(90) Farewell

It was a clear warm night at the Burrow. Tonks & Teddy were already passed out in one of the spare bedrooms. Sirius & James sat together on the porch swing with James lying back into Sirius's arms. The remnants of Bellatrix's wand lay in three pieces on the railing in front of them. They had spent most of the afternoon trying to figure out how to break it without any unknown protective curses backfiring on them, but Sirius had still ended up with a cut in the palm of his right hand which would leave a scar. An owl hooted nearby.

Sirius petted James's hair. "So I guess we're going on then."

"He's going to Hogwarts."

"We don't know for sure."

"I do."

"How?"

"He knows where the Elder Wand is," said James. "I don't know how that brat found out, but he knows & we know he is collecting the Hallows as well as the Horcruxes. He already has two of them. He'll go for that wand next."

"You think the wand is at Hogwarts?"

"Dumbledore was a Hallows hunter back in the day," James answered. "He's had the Elder Wand for almost a century & that's why it disappeared from history for a bit. A Light wizard had it. I had left the wand buried with Dumbledore." He left out the part that someone out there had it again. Harry knew who & despite his frustration over his son's antics, James trusted Harry with the knowledge for now.

"Wow!" Sirius gasped.

"So he'll go to Hogwarts next," said James. "He said he thinks all this will be over in time for summer. That doesn't give us a lot of time."

"He's not going to Hogwarts next," said Sirius.

"You managed to get something out of him?"

"He said the same thing I did," Sirius went on. "That Bellatrix has a Horcrux & take a wild guess where it is?"

"Hogwarts?"

"Nope."

"Not back at the Malfoy Manor?"

"Nope," Sirius leaned over to kiss James before saying, "Gringotts."

"At the bank?"

"Harry said that Bellatrix was furious about the sword because it was supposed to be in her vault & so she thinks he was already in there stealing things," Sirius pointed out. "That's why she's mad. But apparently Bella has a fake in her vault. However it's enough to drive Harry to go look regardless."

"So he's not even sure," James groused.

"I'd say he is ninety nine percent sure."

"Hang on, I'll be right back." James got up & disappeared into the house. When he returned, he was carrying an empty picture frame. He spoke to it in some foreign language & waited.

"What are you speaking anyway?"

"The really old English, Anglo-Saxon," said James. "What Beowulf's poem was written in."

Ignotus soon appeared. "You called?" he spoke in modern English.

"Harry might be going to Gringotts," James started. "Can you go to the Peverell frame there next to Charlus Potter's picture by our vault? Keep an ear out."

"You want me to look out for the whelp?"

"Get going," James ordered. Ignotus grumbled but did as he was told. James laid the picture aside on a small table next to the swing & then settled back against Sirius once more. "As soon as Ignotus gives the word, we can go."

"Bust into Gringotts?" Sirius scoffed. "We'll surely be killed then."

"Sirius please tell me you packed the Polyjuice potion like the good well-trained Auror I hope you are?"

"Of course I did," Sirius huffed, slightly put out.

"Good," James said as if that settled the matter. "We'll stay here in the meantime. We both need a good break after the other day."

Sirius huddled over James, clinging to him. "I just want to stay close to you." James pulled Sirius down into an upside-down kiss. Sirius pressed their foreheads together for a moment after before sitting straight again. He let out a yelp. "Dad you REALLY need to stop doing that!" James sat up sharply.

"I enjoy doing that," John grinned evilly.

"Well, it's obvious where Remus got his brattiness from," James complained, earning a laugh.

"What do you want?" Sirius snarled. "Grandpa!"

"Ohhhh!" John mock-glared. "I've just come to say goodbye. The sooner I get to work on this Obscurial, the better. In the meantime, Jim, try not to shape shift too much. Considering your age, I think every shift might shave more life off."

"Can I keep Prongs?"

"Prongs? Oh, the stag," John nodded. "Yeah that's just Animagic. It shouldn't affect your third form so long as you don't use the Obscurial." He clapped one hand onto James's left bicep.

"OW! WHAT THE BLOODY HELL?" James screeched, clutching the spot the moment John pulled away.

"I just took a sample," said John.

"Warn me before you do that!"

"Would that have made it hurt any less?" John smirked. James just groaned. John went for the door, purring slyly over his shoulder, "Good night."

"I hate him!" James leaned over, still rubbing his arm while Sirius laughed. James pulled the material of the sleeve over to see a bright red spot from where John had poked him. He used magic to clean the blood away & scowled at Sirius. "Shut up Padfoot."

Sirius kissed him before saying, "I really hope he can figure it out."

James finally stopped fussing. "He will. He has to."

"We should get to bed. Want to join me in the shower?"

"Sirius," James gave him a look.

"Everyone's gone to bed now," Sirius smiled. "We can put a silencing charm on the door so they won't hear the water."

"Right. The water. Sure."

"Come on Jim!" Sirius swiped one hand up James's legs, making him lurch in his seat. "Besides, those two have seven kids. Just think about all the s—"

"OK I'LL JOIN YOU!" James interrupted loudly.

"There's the man I know & love," Sirius winked as he got up & disappeared inside.

"Ugh, I NEED to kill him!" James followed, trying to get rid of the mental imagery. "What are you looking at?" He snapped at Errol as he closed the door, ignoring the questioning 'hoot?' from the owl.

While it wasn't home, it was still nice to be back in hiding for a bit. Now that they had an idea of Harry's next move, they could relax a little while waiting. Sirius was glad that James had agreed to stay at the Burrow. The less excitement he had right now the better for he would have no reason to shift into his Obscurial. For now, the only problem it seemed was being a bit more discreet in picking when & where they made love. It didn't happen as often as it did at Peverell mansion or for as long since the Burrow was often busy, but it wasn't impossible to find the time for it either.

The weather was almost warm enough for summer & Prongs would often be found lying under a tree, chewing cud. Both repacked their bags, removing everything that was needed for winter. Their packs were now significantly lighter. James annoyed Sirius by checking in both of them almost every day for the tent to make sure it was there.

One time James went to check, he took longer than usual & Sirius eventually went after him. He found James in their room. "You absolutely sure it's there?" Sirius scowled.

James shushed him. "Ignotus is back." Sirius sat on the end of the bed to wait. He couldn't understand the conversation apart from names: something that sounded goblin like & Peverell. James put the frame away. "Well that's a problem."

"What is?"

"Us Peverells have a personal goblin loyal to the family at Gringotts that guard the ancient vault. If something is to go wrong at the bank, Peverells are granted special protection under him." James twisted his ring around his finger for a moment. "Gringotts is on high alert & the access to even the area surrounding my vault is now closed to anyone but a Peverell. It's part of the deal."

"Well you are a Peverell, aren't you?"

"Yes," James looked Sirius over. "But you aren't. Not yet. So if we go there after Harry..."

"I get left behind."

"I have an idea," James went on. "We should get the legal stuff out of the way right now. Kingsley can help with that. We can still have a wedding any time when everyone's together, but we should get the official marriage done today."

"Today?" Sirius exclaimed.

"Yes, is that a problem?"

"Wha...no! No of course not!"

"Alright then. Kingsley should be here in an hour." James got off the bed. He winked at Sirius. "I told you taking on my name would give you an advantage."

When Kingsley arrived, it only took a few minutes to sign together & just like that, they were married. Sirius looked at James: husband not fiancée now. They were actually together. Kingsley, as well as Arthur & Molly who were witnesses to the signing, had been rather shocked at the name Peverell. James only said that there had been trouble in the family long ago which required a temporary name change. He didn't mention the Hallows. Sirius made sure the Black name was gone from his name, only to keep the Lupin name & add on Peverell. Kingsley was far more understanding of ditching the name Black, but left still slightly befuddled over Peverell. It couldn't be helped.

"This doesn't change any of our plans," James told Arthur & Molly. "It's just to secure Sirius's right to passage at the bank in case he needs it."

"I've never heard Peverell before," said Molly.

"It was over a hundred years ago," James shrugged it off.

Molly accepted it as Sirius got up & went upstairs for a bit. "So Potter isn't real?"

"Not really," said James. "Thanks to Harry, people are going to be stuck with that name for a few generations though. Well, I better take care of this Merlin-forsaken stag!" He went outside to his favorite place for cud.

"Molly," Arthur said in a low voice, leaning close to her now that they were alone. "I've heard that name before. At work &...well I haven't heard anything good about it either."

"Jim did say there was trouble in the family a while ago."

"I suppose so," Arthur shrugged.

"Oh Arthur dear," Molly cooed. "Jim's not a bad person. He just had a lot of bad stuff happen to him."

Arthur smiled at last. "That much I know. Let's hope he does that name some good."

Sirius found the stag sleeping under the tree late in the evening. He yanked on the half-grown velvety horns. Prongs grunted & looked up at him, yawning widely. "Oh that's real attractive," Sirius teased. Prongs just blinked dumbly. "Come with me. I have a bit of a surprise for you." The stag stood up, stretched & lumbered after Sirius, biting at long blades of grass as he passed them.

They passed through the protective border around the Burrow & on into the countryside. The tent had been set up under a willow tree on a small sandy beach next to the river. Prongs twisted his ears around while Sirius put up the protective wards.

Sirius then put a hand under the stag's muzzle & looked into his big brown eyes. "Well, technically, it is our wedding night. I figured we could use the privacy." James appeared, gaping. Sirius added, "We get to do this twice!" He led James by the hand into the tent. They both knelt on the floor, facing each other. Sirius leaned in to whisper in James's ear, "Soft & tender or hard & rough?"

James pressed his fingertips to Sirius's lips. "We have all night. Start with the first but end with the second."

Sirius pulled off his shirt, then helped James with his. They were both soon stripped & lying against each other, running their hands over each other's bodies. They fondled each other for almost an hour. James crossed his wrists over his head, pressing the round scars together, silently asking to be put in bondage. Sirius obliged, only this time, he used a soft white rope to tie James properly to the supporting tent pole (which he had earlier reinforced with a strong magic bolt to hold the tent firmly). He also introduced James to the blindfold, something which would demand complete trust from James. They played hard into the night, falling asleep just before dawn. It was almost noon when they jerked awake. James was still tied & blinded & Sirius quickly had his way with him once more, though it only lasted a few minutes as they rocked back & forth to crush against the burning while Sirius vigorously thrust into James, before releasing him at last. Both returned to the Burrow, thoroughly satiated.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Molly screeched the moment the pair showed up.

The newlyweds looked at each other, slightly ashamed. Neither had told anyone where they were going. Sirius finally answered, "We were by the river." Molly scowled at them. "We just needed some time to ourselves," Sirius said smoothly.

Molly glared. "James, you're bleeding." She looked at his chest where his shirt was soaked through in two places.

"Oh it's nothing," James shrugged. He wasn't about to say they were two bites from Sirius. "I just...er...rolled over." How Sirius kept a straight face James never found out. He however, had to look away, biting his lip.

"Thank heavens you're both alright," Molly was still miffed. She pointed to the table & served them a late lunch before heading out into the garden. Sirius & James looked at each other, then started giggling uncontrollably like school girls.

"Rolled over," Sirius wheezed.

"What was I supposed to say?" James pressed his forehead to the table, sobbing, as he pounded his fist once or twice. He removed his glasses to wipe his eyes. Both finally settled down & pulled their plates close. They looked at each other again for a moment, then burst out laughing harder than before. "Merlin's sake! We need to eat before Molly comes back & think something's wrong with us," James gasped, trying to gain control of himself.

The last few days of April passed by swiftly. Sirius hoped they could stay hidden for a while longer. James was looking much better since their close encounter with the Dementors & the Obscurial didn't manifest again. John had yet to contact them but so long as James rested, Sirius was confident he could be saved.

James & Sirius spent a lot of time with Teddy whenever Tonks would come over, which was almost every day. Molly was always nearby, camera ready. It was almost like being with Lily & baby Harry again before everything had gone wrong.

Though they were safe in hiding, Sirius rarely strayed far from James. Neither wanted to be separated from the other. Sirius was glad that James had finally found some peace. It was about time he had a good life so a sharp reminder of their predicament came as a rather nasty eye opener. Sirius woke up first late one morning close to noon, lying next to James in the spare bedroom they had been using. James was still sleeping, flat on his back with one hand tucked under his head on the pillow. His top had been cast to the floor in the night during some very light play. Sirius could see Prongs wandering around over one shoulder, as if looking for a place to graze. He saw the many scars running up one arm, leading to the round one just slightly visible next to James's hair. Coming down from the crucifix scar, was a thick black line about the size of a pinky finger, inching its way like a caterpillar over the old cuts. Prongs came close to it, his nose twitching, but he baulked as the line got closer & eventually, he turned tail & ran away in fright. The thick black line continued to move. Sirius realized it was the Obscurial, a little piece of death inside James just waiting to strike. He gasped sharply, making James twitch in his sleep before he slowly woke up.

"What's wrong Padfoot?" James murmured still half asleep. He put a hand through the long blackish hair.

"Look," Sirius put a finger near the moving line.

James didn't even bother to put his glasses on. "I know. I've seen it a few times. John will get it out, don't worry."

"It just seems like one thing after another with you," Sirius lay against James's bare chest. "Like you can't catch a break."

James put one arm around Sirius & with the other he took Sirius by the hand. "It doesn't hurt. Just wait for John." He pushed Sirius off so that they were lying side by side, then shoved his hand into Sirius's pajama bottoms, groping around until he found what he was feeling for. Sirius returned the favor & for the next few moments, both could do nothing but concentrate on working hard against each other's grips. James was drawn into nearly a sitting position as he finished in a shaking gasp before falling back onto the pillow. Sirius clung to his arm while James finished him off a moment later, then put his face next to James's shoulder. "I wish we could just do this forever," James panted. "I'm so addicted to you."

"A real addiction," Sirius emphasised the word real. "Soon enough, we'll have all the time in the world. Then we can do a lot more than just the good old rub off."

"Merlin's sake, don't make me horny again right now! We have to get up before someone comes looking for us."

"Is that a challenge?" Sirius winked. James rolled over & kissed Sirius, then got partly up. But Sirius grabbed him from behind & pulled him back down. "You're not the only one addicted." He kissed James along his spine while reaching in front to feel around in his pants.

"Oh Merlin!" James gasped as Sirius continued to tug & grope at his length while kissing between his shoulder blades. Slowly the feeling started to come back with his firm massage, compressing & rubbing until he felt involuntary spasms in his hand. "Oh what the hell." James shoved Sirius away, cast a silencing charm at the door, then flipped them over so that he was on top. "Bloody Black genes we both suffer from! I guess it's about time I tried these husbandly duties of mine," he said, stripping them both & put his head down to take in Sirius's length in one swallow.

"Yes, it is!" Sirius agreed with a smirk as James all but threw himself on top & using magic, he had Sirius bound firmly in a moment.

Needless to say, it wasn't until after lunch that they both finally cooled. James got up at last, fetched his glasses from the nightstand & slipped them on, then picked his clothes off the floor to put them on. He looked into his bag & pulled out the picture frame. Sirius heard them speak, then James put the frame away. "Sirius? It's time. Harry's at the bank right now, causing trouble."

"What?" Sirius sat bolt right up. They shared a look, before he added, "We have to go."

Sirius quickly got dressed, then both fished out the polyjuice potions & spare hairs preserved in vials from their bags which they would leave behind since they were planning on returning for the night. They made their way to the border around the Burrow, making it look like they were wandering off for some more newlywed time. Then when no one was looking, they ducked out into the open & took off.

They arrived at Gringotts appearing as two black women, with Sirius using Nyota for a name while James used Penda, both being the lesser known first & middle names for Uhura of Star Trek which Remus had once told them about. Penda led the way through a side door, instead of approaching the main desk where the security was heavy. The pair went down a few floors. They arrived in a hall with several doors leading to offices.

Penda went into the third one from the left & straight to the desk where an old & slightly nasty looking goblin glared at them. "Peverell vault." The goblin just glared, crossing his arms. "We're using polyjuice. I'm James Peverell & this is my...my husband, Sirius Peverell." James smiled to himself. He was married to Sirius! It was still sinking in.

"No access except to the family!" The goblin didn't buy it.

"I know you're doing your job," James grumbled. "Quite well too. But we can prove it. Nyota, give me your hand."

"Why? OW!" Sirius whined, going cross-eyed. James had just stabbed his finger, drawing blood.

"Copy me," James ordered, cutting his own finger. He drew the sign of the Hallows right in the air but with one difference, he added the letter P over top of everything. The symbol hung for a moment, floating above the desk dripping from his own blood. It flickered & shone gold, then disappeared. Sirius did the same & after a moment, his sign was accepted as well.

"Adequate," the goblin was suddenly a little more friendly. "I was unaware you recently married, Mr. Peverell."

"It happened a few days ago," James said. "But call me Penda for now."

"Very well ...Penda. Follow me." The goblin led them down the hall & then down even more stairs. They were blocked for the moment at the bottom but the goblin snapped something in his language & they were allowed to continue. In a low voice, James explained to Sirius that Peverell security was magically bound & it didn't matter if they were wanted for a Dementors Kiss; the magical contract demanded to be honored or it was death to those who broke it. Both felt a slight zing as they passed under the safety net covering not only the ancient Peverell vault but also a large area surrounding it. Looking back, they could see the goblin was stopped by the contract. He wasn't a Peverell & could go no further.

"Come on," James said. "Bella's vault isn't far from here & I can hear something going on. Harry should be around somewhere." Both took off running.

They stopped at a fork in the maze. One led the way to the Peverell vault & had the sign of the Hallows with the P on it carved over top of the entrance, while the other went beyond the protection. "James, look. Isn't that your dad?"

James glanced to a row of photos along the wall going towards the vault. "That was taken when I was three years old," he gave Sirius a pointed look. This Charlus wouldn't know anything about Orion.

"Who are you?" Charlus looked the two women over.

"Hmm?" James stared. "Oh! Dad it's me. James. This is Sirius. We are using polyjuice."

"I was wondering how someone that didn't look like family could get in h...wait, how can Sirius be here? He's a Black."

"Ah he he, um," James laughed nervously. "A lot happened out here." He held up his left hand. "Sirius & I got married."

"Really?" Charlus stared. "But still, I've buried Peverell. How can he know?"

"Like I said, a lot happened," James repeated.

"Obviously," Charlus was still flabbergasted. "What's going on? I've been hearing a lot of commotion coming from there." He pointed to the other tunnel leading away.

"My son," James said. "Trying to save the world again. There's a big war going on out here."

"I know all about the war," Charlus said. "Ignotus has been keeping me updated."

"We have to find Harry," James said. "Peverell vault is secured." He took off down the second tunnel with Sirius close behind.

They arrived in the middle of a fight & quickly found Harry & his two friends. James & Sirius moved next to them, fighting off a confusing mess of goblins & humans. "You alright?" James asked.

"Who the hell are you?" Harry demanded.

"Harry it's us," James tried. Harry blinked. James grabbed Sirius to pull 'her' down & kissed hard.

"Oh gees!" Harry groaned, realizing who they were. "We need to get out of here."

"Peverells have special privileges. Follow us!" James pulled Harry towards the tunnel. Harry called Hermione & Ron over & the five of them backed into the entrance, fighting off several spells. As they rounded a corner, the group took off running. James, Sirius & Harry made it through but two thuds stopped them in their tracks.

"Harry!" Hermione shrieked. "Why can't we get through?"

James gasped. "I forgot! They aren't Peverells. We can't leave them behind."

"Sirius isn't either," Harry pointed out. "Yet he is here."

"We got rid of the legal matters of marriage a while ago," Sirius said. "For this very occasion in fact. Don't worry, we are still having a proper ceremony when this is all over."

"I intend to be there," Harry looked back to his friends. "I don't suppose either of you have the authority to marry them both to me for a bit?"

"No & we don't have the time anyway," said James. "We'll find another way out."

"I have a rather crazy idea about that."

James glanced at Sirius. "We'll help you get by the security & then take the Peverell route back out."

"Ok," Harry nodded. "We are heading straight for Hogwarts after."

"We are?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Harry nodded. "We've got to hurry."

They fought their way back. James couldn't see how they could get the Golden Trio out another way. Then he saw the wild plan. They jumped on the dragon. James swore loudly as the enraged creature bellowed. "I'm going to kill those kids!"

"Later," Sirius sped past him. "For now, RUN!"

They fled down the tunnel, several goblins chasing after them. The safety net threw all pursuers off once James & Sirius got under it. They stopped at the fork near the pictures. "Did you hear that?" James gasped. "He's going straight to Hogwarts. I KNEW it!"

"You going to Hogwarts?" Charlus asked.

"Dad, my son is uniting the Hallows I think."

Charlus stood up from his chair so fast, it was knocked out of the frame. "What? You found all three of them?"

"Harry has the cloak & the stone," James said. "He knows where the Elder wand is & I think he's going to get it."

"I hope he knows what he's doing," Charlus gasped.

"So do I," James grabbed Sirius. "We've got to get to Hogwarts."

It seemed like a long run up the stairs, pausing once in a while for breath. Their goblin guide led them outside where they were left on their own. The polyjuice wore off by then but it didn't matter as everyone was staring up at the gaping hole from which the dragon had burst forth. It was already flying as fast as possible away from its prison, free at last. James & Sirius apparated to the edge of the Dark Forest on the far side of Hogwarts, switched to Padfoot & Prongs & headed deep among the trees.

It took ages to get through. Some places were so dense, not even the smaller body of Padfoot could find away & they had to backtrack to get around. It was pitch black under the canopy but as night settled, it felt darker still. By the time they finally broke through, Hogwarts was already in turmoil. They somehow found it easy to just go inside the main entrance & saw McGonagall & Harry out in the open space of the Great Hall, speaking freely with each other. What was left of the Order was also there as well as Harry's gang from Dumbledore's Army. McGonagall spotted the animals & called them over. After a slight hesitation, James & Sirius appeared amidst gasps of surprise. To their disappointment, Snape had already been ejected from the castle.

"I heard you are quite capable of destroying Dementors, Mr. uh...Peverell is it now?"

James nodded. "Yes. Obscurials seem to be their mortal enemy."

"Oh well," McGonagall nervously tapped her glasses back up her nose, then said out the corner of her mouth. "If that's all it is, leave some for us so we can all get a chance at kicking some Dementor butt." She turned away as James fought back a fit of laughter.

Harry approached the pair as McGonagall moved off, giving orders. "He's coming here." He put a hand to his head. "I've been doing to him what he used to do to me, peeking into his mind. He knows what I'm doing now & he's coming to protect the Horcrux that is here. I need to get to it first."

James pulled Harry into a tight embrace. "We'll hold down the fort. You go do what you have to do."

"You two watch each other's backs," Harry ordered. "I expect a huge ceremony after this mess is cleaned up."

"Sounds like fun," James reached for Sirius's hand. "A lot of fun."

"Right, that's my cue to make like a tree & leave," Harry grumbled, moving away as Tonks appeared.

"I thought you were supposed to be with Teddy at your Mother's?" Harry asked.

"I couldn't stand not knowing—," * Tonks looked around. "Where's your fath—"

James came to Harry's side, slightly glaring at Tonks. "You shouldn't have!" [James] declared. "It's Teddy who needs you!"

"He'll sleep 'til dawn," ** Tonks defended. "Besides, this is for Teddy. For the whole next generation." She headed for McGonagall without another word.

James & Sirius went to McGonagall's side as Harry took off. Everyone worked through the night, raising defences over the castle. In the meantime, James & Sirius discussed plans, whenever they could; where they would go for the honeymoon (any place not in Britain, most likely Tahiti) or who would get to the wear the dress (they settled on Auror uniforms for both but not after hexing each other for such a ludicrous idea as a dress).

The castle was soon secured & all anyone had to do was wait. James & Sirius stood on a balcony of the Astronomy Tower. The chill of Dementors could still be felt even though the beasts had pulled back to rally behind their chosen master. "Remember our promise Sirius," James began. "If they get to either of us."

"We kill each other. I know," Sirius turned away from watching over the grounds. He wrapped his arms around James & was soon lost in their kiss. They stayed that way for several minutes until the first wave of attacks shook the place. They broke apart. "See you on the other side."

"I plan to," James promised.

They drew wands & hurried to join the fight. They eventually ended up outside near the main entrance after a long time of fighting. Both shot to kill. It was war. There were no more second chances. James stood in the center of the courtyard, spinning this way & that, his Auror's cloak shifting with the movement of well placed spells. He sent Bob straight up as Dementors swarmed in. Harry paused to watch the sparkling Dementor disappear into the mass, then looked down on his father fighting furiously. Sirius was slowly working his way inside. Harry led Hermione & Ron out into the fray. James caught sight of him & they shared a look before Harry ducked under a fallen statue. James summoned his Obscurial & the next moment, the air split with unholy screams of dying Dementors. He was keeping them away from his son. Death Eaters & Aurors alike fled, being more afraid of the colossal adult Obscurial losing all control than anything else.

But James was in control for the first time in his life. He spun around one Dementor after another, decimating the swarm almost to extinction. The Obscurial then swooped down & bounced around the courtyard then through the door while several Patronus charms chased after the precious few remaining Dementors now frantically fleeing the scene. James reappeared once inside. He looked up the stairs to see Sirius still fighting against three Death Eaters. James took one out with a single shot then spun around, fending off his own attackers. He switched to Prongs, lowered his horns & charged, throwing several people over as the stag bowled through a group of Death Eaters. He stopped close to the stairs & switched back to James.

"Having fun yet Padfoot?"

"Loads!"

James was pushed closer towards the stairs but still duelling wildly against two Death Eaters. He finally brought one down & focused on the next. A body slammed the bottom of the stairs. Sirius was cleaning up nicely it seemed. James took out the second Death Eater then looked around. His eyes fell on the body lying beside him.

It was Sirius.

"No," James fell to his knees beside him. "No no NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He grabbed Sirius around his neck, pulling him close. "SIRIUS! PLEASE! Don't leave me!" He saw Padfoot sitting on the side of Sirius's neck. She looked up at him as if she had been waiting for him, then in a soft bright light, the tattoo vanished. She had gone back to the Spirit world now that her host was dead. If nothing else, her disappearance confirmed Sirius's death in his mind. James clutched Sirius harder, throwing his head back in a keening howl of agony. He leaned forward, huddled over Sirius cradled in his arms, sobbing into his chest. James barely felt a stinging sensation in his back as he lay there, holding what was left of his heart in his hands. Nothing could hurt as much as this. He repeated Sirius's name over & over, still trying to wrap his head around it. He felt hands on his shoulders, trying to pull him away. "No NO! Don't take him from me! NO!"

"James, easy. I'm alright."

"No no not Sirius! Please!"

"JAMES! I'm alright. Would you look up already you filthy pureblood?"

James looked up glaring but he was looking into Sirius's eyes. "Si...what? Oh Sirius! I thought you were dead!" He got up & launched himself into Sirius's arms, kissing him hard. "That was for coming back to me," he gasped. Next moment, he punched Sirius almost as hard as he had punched Bellatrix. "And THAT was for making me think you were dead!"

Sirius barely shook the punch off as he said. "I am dead & so are you." James glanced around. They were standing in white. Everywhere. It was all white. The sound of battle was gone.

"W-what?"

"This is the veil between life & death where one crosses over. See?" Sirius waved his hand over the whiteness, opening a window. James could see their bodies, his draped over Sirius, still lying at the bottom of the stairs. "You let your guard down. Someone killed you from behind."

"...Ohhh..." James gasped, putting both hands over his mouth. "Oh no. Harry!"

"He's still alive," Sirius said. "If he survives this, he'll hopefully live his life with Ginny."

"How could th...this wasn't supposed to happen." James slowly took a few steps into the whiteness.

"NO!" Sirius screamed, laying both hands on James to haul him back. "Be careful! If you wander back, you'll become a ghost & we will NEVER be together again! James! Please stay with me."

James continued to look down on their bodies. "But Harry..."

Sirius was shaking his head, desperate to keep James with him. "He'll be ok, Jim. Come now."

James turned to him, although Sirius didn't relax yet. "Why did you die Sirius? Why did you leave me?"

"I did what any Auror had to do," Sirius moved his hand through the whiteness again, changing the scene. James watched Sirius fighting one Death Eater, then glancing around, he had noticed another Death Eater raising his wand to strike down a young Hufflepuff girl, already halfway through casting the spell, turning the end of his wand a bright green as the Death Curse came flying out of it.

Sirius looked quickly down the stairs at James still fighting. 'James, my love. Forgive me!' He flung himself forward as Lily had once covered Harry, bringing his wand up at the same time. Death Eater & Sirius struck each other down while the girl took off running towards a group of Aurors for safety.

James looked down to the whiteness over whatever it was that made the floor. "Yeah, I guess so."

"So far, she's still alive," said Sirius.

James sunk to his knees. "Sirius." His voice cracked & it had come out in a whimper.

Sirius knelt beside him, putting one arm across his shoulders. "It's ok Jim. We're still together. It's time to leave the world of the living to those who are still alive."

"So...what happens now?"

Sirius looked around. "I suspect we ought to find Remus & Lily."

"Remus & Lily."

"Yes," Sirius managed a short laugh. "Here. Take my hand. We won't get separated." He stood up & offered a hand.

James stared at it for a moment, then took it & allowed himself to be drawn up to his feet. He looked back. "Good bye Harry."

"It isn't good bye. Not really. He will join us soon enough, but hopefully he has a long good life first. Let's go."

Sirius clung desperately to James's hand so he wouldn't wander off to become a ghost. They moved forward together but suddenly hit an invisible wall. Now even Sirius was unsure. What could be blocking them? Sirius held James even more tightly as both looked around. James pointed to something coming towards them. But it wasn't Remus or Lily.

It was a woman who was well-built as if she were very strong. Long thick black hair hung down to her waist & her sharp eyes forced both of them to continue staring at her. She was both beautiful & terrifying to look at. Behind her was a man both Sirius & James recognized.

"Oh Merlin," James gasped. "That's Swift Horn! Which means..."

"Tiny Bubbles," Sirius was equally as shocked, staring at the woman who was now so close, he could reach out & touch her.

"Yes," The woman laughed. "You'll forgive my block. Neither of us wanted to see you go without saying good bye."

"Has someone else already summoned both of you in an Animagical ritual?" Sirius asked.

Swift Horn & Tiny Bubbles shared a look. "No," Swift Horn answered. "We have retired from being Guides. We are going onwards, with you."

"You ARE?" Sirius & James both exclaimed.

"Swift Horn & I have done many hosts over the ages," Tiny Bubbles explained. "My first host had married one of his & we somehow attracted to each other. Since then, we've always found each other in our host bodies & eventually fall for each other again. You two were the first where we were summoned together from the start. Other things happened." Her eyes drifted to James. "But we still found each other in the end."

"I am sorry for the other things," James said.

"It is not your fault," Swift Horn assured. "None of us planned on Orion messing things up."

"But it is enough to make us not want to merge again," said Tiny Bubbles.

"That is understandable," James said.

"So we will go with you," Tiny Bubbles swept her hand towards the block & they were able to walk forward again as another joined them.

James stopped to look the man over. He was another Native Indian & James had a feeling who this might be. "Bloodclaw?" The Indian nodded silently. "I'm so sorry for what I did to you & Peter. I was trying to protect both of you."

"Peter felt bad about what happened," Bloodclaw finally spoke. "We all wish things could be different."

"What are you doing here?"

"Well I'm barred from being a Guide since Peter had to use that potion a long time ago," Bloodclaw began. "I'm waiting for him. Someday, when we meet again, I will go on to my own people, just like these two. But I can never merge again. I won't be able to do a lot of things anymore. It's all destroyed. But I can at least return to my ancestors...if they'll have me."

"I hope so," said James. "If not, feel free to stay with us. You're no stranger after all." Bloodclaw nodded silently.

Sirius looked at Tiny Bubbles & Swift Horn standing hand in hand as he & James were. "Will we be able to change again?"

"No," Swift Horn answered. "We are separate entities. Animagic powers don't work here."

Sirius leaned in to whisper to James. "I'm going to miss grabbing your antlers while we had sex."

James bit his lip for a moment. "Well, they weren't really my antlers I guess." Both turned away snickering.

Tiny Bubbles & Swift Horn eventually faded to go their own way together. Sirius still hung onto James as both saw someone else coming towards them.

James was suddenly screaming. "Swift Horn? SWIFT HORN HELP! SWIFT H—!"

SPLAT!

James fell hard on his back, a wriggling writhing werewolf clamouring over him, slobbering up his whole front. "GERROFF ME YOU CRAZY MONSTER! SWIFT HORN!"

Swift Horn's voice echoed through the whiteness. "Sorry kid. You're own your own now." He sounded amused which infuriated James.

Remus stood up & hugged Sirius, kissing him for a long moment. "Moony isn't mean any more & I can transform with ease whenever I want."

"Remus!" Sirius gasped, nearly crying. He had missed Remus for so long & now, they were together again. They embraced again as Sirius kissed his first partner once more. They pulled apart slightly as James stood up, glaring at Remus.

"Ohh I hate werewolves!"

Sirius & Remus just laughed. Remus said, "You can do it to."

"Do what?" James huffed.

"Your Obscurial. Summon it. There's no harm here."

"What?" James stared.

"I knew you'd turn," said Remus. "Go on. Change."

James hesitated, then tried. The next moment, the Obscurial floated around Sirius & Remus for a moment before James reappeared. Sirius grabbed James by the hand, grinning like an idiot. Remus moved away, glancing down at Sirius & James clasping hands. "I'm glad that happened."

"We thought you'd approve," Sirius said.

James blinked. Right. Remus was back. He had never resented the Wolfstar team but suddenly, he felt a little lost. Sirius was back with Remus now. James felt a sort of dread well up in him. Remus put a hand on James's shoulder, as if he could read his mind. "Jim, wolf bonds don't work here. I know what Sirius means to you. I'm not here to bust you up."

James forced a smile. "No, he is yours. I know what he means to you."

"The werewolf no longer needs protecting," Remus shook his head.

"Is this conversation seriously happening without me?" Sirius complained. "I love you both. Are you two really going to force me to choose?"

"There is no need to choose," said Remus. "We are free of our physical link here, but...that isn't the reason why you & James can stay together." He lifted his chin a little. "We both know the real reason."

No one spoke for a while. Sirius soon turned away, wiping tears. James looked between them. "What's going on?"

"Just silly lovers stuff," said Remus, casting a sorrowful look at Sirius.

"He's right," Sirius spoke in a broken voice. "We've known for years, haven't we?"

Remus nodded. "I think we can call it the wand incident."

"Oh gees! I'm leaving."

"Not like that!" Sirius & Remus both said.

Sirius added, "We do mean an actual wand. Mine."

"If I had thought to check his wand all those years ago," Remus began. "Sirius would have been out of Azkaban in his first year there." He explained the sorry fact that he had just let the wand lie forgotten somewhere.

"Ok, that was a rather dick move on your part," James agreed. "But what does that have to do with anything?"

"Remus & I deeply love each other," Sirius said. "But...we aren't IN love with each other. Not like you & I."

"BULLSHIT!" James laughed.

"It's true Jim," Remus said. "You two can count the fights you've had on one hand. Sirius & I? It seemed like we were always at odds with each other over something. We never shared a fully open link until the last couple of years. The two of you made love a lot more often than Sirius & I had sex. We tried, but we were not perfect for each other. Almost. So damn close! Enough to make it work, but it was a lot of work. It took us a literal lifetime to understand that. But where you two are concerned? It's effortless. You two are the true soul mates. I don't know if it's partly due to the connection between Tiny Bubbles & Swift Horn or not, but it's you Jim. Not me. You are the right one for Sirius. Lily & I have discussed it in depth a long time ago."

"Lily? What about Lily & I?" James pointed out.

"Same thing."

"How do you figure that?"

"You & Lily were at each others throats for most of your lives, all through school," Remus began. "Then this issue with Orion pushed first you & Sirius together, then you & Lily. Was your childhood love the same as what you felt for Lily after you tried going for her again? Didn't you yourself write in your journal that it was now an old love that needed to be worked on? I know about it since I'm here. The last four years were great between you. But is what you feel for her the same as what you feel for Sirius?" James looked down, not answering. Remus stepped away from him. "Thought so." James finally opened his mouth but Remus put up a hand. "Why even bother denying it, James? Sirius & I don't. Neither does Lily. Speaking of which, there is someone you should meet." Without another word, Remus turned & led the way.

The group paused once more as another figure came towards them. Remus stared at her. "You to, Nymphadora?"

Tonks came up to him. "I did it for our son."

Remus just shook his head. "It can't be helped now. You will stay with us?"

"Yes," Tonks said.

"It's a good thing we made Harry godfather," said Sirius.

Sirius & James shared a short shy glance, then took each other by the hand once more & followed Remus & Tonks. The whiteness was dissipating to reveal a place that looked almost like Godric's Hollow but with rich colors & bright plants & full, deep green grass. They ended up going to a house that looked like the one James & Lily had before the Fidelus was betrayed. They went around the house, into the back yard where three people sat, waiting. One man & two women.

"Lily!" James let go of Sirius & ran to her. She stood up & embraced him. "Lily I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you."

"It's Orion's fault," Lily said. "I'm so glad you got rid of that guy at last!" James closed his eyes, looking about ready to cry. "Jim, it's ok. Come here & meet your daughter."

"MY WHAT?" James exclaimed.

"I was pregnant with her when I died remember?" Lily laughed at him. "When I got here, another woman was already with me but I knew who she was the moment I saw her. Come on!"

Sitting on a swing nearby, was a young woman with long black hair. Hedwig was sitting in the woman's lap. She lazily flapped towards the house as the woman stood up when Lily & James came over. "Hello Dad."

James stared at her as his brain clicked into place. "Dora-Charlotte!"

Dora laughed. "I've been keeping Mum company while you were with my brother."

"Uh um, Harry! Right of course!" James laughed, feeling giddy. He had another child after all & she was here in the afterlife with him. "Why are you an adult? You never got the chance to grow up."

"There is no true life here in the land of the dead," Lily explained. "I would never give birth to her so there can't be any babies here, but she was still a living entity within me & we died together. It was automatic & she, as any unborn, appears as someone who is the age of an adult already. No need to grow up."

"That makes sense," James glanced around. "I could almost swear this is our old house Lily."

"It is," Lily said. "Yet it isn't. The realm of the dead occupies the same space as the realm of the living, just on a different plane. Everything is new & fresh here. Oh & your...PEVERELL…we need to talk later."

"Uh, yes dear."

"Mansion is reinvented here as well, right across town just like on the other plane," Lily finished. "Now, about Peverell. You REALLY should have mentioned something about that when we got married."

"I was planning to," James replied sheepishly.

"Mhm," Lily wasn't impressed.

"First, I must ask something," James said. "Did...uh...Did Andrew treat you ok during that last week?"

Lily deflated like a balloon. "Oh yes, he's ok. He's right over there waiting to meet you." She pointed at the man.

James put his hands behind his back & cautiously walked to Andrew. "Hi."

Andrew looked up at him. "Well, we meet at last." He got up & offered a hand. After a moment, James shook it. "I have to admit I was so confused about what had happened. I'm a muggle, see. But Lily explained every thing to me...& then we knew that Orion had taken you again. I don't need to understand magic to know about that part. I decided to stay with Lily until you joined us someday." He looked down for a moment. "Thank you for returning my body to my family."

"Thanks for looking over mine in the meantime," James said, finally deciding that Andrew Scott really was ok.

"I must go now," Andrew said. "Some of my family have died by now. I will join them."

"Don't be a stranger," James said. Andrew smiled before he walked away & faded from sight.

James whirled around, feeling slightly overwhelmed. He was back home, yet not. He had Lily, his daughter. SIRIUS! They were all together. James sat down for a moment, but jumped to his feet when he saw another man approach Lily. James could only stare as the pair conversed. "SNIVELUS!" He bellowed, running towards his second most hated nemesis.

"No wait!" Lily stood in front of Snape, protecting him.

James could do nothing but glare over her head. Sirius tried to come in from the side but Lily shot him a dark look. "What the hell are you doing here?" James demanded. "Let me by, Lily!"

"No," Lily crossed her arms.

"Lily, he murdered Dumbledore," Sirius said.

"Not exactly," Lily shook her head.

"What do you mean 'not exactly'?" Sirius retorted.

"Lily," James cut in. "He called you a mudblood, remember?"

"He apologized for that," Lily said.

"I also left her alone when she asked," Snape added.

"You! Do not! Deserve! To stay with us!" James snarled through gritted teeth. "HOW DARE YOU?"

"I'm just passing through," Snape replied. "I wouldn't want anything to do with any of you, except her."

"You don't get to talk to her!"

"Gentlemen PLEASE!" Lily put her hands up. "James, you are with Sirius. Severus, we have all of eternity to repair our friendship. Just give these two some time."

"Never!" Sirius snarled. "The murderer of Dumbledore doesn't belong here. Either pick him or pick us! Not both!"

"Let me tell you about Dumbledore!" Lily finally lost it on the Peverell pair as she launched into a full explanation of what exactly happened. "So I suggest you both back the hell off!"

"He was working for...for us...the whole time?" James exclaimed.

"Yes," Snape said simply.

James put both hands through his hair & turned away just as two others appeared. They looked young again, but he recognized them & temporarily forgot Snape was there. "Mum! Dad! Hi!"

The two parents grabbed their only son, holding him tight until James pushed himself away. "So," Charlus began. "You've set the ground for bringing us back as true Peverells & Harry has the Hallows."

"It was a lot of work," James said. "But yes, the family should be back to normal."

"Oh Jimmy!" His mother fussed. "But how are you? Really?"

"I'm a little shocked but," he shared a smile with Sirius who was watching from nearby. "I'll be fine."

"I told you before," Dorea raised a brow. "I knew you & Sirius were meant for each other."

"So you're the culprit," James muttered under breath. Now he knew where Remus & Lily got their hair-brained theory from it seems. Inside though, he was glad. He fiercely loved Sirius & they were still suffering from newlywed addictions.

"Well little brother. It's about time we meet you."

James turned & stared at four men & two women about his age. "What?"

"You were my seventh attempt, remember?" Dorea said. "Jason. Andre. Mark. Shirley. David & Vera." She introduced in order they would have been born from oldest to youngest.

"Ohh! Yeah, right. Wow!" James stammered. He was no longer the only child. His mother grabbed him into another hug.

"I'm so glad you were able to defeat Orion," Dorea brushed back some of James's bangs.

James froze. "What?"

"We both know everything since we've been here," Dorea replied. "Oh little Char!" She ran her fingers through his bangs while James tried desperately not to roll his eyes at the baby pet name. "Why? Why didn't you tell us? We would have killed him!"

James shrugged. "It doesn't matter now." He led them to the bench where all three sat down. "I just...I couldn't ok? Let's leave it at that." The three of them sat in silence for a bit when suddenly, it hit him. James slowly stood up & walked out into the yard, glancing around nervously.

"What's wrong?" Charlus called out.

Sirius went to James & held him, fearing he was wandering off to become a ghost. "I'm dead."

"Well...yes," said Dorea. "We all are. It's ok."

"NO!" James yelled. "I'm dead & so is Orion! He is buried in Azkaban! He is dead to! Sirius! I can't! I can't stay here, I can't!"

"Whoa, easy!" Charlus ran to his son.

"No NO! I can't stay here!"

"JAMES!" Charlus grabbed him out of Sirius's arms & shook him hard. "Do you honestly think that creature would make it here? Not a chance! He's not here. He doesn't exist at all any more. Soul & body are both destroyed!"

James was shaking. "Are you sure?"

"Char, look at me!" Charlus shook him again, using the old pet name, as Dorea wept softly in the background. "It's over. Look. I have something to show you." He pulled James aside & the whiteness partially returned. Pulling the mist away, James could see a small group of Dementors floating over the remnants of Azkaban. "Those are the Dementors still loyal to you. See that large one off to the side? She's their leader. She's also the one that took Orion's soul." James just stared at the large Dementor. "Not all the swarm deserted you," Charlus went on. "Char, Orion is gone. It's ok."

The scene disappeared. The whiteness faded. James fell to his knees, crying. Sirius ran to him & knelt down beside him. It truly was over & James had his final release at last. Sirius eventually helped James to the bench & sat down with him. The group talked among themselves as James relaxed, leaning against Sirius.

Suddenly, James, Sirius, Remus & Lily all stood up sharply. "Um," James looked around. The whiteness was swirling around them & the others were fading. "We have to go!" He yelled at them before the whiteness took everything from sight.

The voice was terrible to listen to. People tried to cover their ears, but the voice struck the mind so they still heard. They were given one hour to regroup. Was it enough time to find even half the bodies out there?

Harry eventually made his way into the Great Hall which had become a death chamber. He walked passed row upon row of the dead, unable to tear his eyes away from the Weasley family & their dead twin. Unable that is, until he came to three bodies.

Tonks lay looking peaceful in death. Harry's eyes drifted to the dead man lying next to her. James & next to him was Sirius. Harry turned away & marched outside, leaving everyone, dead or alive, behind. He entered the Forest & pulled out the Stone.

James, Lily, Sirius & Remus appeared. Harry was sort of able to touch them. Not ghosts. Not alive either, but they were there with him. They followed him as he went to meet Voldemort alone but not quite alone.

The flash of green struck Harry down & Lily took off running through the whiteness calling his name. They could all go home together if he just answered already. Sirius & Remus eventually began looking around as well, but James didn't move.

Sirius looked at James. "Jim where is he? You know something! Is this Hallows business?"

"Dad just said, 'Harry has the Hallows' remember? He knew it!" James smiled widely. "I don't know how Harry did it, but that brat combined the Hallows! He fucking did it!" James whooped almost loudly enough to revive the dead. At the very least, it brought Remus & Lily running. "He won't be joining us for a long time." James explained as best he could. How Harry got the wand's allegiance was a mystery to him, but it had happened.

"I believe I can explain that."

All four looked around. "Dumbledore?" James began. "What did he do?"

Dumbledore put one arm around James & one around Lily. "Let's go. I'll tell you."

Harry survived that killing curse as well. He went to the mass funeral of those that had died. Snape was dead. Peter, who had somehow shown up at Hogwarts, was dead. Voldemort was dead.

Harry laid James to rest beside Lily & opened a new grave on the other side of James to put Sirius down. On the tombstone for Sirius, Harry added Remus's name as well since they had no body for him.

As promised, now that he was of age, Harry did watch the old movie Shindler's List & had a much higher respect for the man whose photo was on the extremely rare Famous Witch Or Wizard card he had inherited from Remus. He also went to see Titanic the first day it came out, although; it didn't quite match with history but enough of the general story was there to get the gist of it.

The next thing he did was go to Grimmauld 12, carrying the old Passion Year diary he had found that had been at the bottom of his trunk for a few years. Flipping through the pages, he found the part where the condoms were & reread it, partly laughing, partly crying. He closed the diary & put it on the dusty table, then wandered through the house. He only found a few things in Sirius's room that he would keep. In the main living room, Harry placed a box that had W.W. on it, then after one last look around, he walked out. Lifting his wand, he said "Incendio Maxima!" The box exploded like an atomic bomb but without affecting anything except what had been Grimmauld 12. The entire thing collapsed in upon itself, taking the Passion Year diary with it, as well as the unmovable portrait of Mrs. Black who's screams were suddenly silenced forever in a pile of ash while the explosion turned into fireworks in the end in typical Weasley twin fashion. The muggle houses moved over & a simple ordinary house sprung up. Harry sold the land back to the muggle government.

The next house he took care of was the one Sirius & Remus had which was still a pile of burnt debris. Harry had the house rebuilt & then sold that one to a young muggle couple before going to Godric's Hollow. Harry wandered through the home James & Lily had shared. He was so tempted to keep this one but since the charm was betrayed, it was useless to magical folks in the, hopefully unlikely, event that yet another war would start. He moved almost everything out of it into the Peverell mansion, then once more, he had the house fixed & signed over to the muggle government. He also combined all the old notebooks he had found in the attic of the Potter manor that the Marauders had made on how to raise, tame & train a werewolf into one book which became the top seller on Diagon Alley for a long time. Harry kept all the old VHS records except for the one Sirius had done in typical Godfather style & he backtracked & deleted that one scene that had caught James cutting. Everything was eventually condensed to three DVDs when that technology was invented.

Lastly, Harry dealt with the Peverell mansion. He had a laugh when he found the thing in the middle of summer still decked out in Christmas attire but what a beautiful sight it was. He eventually put it all away & opened his present, which should have been for Christmas but ended up being his birthday present instead, to find the new Firebolt as well as his father's diamond bracelet. Checking in the garage, Harry found the Lamborghini still covered. Inside on the driver's seat was a document putting the car in his name. Harry grinned widely, imagining taking Ginny out for a ride in it. Sirius's bike stood in the other parking lot, fixed & looking brand new with its sidecar also fixed to look like new leaning against the wall under a white tarp. A tag dangled from one handle bar, bearing the official statement that it now belonged to Harry. Leaving the vehicles where they were for the moment, he went back inside & hung the picture of Ignotus back in its place, touched up the protective spell around the mistletoe (Ignotus had known what to do), then walked out beyond the border of the estate. Harry pulled out his wand & raised it high. He spoke in Anglo-Saxon. Ignotus had taught him the charm.

"Out of time, I summon thee.
Out of place, let us now see.
Restore to us what was taken.
No more from your foundation be shaken.
FINITE INCANTANTUM!"

The spell shot out & spilled down; pulling back the ancient protective charm & Peverell mansion was once more the jewel of the little town. Old people suddenly remembered it. Young people looked at Harry in a new light, realizing he was from the Peverell family & he had restored the true family home which he kept in his forefathers name though he himself was comfortable with the name Potter. The Peverell name also replaced Potter on all but Lily's tombstone for she had never legally acquired the name. The namesake of Remus Lupin remained for the same reason.

As for the Hallows which Harry currently all owned, he had left the other two where they had fallen in history, keeping only the cloak of generations past to one day give to his firstborn child. A male Firefall owl flew down to the mansion, black gleaming feathers, each outlined with a border of dark red. It had a note in its beak for Harry. 'From Sirius: Sorry about Hedwig. Noir, French for black, is a son of Amisi & he was told to come to you when you revealed Peverell mansion. He has an attitude but is very loyal.'

As if on cue, Noir squawked to make Harry pay attention to him.

Harry married Ginny. Ron married Hermione. Eventually all their children started attending Hogwarts. But something was amiss. They had heard it from their older children. Now even the young ones like Albus Potter starting his First Year were mentioning it & when Albus had come home for Christmas still worrying about not seeing the famous Kraken, Harry headed to the castle to investigate. The best one to ask about the slimy monster was Hagrid.

"Well I dunno," Hagrid shrugged, looking out over the frozen lake. "Haven't seen him in years. Ever since," He paused to think. "Ya know, ever since Dumbledore died."

"How long has it been in the lake?"

"Uhh almost a century appar'ntly," Hagrid answered. "Says so in those Hogwarts records. I reckon the thing just upped & left."

"Maybe," Harry headed upto the castle. He was beginning to have a feeling of what had happened to the giant squid. He got the password from McGonagall & once more found himself on the revolving staircase. He thought back to the end of his third year when his father had returned alive. Dumbledore had spoken to him once about remaining with his Aunt & Uncle & Harry had somehow known then that Dumbledore knew all along what had happened. He stood in front of the portrait. "You're the squid, aren't you?"

"Hmm?" Dumbledore sat up a bit in his chair.

"You're an unregistered Animagus," Harry crossed his arms. "You knew about what happened to my father didn't you? I had told that Kraken all about what I was reading in the diary. All along I was talking to you!"

Dumbledore stretched out. "Possibly," he smiled as his finger pointed to a very tiny picture painted behind him in his portrait. It was almost impossible to see unless Dumbledore moved over. Sure enough, the thumbnail portrait was of the giant squid.

Harry put a hand to his forehead. "That explains so bloody much!" By the time Harry had made it back to the ground floor, he was laughing.

Harry eventually got through the book on Animagic his father had given him many years ago. Though he had wanted to join the Lakotan tribe like his father, he felt drawn in more to the Algonquin, almost as if someone was calling him. In traditional Marauder fashion, he met his Spirit in secret. A woman named Shining Wings. Harry couldn't figure out why one would have such a name & asked what it meant.

"You will understand when we Merge."

"You accept me?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Shining Wings answered. "Our fathers are in agreement." Harry took that to mean ancestry but the Indian added, "James & Bloodclaw." Harry stared in shock. "My father can no longer Guide & it is the fault of your father even if it was for a good reason. This is how they will repair the damage. I will Guide now in my father's stead."

"I accept the terms!" Harry exclaimed in a shocked whisper. "No wonder I was drawn to the Algonquin tribe."

"I come bearing an extra gift when we Merge," Shining Wings finished before changing to a beam of light & plunging into Harry.

Harry awoke to find himself flat on his back next to the old altar in the Dark Forest the Marauders had once used. It was dark. Harry had come to the clearing in the middle of the day but now he was staring up at the stars. He stood up, feeling as if someone was looking over his shoulder. Harry spun around but no one was there, but he still felt as if eyes were looking. He glanced down to his left should as best possible, seeing a tattoo looking like a snout. He could feel the length of the Spirit along his spine, coiled around it. It was the Spirit who was looking over his shoulder, as if waiting for him to move.

Harry got dressed then decided to test her, wondering what animal she would bestow to him. The clearing exploded in dazzling golden light as Harry transformed. He was hovering in the air. He flew over to the water & saw his reflection, a gleaming gold snake about six feet long with wings vibrating with light as if electricity was flowing through him. Even his fangs, long like a Basilisk & equally as deadly were gleaming white light. A Quetzalcoatl! In the same instant, Harry realized what the extra gift was. He could speak Parsletongue once more but this time it was not from Voldemort. He also quickly understood the name Shining Wings as he admired his glowing wings in the water. Harry flew across the lake, landing as a human on the dock in the boathouse. He returned home, keeping his Spirit a secret from all but Ron, Hermione & Ginny (he eventually let McGonagall in on the secret as well & she named his animal Verdigris, since his green eyes still showed through even as a glowing serpentine creature, which Harry added to the Marauders Map); & life soon returned to normal.

Except for a minor incident involving a rather naughty Albus Potter & time travelling, they all had long lasting lives free from most cares, thanks to the sacrifices of those who were gone to wait for the day when all would be reunited.

~The end

*From Deathly Hallows book, chapter 31 The Battle Of Hogwarts

**From Deathly Hallows 2 movie, deleted scene [slightly altered]

(AN: The Quetzalcoatl is based on the one in Final Fantasy 8. There are videos of it in action on Youtube.)