Disclaimer: Yeah, totally don't own HP

Epilogue II (of II)

Well fuck me, he wasn't lying! These really are fabulous seats. I am at the quidditch world cup in old London town, Iceland vs. England. I didn't dare leave the box after we had apparated because I didn't want to succumb to the temptation around me. I came here, watched the game and then back to work.

I checked my watch. Blaise and ship should be arriving in Istanbul right about now. God, it will be good to see him tomorrow. He and the crew were shipping Ukrainian thickbacks to Morocco, last time I saw him. Of course, I didn't see him in Ukraine or in Morocco, but in our headquarters on the Romanian coast.

I glanced in the cabin mirror while brushing my hair. Blaise was having trouble getting on his trousers. "You look terribly dignified, Captain," I remarked.

"My crew is supposed to be working on deck, not brushing their hair!"

"Your predecessor never minded when I took care in my appearance."

"That's because he was a horny old bastard and you were the only female on the ship."

"I am still the only female on the ship!"

"And yet I am putting you on land."

I put down the brush and tied up my hair. "You aren't making any bloody sense, Capitan."

Blaise turned to me. "Say that again."

"Captain . . ." I repeated, looking from side to side uneasily.

"Damn right I'm Captain!" he shouted, picking me up and swinging me around in a burst of happiness.

I screamed, which caused a smile to break out on his usually composed features. "Thank you, Xan."

"What did I do? The old custard had a heart attack all on his own!"

He just smiled at me, pride radiating off him like heat. "I am nothing without you, my pretty." He spoke like a true pirate captain rather than a merchant seaman.

"Then my, Captain, are you putting me on shore?"

Good long time ago that was. Well, a year or so, but I judge time by how much that happens. Things were different onshore, not to say that since Blaise and I got into the dragon trade we stayed forever on a ship. Not at all, but I became the head of all land operations which included, business affaires (my specialty) and a great deal of fieldwork (nasty surprise that was).

My reflection changed quite a bit since I came on land (though it changed a great deal since the last time we spoke, my friends). My hair got darker, as did my skin (after the months of consistent burn), my hands scared from dragon burns over the calluses (that developed aboard the ship) and I wore dragon hide for functional purposes (something I never thought would happen).

"Alex, I brought you a drink," Charlie pulled me out my thoughts as he came back into our box.

"Thanks," I said. I have also developed a taste for strong alcohol. They don't have much else in Romania.

Charlie is bloody gorgeous. There is no other way to describe it. He's strong, well-built, red hair that actually looks good with his freckles. I didn't want to find him gorgeous. In fact, I found it absolutely infuriating when he stomped into my office in his boots, claiming to be representing the Romanian trainers and wanted to know all my business. I was ready to argue but he wasn't going to be swayed by the silver tongue of a woman younger than him. So we argued and boy did it take a while. In the end, I showed up the papers he wanted. On my first day in the field he showed me how to not make a fool of myself (the last thing the boss needs is someone under them in the hierarchy showing them the ropes). Let's just say, our relationship progressed over time. Oh I know he's a Weasley but he doesn't know I was a slytherin. In fact he doesn't know a lot of things about me; such as my complex relationship with cigarettes or my old nickname or my old life for that matter.

"I have to remember to thank Ron and Harry when I see them," Charlie said, looking over the railing as the announcer started to speak. "These really are fabulous seats."

"I can't believe your brother knows the Harry Potter," I said, sipping my drink.

"Are you sure you can't stay? You would love my family. They're a little hard to handle at first but they would love you. Really! You could even meet Harry Potter if you want."

"Charlie, you're family would get the completely wrong idea. Besides, I am swamped! The Moldavian breeding ground I bought is a mess! I will be spending all of next month there."

"You work too hard, Alex," he leaned over and ruffled my hair with his large hands.

So what if the name Alex feels new. He sometimes calls me Alexandra. It would be weird if he called me Xan or Xandra or Marlow. Our relationship is fine. No, it isn't wedding bells and gleaming truth but he makes me happy. Sure, I can't say for certain that I won't tire of him but for now, I am happy.

"And here they come folks! England in blue!" the announcer called out the names of the English team but of course, I was only paying attention to one: Harry Potter.

He looks great. Exactly the same as I imagine him. I was a bit surprised when he went into pro quidditch but I suppose it suits him. He maintains his fame better than he would if he was an auror. I like him better this way because he is more like a dream than a person. He hovers yards away from me but yet he is in another world. He looked at me but I am sure it was just by chance. He couldn't recognize me. I don't even recognize me! To be honest, I have forgotten so many details about him than I don't even recall now. It's better that way, I am sure.

I don't need Harry Potter, no matter what your definition of love. I have enough love and I don't need glaring truth to make me happy. There are men in my life who make me happy and Harry-Potter-not-in-my-thoughts is one of them.

I pulled out a package of cigarettes only to have Charlie pluck them out of my hand.

"This is nonsmoking, Alex."

"Make me," I said with a devious smile.

"After the game, love," he said with a wink.

I sighed and looked down at my fingers wrapped around the base of my glass. It really was a gorgeous ring; simple enough to go with everything and not cause alarm but brilliant all the same. I wonder if Charlie will notice that I didn't pack clothes for Moldavian weather.

(They say I gotta change my evil ways
And I'm workin hard at it every day but
No matter what i do
I seem to make the same mistakes that I'm tryin not to
If love is just a game that people play
And practice make perfect is what they say but
No matter what I do
I seem to make the same mistakes that I'm tryin not to)

The End

Author's Note: Well there it is, the end to Wonderboy. Just who gave her that ring is the question. Just chew on that for a while and come to your own conclusion. I am seriously considering doing a sequel but not sure exactly what time I will get it up (soon, I hope). The lyrics belong to Gym Class Heroes. It really is weird ending this, especially when I look back at some of the first chapters. I thank everyone for their support and I had a great time writing this. Until next time, go slytherin!