Chapter 9: Like My Own Dad

That spring went by in a blur. All too soon, May had arrived and with it, Rose's Hogwarts graduation.

Not long after that winter dinner, Viktor had proposed to Hermione, and she had happily accepted; the wedding would be in another year. Viktor had spoken to Hugo - man-to-man - asking his permission beforehand, and the gesture seemed to endear the boy to his mother's new significant other. According to Hermione, Hugo had actually cried at being asked.

Now, the whole Weasley-Potter clan (plus Viktor) was on the Hogwarts grounds to cheer as Albus, and then Rose, graduated. After family pictures and hugs and kisses, Harry took Rose aside and they walked the grounds by the lake.

"Now that school's all done, guess you'll be planning the wedding, huh?"

Rose laughed. "I may have to duke it out with Grandma Weasley for that honor. Merlin, I can't believe it's still over a year away!"

"Don't blink," Harry warned her. "It'll be here before you know it." He cleared his throat and then pulled a package from his cloak. "This is for you."

Rose eyed him, amused. "You didn't have to get me anything…."

"Rubbish. I gave Al the Cloak, and James the Maurader's Map before that. By the time all the other kids are through, I'll have plum run out of family heirlooms!"

Rose carefully pulled back the wrapping. When she saw what was underneath, her eyes widened.

"Is that…..?"

Harry nodded. "The Deluminator."

"Mum…. Mummy always says Dumbledore gave it to Daddy as a gift; it was in his will."

"Well, that's only part of the story. This turned out to be your Dad's most prized possession for a very important reason. Ask your Mum about it sometime, she'll tell you. Ron… he would have wanted you to have it." Harry looked up to see his niece sniffling. "Aw, honey…. are you crying?"

Rose tearfully flung herself into his arms. "I just…. thank you. There aren't enough thank yous! You….. you were my dad as much as he was."

Harry hugged her back, trying to not get emotional himself. For he knew, deep down, that Rose was absolutely right.


A/N: That's all, folks! What do you think? I would love to know! Review, pretty please!