Epilogue

1903

"I'm sorry, but there is no way we are going to let you raise our grandchildren. End of discussion."

The elderly witch and wizard angrily looked at the young man in front of them. He was of little consequence. They had never approved of the marriage of their lovely, Pure-blood daughter to this unknown with a questionable past and even more questionable blood status. When she died during childbirth, it was a crushing blow for both of them.

Vanessa Crabbe was their youngest daughter, born twenty years after the birth of their next oldest child. As a result, she was raised almost like as their granddaughter. She was spoiled and coddled, though she never exhibited the negative qualities that such an upbringing could have given her. Just the opposite, she had been kind, with a generous heart. Vanessa always saw the best in everyone around her, including the man who whisked her away in the middle of the night. The elopement was the scandal of the year among the Twenty-Eight, just as her death ten months later had been the greatest tragedy.

"I am not without means, Madame Crabbe. They can live very comfortably with me when I accept my new post in the fall," the man explained. His eyes imperceptibly picked up the emotions of everyone in the room. He knew he was failing, but continued his gentle persuasion in earnest. "They will want for nothing. I will care for them, as will a number of house elves who are excited about getting to care for a young child. They will have the best education Britain can provide."

"No," she said. She stood up, spit on him, and left the room.

He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face.

"You will have to excuse her, young man," said the elderly man. "She is in deepest mourning still. As I'm sure you are. As am I." He stood and strode to the great window to the west of the room, looking out at the setting sun. "But, you would be a foolish boy to think you have a chance. You well know that I am the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. And I will use every resource in my power to make sure my granddaughters stay with us."

The young wizard took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. "May I see my daughters one more time?"

"Not a chance." He left the room and didn't look back.

Now, the young wizard was wiping tears from his eyes. He stood up when the house elf came to the door to escort him out. But, the little elf did not lead him to the front door. Putting a boney finger to her lips, she led him to a little room several doors down. He looked inside, and saw the sleeping twin girls. They were dressed in identical snow white dresses. Matching caps covered their auburn hair.

The elf grabbed his arm, and lead him back to the front door. As he walked out, he heard a cry as she slammed her hands in the door behind him.

A/N: Finishing up Part 2 of all these things that are not mine.