Chapter Text
Silence fell upon the group. The time travelers suddenly became very aware of the situation they found themselves in. Stuck in an active war zone with only two more chances to contact their families.
“Everyone, let’s look at the facts. It seems because of the time travel the mirror shards only work for a short period of time. We’ve already used one shard, but fortunately Lily and Albus still have theirs.” Teddy attempted to ease everyone’s worries.
“Al and Lilyflower can I hold onto your shards for safekeeping?” Teddy asked the Potter siblings, both agreed and handed over their mirror shard.
“Since there’s only two chances left to contact our parents we need to decide what circumstances are appropriate for us to do so.” Rose decided, prompting conversation from the table.
“I think the answer is obvious, we should only use the shards if someone is severely injured, but even then we should be able to heal them fine here.” Molly answered.
“What if we have information about how to get back home though?” Questioned Louis.
“Our parents are competent to figure out how to get us home. I have full confidence in them. However, I suppose we should share information if we find anything” Molly replied.
“Well that settles it then, we’ll only use the shards if someone is severely injured or we figured out how to get back home.” Scorpius said.
“So that means, no one should be doing anything that could potentially harm anyone.” Rose warned, her eyes pointed at the four that landed them in this situation.
“She means you four by the way.” Albus added looking at his brother and cousins.
“Hear you loud and proud Rosie!” Fred mock-saluted to Rose.
“What’s even the point anymore, my broom is gone! How can I prank knowing I let Slytherin take the Quidditch Cup!” Lucy sighed dramatically.
“Cheer up Lucy! We’re in the past! That means we can play quidditch with our family who suck!” Roxanne said soothingly.
“Or we can prank with Uncle Fred and George and two marauders!” James cheered.
“James, we literally just decided no pranking.” Dominique raised her eyebrow.
“Wait, what do you mean by two marauders? Can’t you usually do that in the future?” Harry asked, peering over at Sirius and Remus.
“What are me and Moony just old farts? Don’t wanna have fun with you guys?” Sirius said, giving a reassuring smile to Harry.
James let out a nervous laugh, “Yup! You and Uncle Moony have really become so lame!”
The rest of the time travelers rapidly nod their heads in agreement.
Unconvinced, George questioned further, “James also said pranking with me and Fred. I know for sure me and Fred would want to do pranks with you guys in the future, so what's up with that?”
“You’re a father Georgie! Maybe Angelina would get cross and make you sleep on the couch!” Fred poked fun at his twin, seemingly desperate to change the subject.
“No, they’re keeping information from us!” George yelled.
“Not everyone makes it out of the war alive, do they.” Harry stated, his voice becoming cold.
———
The time travelers looked at each other, hesitating to tell the truth. Fred and Roxanne looked at their father, whose eyes were pleading for answers. One that would tell him if his twin was dead. Fred and Roxanne couldn’t bear to tell their father that the only answer they could give him wasn’t the one he wanted.
Victorie looked at her fiancé, a man who had lost so much at such a young age. Teddy’s hands were shaking and his eyes flickered nervously around the room debating what to do. How could Teddy be the one to break the awful news of what happened, especially to his parents? Taking Teddy’s hand, Victorie stepped forward and knew what she had to do.
“We won the war, but it came at a heavy price. Would you like me to detail who died?” Victorie asked the Order of the Phoenix, who all decidedly nodded their heads.
Shakily, Victorie continued, “At the end of this year, Sirius dies fighting heroically—” Victorie was cut off by a pained cry that escaped Harry.
“You can’t die! You’re all I have left!” Harry shouted, turning to Sirius who looked deathly pale.
“Harry—” Sirius tried.
“No! Sirius, you said we could live together!” Harry was overcome with emotion, tears welled in his eyes and his fists were clenched.
Sirius knew he couldn’t say anything to comfort Harry at that moment but he could still try. Pulling Harry into a hug, “Harry listen to me, you have a beautiful family and we win the war. Even if I’m not there I’m happy, so incredibly happy you make it out and can live your life. That's all that matters to me, kid.” Sirius whispered.
“It’s not fair.” Harry whispered back.
“If I go out protecting you, I don’t give a damn if it’s fair.” Sirius replied, ruffling Harry’s hair but keeping an arm wrapped around him for comfort before giving Victorie the signal to continue.
“Professor Dumbledore dies at the end of this year protecting Hogwarts from invasion.” Victorie states, gasps could be heard around the room at her statement.
“But how will Hogwarts run without him?” Harry asked.
“Who could be powerful enough to kill Dumbledore!” Arthur Weasley added.
“It takes a couple years but eventually Headmistress McGonagall takes over!” Roxanne piped up.
“Dumbledore let himself be killed, Professor Snape was working as a double agent and they needed Voldemort to trust Snape. Besides I think Dumbledore felt pity for my father. My grandad got my family into trouble with Voldemort so my father’s punishment was to kill Dumbledore.” Scorpius explained.
“Wow, Snape took out Dumbledore.” Remus murmured.
“Forget that! Snivellus is on our side!” Sirius shouted in surprise.
“The next year is when the war will end but we lost some people before the final battle, both Mad-Eye Moody and Dobby the house elf die to protect Harry.” Victorie continued.
Eyes traveled to Mad-Eye Moody who seemed unphased at the announcement, “If we win and I go out heroically, then there’s no reason to dwell on it.” Mad-Eye Moody grumbled.
“Poor Dobby, I hope he didn’t suffer.” Hermione commented.
“He died surrounded by his friends, I’m sure he was glad to save Uncle Harry’s life! He was truly brave.” Rose replied, soothing her mother’s worries.
“The final battle took place at Hogwarts, it was bloody and ruthless. During the battle we lost many, including Snape, Remus, Tonks, and Uncle Fred.” Victorie managed to stammer out, her voice cracking when she began to list the names.
Cries instantly erupted from Molly Weasley, she quickly rushed over to hug her son. The other Weasley’s quickly followed, except for George who stood still staring at Fred.
“You’re joking.” Blankly stated George.
“Dad, I’m sorry.” Fred II responded.
“Uncle Fred died laughing.” Roxanne added.
At that, George flung himself at his twin brother. Heart-wrenching sobs tore themselves out of George as he whispered pleas that Fred couldn’t leave him.
“Did I get to make up with Percy before I died?” Fred asked, his arms were full with comforting his weeping family.
“The battle of Hogwarts was when Papa came to his senses, he was with you before you died.” Molly said.
Fred nodded, content as he could be when you found out you don’t live to see past your twenties. Sobbing, the family surrounded him, Fred knew that he didn’t want to spend this moment with everyone crying.
“Georgie and everyone stop crying! C’mon I just found out I died! I wanna spend the next few days having as much mischief as I can!” Fred laughed, wiping the tears from his own eyes.
At that, the Weasley family reluctantly let go except for George who stayed buried in his brother’s chest.
———
“Both of us died?” Tonks asked horrified, “We left you alone?” she began to let tears fall.
“How old were you?” Was all Remus managed to ask, his mind struggling to process what was happening. Remus seemed to finally have found some joy after the first war and he immediately died, leaving his son to explore the world alone?
“I was only a couple months old.” Teddy replied “You guys didn’t leave me alone, I had Gran, Harry was my godfather, and the entire Weasley family. I was loved, but I miss you two being honest.” Teddy confessed, tears brimming his eyelashes.
At that, Remus and Tonks rushed over to hug Teddy. Both parents wanted to memorize his face and hold him close, knowing it would likely be the last time they could see him at this age. Teddy melted into the attention and enjoyed it while he could, knowing the inevitable fate of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks.
———
“Well today has certainly been eventful. Thank you Victorie for telling us, I know it wasn’t an easy task.” Arthur sent a grateful smile to his granddaughter who grinned back, “It’s getting late, we should get started on sleeping arrangements.”
The time travelers started clamoring for their requests to be granted.
“Freddie and I should bunk with Uncle Fred and George! It’s only right!” James shouted.
“I am not sleeping in the same room as James!” Requested Albus.
“Oh can me and Rosie sleep in Mum’s room and Aunt Hermione’s!” Lily begged.
“Oh alright, how about this Teddy and Victoire should get their own room. Louis, Fred, and James can sleep in the twin’s room. All the girls in Ginny’s and Hermione’s room. Albus, Hugo, and Scorpius can go into Ronald’s and Harry’s!” Molly decided.
“How did I get stuck with that arrangement?” moaned Louis.
“Have fun with that Louis! Hope you still have your eyebrows in the morning.” Snickered Molly.
“Don’t worry Louis! We’ll be on our best behavior!” Fred said, placing his arm around Louis “Right Georgie?”
“Of course Freddie! I’m sure us and your cousins will have so much fun.” Grinned George, his smile returning after the awful news.
———
Scorpius nervously followed Harry and Ron to their room. Now Scorpius is aware that during this era his father is not the most popular guy around and knows that what ensues will surely be extremely awkward. Scorpius hopes that their future sons will distract them enough to keep Harry and Ron from properly acknowledging him.
“So…” Hugo drawled, wanting to break the silence, “got any thoughts about your future?” he asked his uncle and father.
Harry hesitates, “is it really peaceful after the war?”
Albus lets out a laugh, “I wouldn’t call it peaceful! If you thought you were famous before Dad, you’re like ten times more famous now! I mean the prophet loves the boy who lived twice!” Hugo nodded in agreement. “Though that doesn’t mean we aren’t happy, you and mum do a great job at keeping the paparazzi away when they’re not wanted. No complaints here!” Albus finished, still chuckling.
“That sounds nice, better than what I would’ve imagined for myself.” Harry murmured after a moment of thought.
“Really mate, it's what you deserve after whatever the hell your childhood and the past five years were.” Ron patted Harry on the back.
“Hey! The past five years have been my favorite years!” Harry said, offended that Ron would think that the years Harry had known him could ever be considered the worst years of his life. “You and Hermione have been the best things that have happened to me.” Harry said in all sincerity and Ron smiled.
“Hey! That’s what you said in your best man speech for Mum and Dad’s wedding!” Hugo chimed in, causing laughter from the room.
“Oh! That’s another thing I wanted to ask, are me and Hermione happy?” Ron blurted out, red filling his cheeks.
“Dad says you guys haven’t changed in the slightest since you got together, so extremely sappy but incredibly happy.” Albus replies.
“So you’re saying I have to deal with them being like this for my entire life?” Harry asked, dread etching across his face.
“Don’t put up a front Mr. Potter, your favorite joke is that you’re their first child instead of Rosie.” Scorpius said.
“Hey Malfoy’s spawn, was all that stuff you were saying about the future between us and your father true? Or were you just trying not to get hexed?” Ron questioned Scorpius further, crossing his arms in a defensive manner.
“It’s all true. Dad, you, and Mr. Malfoy will have a good relationship in the future.” Albus interrupted.
“I mean it wasn’t always like that though, during the early years Scorpius, Albus, and Rose went to Hogwarts you guys were always causing scenes!” Hugo added, chuckling to himself at the memories.
“What changed?” Harry asked, intrigued at what could cause years of bad blood to disappear.
The trio of boys pondered the question, none of them really knew what changed. One day all their fathers started to act friendly towards each other.
“I don’t know actually, one day you guys all became friends.” Scorpius eventually said, his eyebrows furrowed like he was still in thought over the question. Albus and Hugo nodded in agreement with Scorpius.
“Huh, maybe Ginny and Hermione told us to play nice with Malfoy.” Ron said to Harry.
“I know my dad did some awful things to you guys and Mrs. Hermione, but he’s a changed man who apologized and tries to do better everyday. I’m being honest when I say you two and he can share a drink without throwing spells at each other.” Scorpius finished.
Surprised by the apology, Harry and Ron stared at Scorpius in disbelief.
“Dad, Uncle Ron? You two are still alive there?” questioned Albus.
“Sorry, just Draco Malfoy apologizing to me and Harry. Huh, maybe the future will be good after all.” Ron said, a smile creeping onto his face.
“We believe you Scorpius. I mean, the war couldn’t have been good for anybody, I’m sure Draco changed since then.” Harry added, exchanging a smile with Scorpius.
“Well I’m dead tired, so goodnight Uncle Harry, Dad, Al, and Scorp!” Hugo yawned, getting into a comfortable position.
Silence followed Hugo’s proclamation, till Ron blurted out, “You guys up for a game of exploding snap?”
Albus and Scorpius nodded eagerly, relieved that the awkward tension between Scorpius, Ron, and Harry has seemingly dissipated.
———
Despite there being an additional six girls sleeping in Ginny and Hermione’s shared room, the two couldn’t bring themselves to be displeased.
Especially considering the treasure trove of gossip the time travelers were eager to share.
“Oh Lavender Brown? She married Ernie Macmillan, they have a daughter.” Lucy answered Hermione’s question.
Roxanne let out a giggle before teasing Hermione, “Seriously Aunt Hermione? You’re asking about Uncle Ron’s ex-girlfriend. We’re from the future! You can ask anything!”
Hermione reddened at the implication, “It’s not like that! I’m just curious about who else had children!” she sputtered.
The girls laughed at Hermione while she glared at them.
“Well! How’s their daughter?” Hermione questioned further, desperate to get the attention off herself.
“Maybe Rose should answer that question.” snickered Lily, drawing the attention towards Rose who was preoccupied in her mothers collection of books.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rose raised an eyebrow towards Lily who responded by shrugging and laughing.
“Her name is Violet Macmillan, she’s a Hufflepuff.” Rose told her mother.
Lucy then chimed in, “she’s also madly in love with Scorpius! Rose cannot stand her.”
Rose let out an offended gasp, “She cannot stand me! She has this grudge against me for being friends with Scorpius, it’s not my fault he doesn’t return her feelings!”
Ginny chuckled, “like mother, like daughter!” nudging Hermione who rolled her eyes.
“Oh but Rose, it’s definitely your fault that Scorpius doesn’t return her feelings.” Roxanne said gleefully.
Colored filled Rose’s cheeks while Ginny choked on her surprise, “Scorpius fancies Rose?”
Hermione peered curiously at her daughter who seemed to become fascinated with the floor suddenly.
“It’s a well known fact that Scorpius fancied Rose since their first year.” Molly contributed.
“It was years ago, he doesn’t anymore.” Rose objected, her voice muffled because of the hands covering her flustered face.
“Likely story! Scorpius definitely still fancies Rose.” Lily tells her mother and Aunt Hermione while the other girls giggle in agreement.
“Does Rose like him back?” Ginny asked, invested in her future niece’s love life.
At the same time Rose exclaimed, “No!” Dominique responded, “Yes.”
“Dominique!” Rose hissed.
“Rose, anybody with eyes can see the two of you fancy each other.” Molly laughed.
“You two are the most obvious thing since Teddy and Victorie!” Dominique added on.
Hermione just found out that she married her best friend and had two kids with him but her daughter being in love with Draco Malfoy’s son is certainly the most surprising thing she’s found out today.
Logically, Draco Malfoy must’ve changed after the war and raised his son to be a respectable young man. However, Hermione didn’t realize the son would be charming enough to marry into her family. She wondered how future Ron and Hermione will react, or if they already know and are just waiting for Rose and Scorpius to get together.
“Mom?” Rose touched Hermione’s shoulder, bringing Hermione back from her thoughts.
Rose’s face looked apprehensive, worried even. Hermione’s silence on the Scorpius matter might’ve accidentally conveyed disapproval to Rose.
“Does he treat you well?” Hermione looked directly at Rose.
“He’s my best friend , of course he does.” Rose replied and Hermione smiled.
“Well then I’ll have to talk to him tomorrow then, as my future son in law.” Hermione smirked, causing Rose to protest while the other girls laughed.
“Enough about me! Aunt Ginny, don’t you want to know about Lily’s boyfriend?” Rose baited.
“Oh it’s nothing too exciting.” Lily shyly said.
“Bollocks! Tell me everything!” Ginny grabbed Lily’s hands urging her to speak.
“Well, Lysander and Lorcan were always around because you guys and Aunt Luna are friends.” Lily explained.
“Lysander, Lorcan, Hugo, and Lily were practically inseparable.” Roxanne told Ginny and Hermione.
“I’ve always had a crush on Lysander even as a kid but he never saw me like that! Told me I was more like a little sister, so when our fourth year rolled around I decided to get over him.” Lily said.
“That did not work, if you were wondering.” Rose commented.
“I didn’t get over him but the guys I saw in the meantime were a good distraction!” Lily pointed out.
“Good distraction and a good way to make Lysander jealous.” Molly added.
“I just broke up with the guy I was seeing over the summer when fifth year started and that was when Lysander took his chance and asked me out!” Lily squealed and Ginny smiled for her daughter.
“Honestly Aunt Gin, Lily’s love story is very similar to yours and Uncle Harry’s.” Dominique said.
“Like mother, like daughter.” Hermione cackled at Ginny.
“Really? But Harry doesn’t like me, he honestly didn’t even seem happy to find out he married me!” Ginny huffed.
“Dad’s probably just shocked, he’s so in love with you mom it’s mad.” Lily reassured her mother.
“In Uncle Harry’s sixth year is when he started to like you Aunt Ginny, something about him becoming jealous of Dean Thomas.” Lucy offered.
Ginny nodded, content with the new information.
“How did Ron and I get together then?” Hermione inquired, her cheeks pink.
“Got together in the middle of battle.” snorted Roxanne.
Hermione’s mouth dropped, “excuse me?”
“Dad said something about House elves and you kissed him square on the mouth, in the middle of the last battle of the war! Right in front of Uncle Harry too!” Rose giggled.
Hermione’s cheeks became even pinker.
Among the giggles, a yawn was heard,
“It was fun to gossip with you Aunt Hermione and Ginny but I’m dead tired, goodnight everyone.” Molly sleepily said before she turned around to snuggle deeper into her blankets.
The rest of the girls followed her lead and bid each other goodnight before resting.
———
Fred II knew that the loss of his namesake made a major impact on his father, he’d be a fool not to know.
Having a twin himself, Fred II wonders about how his father managed to live again. If something ever happened to Roxanne, Fred II is sure his own heart would stop beating from the sheer grief.
Now Fred II looks at his father and Uncle Fred. They were as identical as everybody described them as, but Fred II knew the difference.
His father was the one who kept peering at Uncle Fred every few seconds as if checking he was still alive and with him.
Fred II couldn’t bring himself to join in on James and Louis’s stories about the future because his father couldn’t stop looking at his Uncle Fred.
Fred II felt sick.
“So the glorious Fred the second! Do you have any stories about Hogwarts?” Uncle Fred is talking to him, his face looks exactly like his father’s.
Fred II forced a laugh and retold the story about how he, Roxanne, James, and Lucy managed to charm every chair in Hogwarts to be unusable causing classes to be cancelled for the day.
———
Victorie fidgets with her engagement ring, a nervous habit she’s developed ever since she and Teddy started to plan their wedding.
She methodically twists the ring around her finger as she watches Teddy hug his parents goodnight.
“Are you okay?” Victorie asked following Teddy to their room.
Teddy laughs dryly, “I don’t know Vic, I mean I came to terms with the fact that I won’t ever see my parents years ago!” Teddy's hands are shaking as he sits on the bed.
Victorie goes to hold his hand in hers and begins to rub soothing circles onto his hands.
“I made peace with the fact I’ll never hear my father say that he’s proud of me, never feel my mother’s embrace again, or the fact they’ll never see me get married to you, but now they’re here and right in front of me Vic!” Teddy's voice wobbles and he’s aware of the tears clouding his vision.
“Teddy…” Victorie begins, “And the worst part is that I can’t keep them, I’ll have to say goodbye again.” Teddy finishes and lets the tears fall freely.
Victorie is quick to wrap herself around her fiancé and tries her best to comfort him. Eventually, Teddy cries himself to sleep and Victorie cannot make the ache in her heart leave as she follows him into slumber.