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Tom’s dead and I survived the killing curse a second time.
Dumbledore really was quite something. I spoke to him, while I was kind of dead. It was Tom’s fault, my surviving, and Dumbledore knew it’d happen. When Tom used my blood to come back, he created a sort of reverse horcrux. That means only the bit of him in me died. We talked about the hunt, the clues he gave and didn’t give, and his past failures with Ariana. I think I understand him better now. I can’t entirely forget the suffering he caused, but I don’t doubt he loved me like a grandson.
I went into the forest under my cloak, though I wasn’t disturbed on the way. I used the Resurrection Stone to bring my parents, Sirius, and Remus back to give me the strength to do what I had to. I won’t say what we talked about. It’s private and this book may be found. I also made sure the Stone was hidden, lost in the forest forever more. Let no one be tempted by it again.
Narcissa Malfoy saved me from being found out. She was worried for her son, and I think just tired of life under Tom. That’s twice this year I’ve been saved by a Malfoy. Is Lucius going to be next? What a world that’d be.
They had Hagrid carry me back, so I’d be visible. They had him under some mix of the Imperius and physical shackles. It was hard, listening to him cry. Hagrid is my first friend, so it really hurt to hear him so distressed. The only thing that hurt more was the unexpected cry from Professor McGonnagall when we made it to the castle.
My sacrifice worked the way I’d hoped. They were protected from him like I was when my mum died for me. His spells couldn’t hold them, and the fighting broke out once more when Neville killed Nagini. I used the distraction to slip back under my cloak.
Mrs. Weasley killed Bellatrix, she was wicked.Tom went for revenge and that’s when I made my play. He was terrified to see me alive. We fought for a bit, and I told him why he’d lose. The Elder Wand never belonged to Snape. Malfoy won it on the tower, and then I won it from him. Tom didn’t believe me, couldn’t, I think, and used his signature spell. It was only fitting I use mine too, right? The curse rebounded and he’s gone. The end of a dark era.
The cheering was deafening and Death Eaters were fleeing now their master was dead. I made my rounds playing the hero they needed, but I’ve been exhausted for hours. I did slip away long enough to hide the Elder Wand. It’s had enough time influencing history, I think. Even if someone wins it from me they’ll never be able to find it.
I’m in Gryffindor Tower now, in my bed— I’ve really missed it— and Fleur will be joining me once she’s done in the bath. We’re going to be asleep for a long time, I think, and then life will go on.
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It’s been a few days.
The list of the dead is still being filled out between the Battle of Hogwarts as it’s now known and all the disappearances the past year. I keep trying to help but am told what they need from me now is photos and interviews. The life of a hero, I suppose. I’d rather be doing something, trying to make it up to everyone. That time will come soon though, Kingsley is the interim Minister of Magic and it looks like it’ll be permanent soon as well. He’s already promised many of us a spot with the aurors and I’ve already agreed to take him up on it. There’s still plenty of Death Eaters who escaped. Turns out Lucius did decide to help me, even if it’s not quite saving my life. He’s provided me a list of names and properties for those he knows escaped and in return I’m making sure his wife and son aren’t judged too harshly. The whole family was under duress for most of the year and they did help me out, so it’s the least I can do. I think they’ve learned their lesson anyway.
Fleur’s going to be talking to Bill soon. . . to break the news about us. She was definitely mad at me for stunning her and going off to die, but I kind of cancelled it out a bit by living and defeating a dark lord so instead of strangling me she settled for a vice like hug and several kisses. I had to promise to never do anything like that ever again though, which I don’t think will be a hard promise to keep.
I’m dreaming of the family I lost again. It’s bittersweet, especially with the new additions to the list. They’re gone, but in my dreams they smile at me, proud that I ended the war, that a new and brighter era can begin.
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Bill didn’t take it that well from what I’ve heard. Ron says he doubts he’ll be storming over here to curse me, he’s mostly angry at the world in general rather than me or Fleur. I do feel a bit bad for him, but I’m not about to let Fleur go so there’s not much I can do to help him other than keep my distance for a bit. It’s not hard, I didn’t plan on going back to Shell Cottage any time soon regardless.
The other Weasleys have mostly accepted it. Many of them didn’t want the two to marry in the first place, and their emotions are more focused on losing Fred than anything else. Ginny’s a bit upset, but she’ll get over it. I think she’s always loved me more as a hero anyway, and I don’t plan on being one anymore.
George is really somber now, part of him died with Fred. Surprisingly Percy is doing the most to try and help him, even making frequent jokes. George isn’t quite laughing, but the way he looks at Percy tells me it’s working. You know for such a stuck up prat Percy’s got a good sense of humour when he wants to.
Fleur and I are doing what we can for Andromeda. She lost her husband and daughter and has to take care of Teddy now too. We help where we can, but the post war activities are draining our time too. I hope they let off soon so we can do more, she hasn’t really had time to grieve with a baby to look after.
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Fleur moved into Grimmauld place with me. She’s currently trying to take down the portrait of Sirius’ mum. If anyone can, it's her. Kreature survived everything and is overjoyed to welcome back “Master and his Miss”. The crazy old elf’s really grown on me. Death Eaters did get in, but the protections on the house combined with Kreature’s magic kept them from doing too much damage. A few more things were looted, but nothing I wanted to keep anyway.
Fleur and I have decided to redo a fair bit of the house, we have the gold and it’ll be much more cheerful when we’re done, mostly due to the removal of Sirius’ mum. It’ll be good to both keep the memories we like and soften the ones we don’t. I think Sirius would like the changes we have planned.
Auror training is brutal since we have to accelerate the normal pace, but we need to be on the ground fast to make sure we catch everyone who escaped. I’m working twelve or more hours a day, but I’m making sure I take some time for Fleur. She’s been abandoned once before, I’m not making the same mistake Bill did. She’s too important for me to lose and she deserves better.
I’ve already planned a real date for us, some place muggle so we don’t have to deal with any congratulations or journalists. Fleur’s bouncing around in excitement, I love her so much.
I dream of us in the Grimmauld we have planned, a slightly older Teddy running around happily while Kreature grumbles good naturedly about the ‘brat’ and I hold the hopefully future Mrs. Potter.
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It’s been several months now, and things are finally slowing down a bit.
We’ve caught a large number of the escaped Death Eaters and most of the ones still loose have had their vaults seized and official warrants of arrest placed by the ICW. It’s only a matter of time for them now.
I’ve had more time to help Dromeda with Teddy. She’s really an amazing person, brilliant in all the opposite ways to Bellatrix. Teddy’s in good hands with her as his grandmother. We’re taking turns having each other over for dinners on the weekends, with the occasional tea during the week. It’s helping us as much as it is her, really. I actually saw Mrs. Malfoy leaving on my way there recently. I think they’ve both lost too much to let the old grudges stand.
Hermione’s back at Hogwarts, the only one of us who decided to finish the last year and take the NEWTs. She sent a letter recently at how she’s farther ahead than she expected without us or a mystery to slow down her studying. Ron got a real kick out of it. He’s working with George in the shop. Business is great for them, everyone wants to laugh now, and George is coming back to himself. Alicia tells me Angelina’s been checking in on him often too.
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Fleur and I are discussing marriage now. She wants us to date longer before making it official, but we’re both certain it’s going to happen. I’m sure being engaged is still a sore spot for her. I have no problem waiting, all I really need is her by my side.
Mrs. Weasley invited us to dinner tonight. She and Fleur have gotten so much closer, it’s hard to believe they’re the same people who near-hated each other. Mrs. Weasley has started doting on Fleur like a daughter, I think partly because she approves of our relationship more than the last one and partly because she doesn’t want to lose anyone else. She gets a bit teary eyed still seeing George by himself. Mr. Weasley’s proven himself to be the rock of the family. He’s held everyone together during this, support being his own form of grief. I’m thinking about buying him a car as a thank you present. If he complains I can always point out I kind of owe him one still. He deserves something nice.
Fleur and Luna have become really good friends recently and I’m not sure what brought it about. I’m glad though.
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A list of things Luna believes about Fleur and Veela in general:
-Veela can see three more colours than normal humans
-Full Veela can speak Mermish cleanly above water
-They’re immune to non-magical fire. This is despite Fleur burning herself recently.
-Veela can reverse the phase of the moon by one step, but only once a year and they all have to agree to do it
-As a part Veela Fleur can choose to lay an egg
I honestly thought Fleur would be offended but if anything learning this made them closer.
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We’re in France right now. We realised I never really met any of Fleur’s family except for Gabrielle and pulling someone out of a lake isn’t the best introduction even if it leaves a good impression.
Her parents are really lovely people. Given how Fleur was when we first met I honestly expected them to be a bit stuck up. Maybe not as bad as the Malfoys, but a typical wealthy family. They’re really down to earth though, Madame Delacour actually reminds me a lot of Mrs. Weasley, if less predisposed to smothering with affection and food. They both have a very warm, motherly feeling to them. Monsieur Delacour is a short, plump, and jolly man who kinda reminds me of Hagrid, they have the same kindness in their eyes. They both congratulated me on defeating a dark lord and then promptly treated me like any other person. It was really refreshing.
Gabrielle is very excited to have me here. She’s talking to me nonstop and she has to be reminded frequently that I don’t speak French (yet). She’s really cold to Fleur for some reason, hasn’t said more than a few words to her since we arrived but even though I thought it’d hurt Fleur to see her precious little sister acting like this she’s been very amused by it. I feel like I’m missing something.
We let them know we’re planning on getting married and would like them to attend. They’re the first to know but we’ll be announcing officially when we return.
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Our engagement is on the front page of the Prophet and even the Quibbler.
The Prophet I can understand, but I’m a bit surprised at the Quibbler. I suppose Xenophilius still feels a bit guilty and wants to make it up to me with good publicity. I’d rather he go back to posting about the Snorkack, personally.
We’re planning on asking Headmistress McGonagall (There’s no better replacement to Dumbledore than her!) if we can hold the ceremony at Hogwarts. It’s where we met and it’s been an important part of our lives since. Mrs. Weasley is helping with the preparations. It means a lot to both of us.
I’m dreaming of the wedding now that it’s being planned out. I see my family in attendance clearly in my mind. All of them, even the ones we’ve lost. Fleur’s agreed to reserve spots for them at the tables. I’m even including Peter, it just seems right even with what he did. I think he did regret his actions in the end, and Tom is really the one to blame. Hopefully the Marauders have reconciled in death. Snape’s getting a place too, but far away from my mum and the Marauders. I know how that’d turn out. . .
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I spoke to McGonagall today.
She’s agreed to let us have the wedding at Hogwarts. I got one of her rare smiles when I asked and she said she’s glad to see a bit more love in the world. I wonder if she knew how much she sounded like Dumbledore saying that. Maybe she did, because I could see his portrait wink at me from behind her.
Snape’s portrait will be going up soon. I made his story known and insisted he be viewed as a rightful headmaster. He wasn’t a pleasant man, but I can see just how much he sacrificed and contributed so I think he deserves this one honour.
I also. . . may have a new job. I’ve agreed to take the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. With Tom gone McGonagall suspected the curse would be as well, and it looks like she was right. The current professor, a loan from the Ministry, is going to finish their second year soon and has decided that’s good enough proof.
Fleur’s going to be happy, she hasn’t been too fond of my being an auror, what with a few dangerous missions and the horrible hours. I’m doing it partly for her, but also because I’m tired of it. I think I’ve done enough now, I’ve cleaned up enough of the mess of the war that I don’t feel the guilt like before. It’s time to rest and move on.
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Today I’m marrying the woman of my dreams.
Her family got in a few days ago, they’re staying with us in Grimmauld. Gabrielle’s gotten over whatever had her upset with Fleur and is excited to be our flower girl.
I’m heading over to the Burrow soon. Ron’s helping me get ready while Hermione’s coming here to help Fleur, they’re our best man and maid of honor. Ron was a no brainer for me, and I guess Fleur and Hermione got rather close during the hunt. I was half expecting Luna to be honest, she’s here often enough. Bill’s going to be there. We invited him, but didn’t expect him to come. I’m glad he is though, he’s gotten past things thankfully and I don’t want him to feel like he can’t come home whenever he feels like.
I can’t do anything about the press that’ll be there, the wedding of the “Man Who Conquered” as they’re calling me now is too big to avoid it, but I did manage to force a request that Rita Skeeter not be allowed anywhere near us. Hermione’s made sure she can’t even get in as a beetle.
Ron told me he’s planning on proposing to Hermione soon, when Fleur and I get back from our honeymoon. Hermione’s already agreed, Ron wanted to be sure of the answer before asking in front of everyone. He’s really grown up, hasn’t he?
Everything’s coming together in a way I never thought possible. I didn’t think I’d ever actually live long enough to get married, but here I am. I’m about to have in-laws, and Fleur’s about to be a Potter.
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We’re in France again for our honeymoon, part of it at least. Fleur insisted on showing me more than just her parent’s place and trying to ‘refine my palette’. The meat’s a bit undercooked, but it’s not bad really. We’re going to Spain next. When Sirius was telling me about his travels back in fifth year he mentioned some places in Spain that were great for relaxing in the sun. We’ve rented a place on an island off the mainland with a private beach for a week. I’m looking forward to seeing Fleur in a bikini.
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Tomorrow is September 1st. I’m a bit nervous, really. I wish Remus was here to give me tips and maybe help with the nerves. Somehow news of my new job hasn’t gotten out yet, but there’s no way it doesn’t make it through all of Britain and a good chunk of Ireland by tomorrow evening. I think I’ve got a good lesson plan for each year, and it’s not like I’ve never taught before, but still.
Hagrid’s having me over for tea tomorrow before the Welcoming Feast. He’s overjoyed that we’ll be working together, kept calling me “Professor Potter” in the tear stained letter. It’ll be nice being able to see him regularly and I’m looking forward to any overly long visits not risking detention with Filch.
I’m going to see if Fleur’s up for distracting me from my nerves. . .
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The year went well!
I actually really like teaching, especially the younger years. It’s a joy watching them improve, seeing the confidence in their eyes grow. There are some problem students, but even they’re a joy in their own, rather frustrating way. I see now why Dumbledore wanted to be a teacher.
Slytherin’s already changing. I’ve spotted a few muggleborns in the lower years and they don’t look to be having that rough a time. I suspect it’ll be downright respectable soon.
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Two years of teaching, and now I only have to deal with the starstruck looks from the first years. Everyone else just thinks of me as Professor Potter, which is fine by me.
Fleur and I are thinking Grimmauld is a bit empty, we’re thinking of trying for a child. Can you imagine me as a father?
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Fleur’s pregnant!
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Today Liliana Luna Potter was born. She’s completely perfect, just like her mum. She has Fleur’s eyes and my hair. It’s hard to tell who’s face she’ll take after more but she definitely has the Potter knees. I already love her so much, and I hope she and Teddy are close friends.
We’ll be leaving St. Mungo’s soon, I’ve already instructed Kreature to have everything ready so we can get Fleur and Lily settled quickly. The healers are doing a few screenings on them both now, to make sure everything’s alright. Once that’s done we’ll show her off to our family in the waiting room then head home where Fleur can have a well deserved rest.
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Dromeda has been a big help the past few weeks. Neither Fleur nor myself are used to taking care of newborns. By the time we started helping with Teddy he was already sleeping through the night and weaned. It’s not easy, taking care of a new life, but Merlin it’s incredible. I love the look in Fleur’s eyes when she watches me hold our daughter, it’s so warm. Mrs. Weasley stops by frequently to fawn on her grandchild. She’s already offering to watch after her once she’s a bit older.
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It’s Lily’s second birthday today. She doesn’t understand really, but is enjoying all of the attention. Hermione’s a few months along in her own pregnancy now. Our kids will be at Hogwarts together for at least part of their time there. Teddy’s moping a bit, he’s at that age where he thinks everyone loves Lily more than him. I’ll take him to Fortescue’s next weekend to make it up to him.
Fleur’s talking about wanting to give Lily a sibling.
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We have a son now, and Lily has a brother. James Sirius Potter. He’s going to look like me, it seems. Fleur assures me this is a good thing.
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It’s Teddy’s first day at Hogwarts tomorrow. Lily and James are throwing tantrums, they don’t want him to go. Fleur and Andy have been crying because he’s growing up so fast. I’ve teared up a time or two, but I’ll have the advantage of seeing him every week still. We went for his school things yesterday. Elm and Unicorn hair, 11 ¾ inches. Ollivander thinks it’s a good match, so I’m inclined to agree. Teddy’s really excited, he’s trying to get me to tell him how he’ll be sorted but I think it’s good to have a little mystery. I’ve warned the other professors he’s a bit of a troublemaker like his father before him. The older professors smiled, lost in nostalgia. He really is the best of Remus and Tonks.
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We’ve added another member to our family, Isabelle Gabrielle. She’s definitely her mother’s daughter.
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Lily just boarded the Hogwarts Express for the first time. Teddy’s excited to show her around and Hagrid’s already invited them to tea this weekend. James and Isabelle are crying because they can’t join their sister, though their time will come soon. We waved them off, Fleur’s head on my shoulder and each of us holding a hand of our youngest two. We’re going to join Andromeda for the traditional drink in the Leaky Cauldron before I head off to the castle. Next year Ron and Hermione will join us when Rosie joins them on the train. Ron’s already broken down once at how fast his daughter’s growing, I know how he feels.
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It’s been such a long road. Once upon a time I was a boy in a cupboard under the stairs, the only thing resembling a family I had hated me. Now I’m a well respected professor, I’ve got a wife I’m madly in love with, three gorgeous children and an amazing god child, and the Weasley and Delacour families love me as their own. When Albus Dumbledore first told me love was the greatest power in the world I could have laughed at him. I know now, though, that he was right. I spent my childhood dreaming of having a family, a real one, but that dream can’t compare to what I have now.