excused himself to search for the teen, eventually finding him on the back porch, staring up at the stars in silence.

"What are you doing out here alone?" Harry asked, sitting on the ground beside Neville.

"Just thought I'd give your family some time to themselves," Neville shrugged. "Considering I burst in unannounced and all."

"Don't know if you noticed, mate, but you kinda joined the family tonight," Harry chuckled. "You're not intruding."

"So you're not upset about this?" Neville asked, looking to Harry for reassurance. "Me and Dahlia?"

"Eh, I think I got that out of my system during fourth year," Harry shrugged. "Besides, I wouldn't dare stand in the way of what she wanted. Dahlia doesn't like being told what to do...you'd best remember that when you two are married."

"Believe me, I will," Neville grinned.

"Now, I want to be the cool uncle," Harry said with faux seriousness. "I'm expecting plenty of nieces and nephews, and I have no other siblings to rely on for that."

"I'll see what I can do," Neville smirked. "I wouldn't mind being an uncle myself...any word on you and Fleur?"

"Someday soon, I hope," Harry said, grinning at the thought himself. "Fleur wants to finish her curse-breaker certification first before we decide on next steps. But I think she's as keen on starting a family as I am."

"Good on you, mate," said Neville, playfully punching Harry on the shoulder. "Three Triwizard Champions in the same family...what are the odds of that?"

"You could always break things off with Dahlia and propose to Viktor Krum," Harry quipped. "Though I imagine Hermione would be quite cross with you."

That drew raucous laughter from the both of them, their guffaws echoing out into the cool French air. Hermione and Krum had recently announced their engagement, and Hermione had made it clear in her last letter that Harry would be invited to the eventual ceremony abroad.

The two eventually fell silent, contemplating their futures. Harry sensed that Neville's mind had traveled elsewhere, that he was suddenly plagued by much darker thoughts than musings on proposals and babies.

"There's actually one more reason I came today," Neville admitted.

"What's that?"

"I, er...I wanted to ask your permission for something," said Neville.

"Like what?" Harry chuckled. "You've already taken my sister from me – what else are you plotting?"

Neville suddenly looked more self-conscious than he had all night. "Some publishers have been hounding me to write about my experiences during the war," he said. "They bought the rights to my auto-biography."

"I'm sure it will be a best-seller," Harry quipped. "But what does that have to do with me?"

"I sat down and started writing it a few months back," said Neville. "Only, the more I wrote, the more I realized that I wasn't the protagonist in my own story. You were."

"I don't follow."

Neville reached into his robes and withdrew something small and rectangular. He unshrunk it with his wand and handed it to Harry, who was gobsmacked to see his own face staring back at him. It was a book cover, with an image of himself, along with a title:

FIGHTING FROM THE SHADOWS

The True Hero of the Second Wizarding War

by Neville Longbottom

"Neville...what is this?" Harry asked slowly.

"I've spent the last year talking to everyone who was involved in the war," said Neville. "And they told me all the things you did behind the scenes to keep everyone safe. Ginny told me about when you spared her from public torture at Hogwarts. Bill told me about the horcrux hunt and your attempts to remove my scar fragment. Cedric and Tonks told me about the refugee attack and how you distracted Voldemort long enough for them to escape. Daphne told me how you protected her and the baby after the forced wedding. McGonagall spoke with the Sorting Hat and figured out what you'd done with it to retrieve the Sword of Gryffindor. We even questioned Snape's portrait, who told us about the deal you struck with Voldemort after Dumbledore's death."

"But why does any of that matter?" Harry asked. "We won. None of it is important anymore."

"Because you don't deserve what happened to you," said Neville. "None of the Potters do. You were put in a terrible position and forced to do questionable things under duress. But you also won us the war, and I don't think exile from Britain is an appropriate reward."

"We were an easy scapegoat," Harry shrugged. "But we're safe now, and we have each other. That's all I ever cared about."

"Well, I'm not comfortable taking credit for someone else's good deeds," said Neville. "So I'm going to dedicate my life to changing people's minds. I hope that this book shows people who you really are, and why you're the one they should be celebrating, not me."

Harry shook his head in amazement. "You don't have to do this, Neville," he said. "Why risk your reputation for me?"

"Because you were kind to me when I didn't deserve it," Neville shrugged. "I was awful to you as a kid, but you were able to look past it. Hell, you even fought to save my life, even knowing that I had to die to win the war. I don't know why you did that, but I'm eternally grateful."

Harry considered this. There had been times over the past decade that he'd wondered why he even bothered to be patient with the boy. Neville had been irritating at best and aggravating at worst to deal with, and plenty of times Harry had considered cutting ties with him completely. But now it seemed his patience was paying dividends. Neville had finally recognized Harry's efforts and was responding in kind, repaying the favor by helping to right the wrongs committed against the Potter family.

"So, what do you think?" asked Neville. "Do I have your permission to publish your unofficial biography?"

"Sure, Nev," Harry chuckled, still shaking his head in amazement at the cover. "As long as you don't make me look like a total git."

"Give it a read for yourself," said Neville, pressing the book into Harry's hands. "If there are details you want to add or remove, just say the word. And don't worry, I left out all the parts about death and time travel – as far as I'm concerned, that's nobody's business but yours."

"Appreciate it," said Harry, shrinking the book and putting it in his pocket. "You don't think the publishers will be upset?"

"I'm sure they will be," Neville shrugged. "But who cares? I've gotten tired of appeasing people who just want to take advantage of me. I even started saying no when Minister Diggory invites me out to events...I figure I deserve a break from being Britain's hero for a while."

"That you do," Harry grinned. "Hopefully they stop hounding you when you return home."

"To be honest, I won't be returning for long," said Neville. "There's not much left for me there. All my friends have either left or gotten eloped, and I'm tired of being gawked at like a deity everywhere I go. I reckon I'll finish the book, then leave the country for a while."

"Where will you go?" asked Harry.

"Somewhere warm, ideally," Neville chuckled. "I won't miss the British winters, that's for sure. I was thinking somewhere on the Mediterranean, like Italy."

"Italy, eh?" Harry grinned. "And I don't suppose the fact that my sister will be attending an Italian Healing institute had any bearing on that decision?"

"Well, obviously that's a big draw," Neville admitted with a sheepish grin. "But honestly, the magical flora in that area is magnificent! Did you know that there are over two thousand species of magical plants in Italy alone?"

Harry grinned at Neville's childlike enthusiasm for Herbology...he'd forgotten how passionate the boy was about the subject amidst the chaos of the war. He had a sudden, vivid memory of the chubby-faced fourth-year reading Magical Water Plants of the Mediterranean in his original timeline and suppressed a laugh.

He and Neville continued to sit and chat about the future for a while longer. Harry's feelings of resentment had finally melted away, and he was able to accept the fact that they were now family. The 'sister stars' were now proper brothers, and Harry suspected they would not be diverging again any time soon.

"Well, it's getting late," Neville chuckled, checking his watch. "I'd best turn in."

"You're not Apparating home, are you?" Harry asked. "You've been drinking."

"Nah; got a Portkey to take me home," Neville said, brandishing a small metal pendant dangling from a chain around his neck. "But I don't leave until tomorrow."

"Where are you staying tonight, then?" Harry asked. But he quickly realized what a stupid question it was, and the furious blush on Neville's face more than answered it. "Ah, right. Wasting no time, then?"

"You're one to lecture, Potter," Neville mustered with a sheepish grin. "You and Fleur are living together, aren't you? And I don't see a ring."

"Touche," Harry smirked. "I suppose a good brother would threaten to beat the mickey out of you if you ever hurt Dahlia, but she'd probably do it herself."

"That she would," Neville agreed with a grin. "I couldn't even muster the courage to kiss her for the first time until she slapped me and demanded what was taking so long."

That certainly sounded like Dahlia to Harry. She knew what she wanted, and wouldn't let any 'idiot' man deny it to her.

"Good night, Neville," he said, extending his hand. Neville shook it, suddenly looking pensive about something.

"Say, Harry?" he muttered. "Can I ask you something?"

"Alright," said Harry. "What's up?"

"When were were in...that place," said Neville, the quiet reverence in his tone telling Harry exactly where he meant. "Death mentioned that you were brought here from another reality. Did we know each other in your old life?"

"Er...yeah, Neville, we did," said Harry. "But things were different there. I was the Boy Who Lived, and it was my parents who were targeted and killed. You were one of my closer friends, though, and you came with me into the battle where I died. I always appreciated that."

Neville nodded quietly, still looking troubled. Harry sensed that there was a deeper question coming, one that he was having more difficulty articulating.

"Were my parents alive in your other life?" he asked quietly. "Did you...meet them?"

Harry saw the vulnerability and pain in Neville's expression and knew this was the heart of his question. He was second-guessing his decision, was wondering if he would've been happier if he'd reunited with his family on the other side. Harry had met the Longbottoms briefly, at St. Mungo's in his original fifth year, though they were shells of their former selves by that point. But Neville didn't need to know the finer details...he didn't deserve any more pain.

Selective truths.

"Yeah, I met them," Harry nodded. "Frank and Alice were considered heroes of the First Wizarding War. They loved you very much, and were incredibly proud of you."

Neville broke down then, sobbing quietly into his hands. Harry came forward and gently wrapped him in a hug; Neville clung to him for dear life, weeping softly into his shoulder. After a few minutes they broke apart, Neville wiping his eyes on his sleeve.

"Thank you," he whispered hoarsely. "I needed to hear that. I know they're proud of me now, too...it's just nice to have that reminder, y'know?"

Harry nodded forlornly...he certainly knew what Neville meant. He'd been starved of that love and affection in his former timeline, and while he missed his friends from that other life, he wouldn't trade what he had now for anything in the world.

Neville slowly regained his composure and gave Harry a grateful clap on the shoulder, before heading inside in search of his fiancee. Harry sat for a while longer outside, deep in thought, before returning to the house himself.

He and Fleur said their good-byes soon after and returned to their cliffside home. They retired to bed almost at once, drowsy from the drink and the lively evening with family, snuggling tight under the covers.

"Did you 'ave a good night?" Fleur asked sleepily.

"Yes, my love," said Harry, gently stroking her hair. "It was a wonderful time."

"I am so 'appy for your sister and Neville," Fleur sighed contentedly. "Zey will make beautiful babies together."

"I don't need that mental image right now, but thanks," Harry chuckled.

"Are you alright, 'Arry?" Fleur asked, perhaps sensing that his mind was elsewhere. "What is ze matter?"

"Nothing," Harry lied. "Just thinking about the future, is all. The unknown is always scary."

"Oui, it can be," Fleur acknowledged. "But you will always 'ave me by your side, non? There is nothing in zis world we cannot overcome together."

"Agreed," said Harry. "And...I think I will owl Professor Dupont tomorrow about another Mind Healing session."

"Really?" said Fleur hopefully. "What changed your mind?"

"Dunno," Harry shrugged. "I just figure it's time to lay the past to rest. And I can't do it alone."

"It takes a brave man to admit that 'e needs help," Fleur smiled. "I am proud of you, mon amour, and I love you dearly."

"I love you too, my flower," Harry said, hugging her tight. "One day soon, when the time is right, I will ask you to be my wife."

"And on that day, I will say yes," Fleur said. She shifted slightly to face him, and they shared a tender kiss. Minutes later, Fleur was asleep, contentedly wrapped in Harry's arms.

Harry lay awake a while longer, still pondering his future. For the first time in years, he could foresee a future where he returned to Britain. Neville was laying the groundwork for his return, and it sounded like he would soon have enough ardent defenders to offset the naysayers. Could he reside on the Isles once more someday? Raise a family there? Perhaps return to Hogwarts as a professor and mentor the next generations of witches and wizards? It was a wondrous thought.

But he had plenty more he wanted to do before returning home. He and Fleur had more trips planned to various far-flung locales, as Harry wanted to see what the wider world had to offer him. He hoped to continue his studies of death and the soul in the meantime, in preparation for his next journey beyond this lifetime. He knew Death would not make things easy and wanted to be prepared for whatever the next life threw at him.

He still had not told Fleur his terrible secret, the deal he'd struck with Death for Neville's life. Would she understand his decision, or resent him for it? Was it cruel to start a family knowing that he would not be able to join them on the other side when this life of his came to an end? Could she ever comprehend such a choice?

But Harry was starting to think that maybe he never had a choice at all. Death knew that he was never one to back down from a fight. If presented with the same choice naturally – knowing there was another universe in need of rescue – would Harry have turned down the offer? Part of him suspected that he would have accepted the bargain anyway, regardless of Neville's fate, just to liberate another world from the scourge of Voldemort. Hermione once called it his 'saving people thing' – his unstoppable drive to right the world's wrongs. It's why he was chosen as Death's Emissary to begin with.

That was a worry for another day, however. For now, he was content to lay in the arms of the woman he loved, drifting off to a peaceful sleep, dreaming of the wonderful life that awaited him tomorrow and beyond.

A/N: And so we reach the official conclusion of the story. I have complex feelings about the end of this epic journey, and I will save them for a longer author's note that I plan to release as its own chapter in the next few days. But if you decide to end things here, I want to sincerely thank you all for sticking around this long and seeing the story through to the end. Flawed though this fic may be, I'm proud of the final result and hope it continues to entertain folks for years to come.