EPILOGUE: Family



A month later, Glynnis' garden was in full flower, a riot of color and scent. The nearby trees, which had shed their blossoms in the spring, were in full bloom again, thanks to Sirius. The downy white petals drifted over the assembled family and friends like confetti. In the center of the garden stood a trellis covered with climbing pink roses. It was here that Sirius stood waiting, Harry by his side. Each was decked out in new white robes made especially for the occasion by Mrs. Weasley. The maroon trim was decorated with ivy vines that twisted along as they moved. Albus Dumbledore, in his best robes, was standing behind the trellis, a smile on his face. All around the garden stood the people that were most important to Sirius and Glynnis. Ron Weasley, Hermione and her parents, and Remus Lupin all waited patiently in the afternoon sunshine while Glynnis, in a white dress that had been her grandmother's, walked with Attivus Attlewart toward them. She carried a simple bouquet of trailing ivy and the birdsong and rustling leaves were her wedding march.



Attivus smiled happily as he placed her hand in Sirius' and stepped aside. He'd been honored that she'd asked him to give her away. He wiped away a tear as he listened to his old friend and his new one pledge to love, honor and cherish each other forever. He was glad that they were finally getting the happiness they deserved and was certain they would have lovely children.



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"Harry, you're sure you have everything?" Glynnis asked as she helped him load the luggage carrier at King's Cross Station.



"Yes, Glynnie, I do." Harry replied patiently for the fourth time in as many minutes. Hedwig hooted in commiseration of Harry's plight, for Glynnis had been fussing over both of them since they left home earlier.



"And you know where you're going?"



Harry sighed. "Glynnie, this isn't the first time I've gone off to school."



Glynnis smiled ruefully. "I know, but it's the first time I've seen you off and I want to do it right."



"You're as bad as Mrs. Weasley," Harry remarked as she adjusted his collar and straightened his hair.



"Is that good?" she asked with a laugh.



Harry laughed too. "Yes."



Glynnis stood back and looked at him. "You've grown taller these past few weeks. I'll have some new clothes for you come Christmas. You are coming home for Christmas?"



Harry nodded. "Home for Christmas," he said wistfully. "I wouldn't miss it."



"Good." Glynnis regarded Harry seriously. "I'll miss you, Harry. The house will seem awfully quiet with you gone. Be sure and send Hedwig if you need anything. And I'll see you when I meet with Professor Dumbledore later in the term."



"Do you know when Doctor Attlewart will be finished testing you?" he asked.



Glynnis shook her head. "No. It will be soon though. I'm looking forward to meeting with him. With Sirius gone so much, it's nice to have something to do. And all that practicing makes me all the better. I guess practice does make perfect."



Harry grinned. "Well, then, before long you won't need to send an owl. You can just think me your messages."



She tugged his ear gently. "Just hope I don't send a Howler! Then you'd be sorry." She pulled Harry into a firm embrace and kissed the top of his head. "Goodbye, Harry. Take care." Harry returned the hug with all his strength. He'd come to love Glynnis very much and was going to miss her and Sirius. It had been wonderful having a real home. He couldn't wait to come back and he hadn't even left yet.



"Goodbye, Glynnis," he said huskily as he pulled away from her. He pulled the luggage cart along and with a final wave disappeared into the wall.