Chapter Text
“It’s a bittersweet moment when your child starts growing up. You’re so proud of all their accomplishments, but you also can’t help but feel a little sad that they’re not children anymore.” – Unknown
Harry sat in the breakfast nook in his chambers, the last 7 years had been a challenge, he had to remind himself constantly that Ziya was growing up, and he had to step back and give her the room to grow and flourish.
Flourish she did, 18 years old and he had watched her grow from a little girl into a strong, confident young woman, a head covered in long softly curled black hair, deep green eyes that appeared to glance into your soul, and her lightly tanned skin.
Harry knew he had changed too, his hair wasn't all black anymore, more grey was making an appearance, and he had more aches and pains, he was getting older after all, and Severus delighted in teasing him time to time from his portrait.
The door to his chambers swung in allowing Ziya to rush in, rolled parchment in hand, she spotted him and bounced over to put the paper down.
"It's my N.E.W.Ts results," he lifted an eyebrow "Well, open it!" He slowly unraveled the parchment, watching his daughters face out of the corner of his eye and saw her puffing her cheeks at his teasing.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
NASTILY EXHAUSTING WIZARDING TEST RESULTS
Passing Grade Failing Grade
Outstanding (O) Poor (P) Exceeds Expectations (E) Dreadful (D) Acceptable (A) Troll (T)
ZIYA EILEEN PRINCE HAS ACHIEVED:
Transfiguration E
Charms O
Potions O
Defence Against the Dark Arts E
Healing Arts O
Study of Ancient Runes O
Arithmancy E
"Oh Honey, Congratulations! Four Outstandings and three Exceeds Expectations!" Harry jumped up to give Ziya a kiss on her forehead, "I'm so proud of you,".
Ziya wrapped her arms around her father and looked over his shoulder to her other fathers portrait, "Did I do alright, Papa?".
"You did magnificently," the painted face settled into a proud expression with a faint smile.
Two weeks passed before the morning of Graduation day dawned with Harry once again sipping tea and reading a possible addition to his lesson plan, "Brat?" His eyes searched the room for a moment before pausing and turning to look at the frame, "Yes, Git?" A glare was thrown in his direction at the teasing tone, "I know Ziya wants to become a Spell Crafter, but has she managed to find a Master to study under?".
Harry placed the book on the table with a sad sigh, "She has, our little bird is leaving the nest, she is heading for New Zealand, she was accepted by Master Grant,"
Even knowing that this was something important to his daughter didn't make it any easier, it was definitely going to be odd not having her nearby.
"I know the Princes have a small townhouse somewhere over there," Harry nodded "Grisborne, I believe," he took a sip of tea "It actually worked out well, since that is where her Master lives," he saw Severus nod.
Seeing Severus lost in thought he picked up where he had left off in his book.
"Harry?" He hmmed in response "What are your plans?" Harry focused his gaze on the portrait "What do you mean?".
"Are you going to continue teaching, or.." his voice drifted off causing Harry to release a small chuckle "I'm going to continue teaching, but with Ziya leaving for her Apprenticeship, I have agreed to St.Mungos request and will be taking on a few cases," he saw relief and a tad bit of confusion leak into Snape's eyes, and felt a little guilty "I came back to England with the intention to stay , Sev'rus, I may visit Ziya, but this place is home," and he saw the moment that Severus truly understood what he meant.
Harry stood at his place amongst the other Professors, black dress robes with silver trim, and his hair of course in Ziyas favourite style, she now teased him that it made him look like a viking , that always got an eye roll from him.
The time came for his daughter as he heard Minerva's call of "Ziya Eileen Prince," and watched as his daughter moved down the line of Professors before she stopped before him to shake his hand, while his voice gave the cursory Congratulations, his eyes showed his complete and utter pride and love.
The day of Ziyas departure for New Zealand arrived, and Harry hurt, but it was a good pain, his daughter was taking the first step of her own life and he couldn't be prouder.
"You will write to me when you can," Ziya nodded as he brought a hand to cradle her cheek," The Prince townhome is ready for you, and the elves are expecting you," "Dad," he continued as if he hadn't heard her "You will take care of yourself, promise me," he saw her expression and knew she was going to spew some smart ass response "Ziya, Promise me," something must have shown on his face, because the next second she was wrapping her arms around him, face tucked under his chin, "I promise," he hugged her a moment longer before stepping back and looking her up and down, just looking at her, afraid if he didn't he would never see her again.
"I have to go Dad," his eyes blurred but he nodded and took another step back "I'll make you proud," he smiled "You already do," Ziyas bright happy smile was the last thing he saw before the Portkey whisked her away.