AUTHOR'S NOTE: Oh my goodness gracious. I am so incredibly sorry. I'm not sure how long it has been since my last update…I don't really want to check. I know it has been several long, busy, exhausting months. But the good news is, you don't have to wait on me for any new updates after this. Last one. Aww…that actually makes me kind of sad. After reviewing my previous chapters, I have determined that this is an epilogue more than anything (so the story had 13 chapters…my favorite number). After this, I think I have proven that I'm far too busy during the school year to write, so it won't be until next summer that I write fanfiction again. Feel free to leave me nice reviews though! J Thank you for being a fantastic audience, and bear with me as I struggle with my greatest fear: writing conclusions.

DISCLAIMER: Who can say, really, that I don't own a piece Harry Potter? He is a part of my heart and my life. Yet the originality of the characters, names, and major events, alas, belong to J.K. Rowling.

EPILOGUE

He gazed around the room where his family had once been embalmed. It had changed drastically. Gone was the pain, the most grievous memories, and the dead eyes. No, his old family had been released from the Room of Death, and given new life around the house, where they lived freely among the living. He could feel their presence constantly, but it was no longer compressed and painful. Instead, he could feel them rejoicing alongside him, as real as they were in the dreamlike state. He needed them in his life, as much as he needed his wife, best friends, and children. After his return, his beautiful wife spoke with him in soft tones about the room. What would he like to do with it? But it was perfect to him the way it was, empty and free of the pain. Scrubbed clean, shinning like the smile on his face. Someday, perhaps, he would convert it into a guest bedroom. Perhaps Teddy, or his (hopefully) very distant grandchildren, could stay in the room. But in that moment, it stood to show his new start. Inside and out.

2 years later

I clutched my Dad's hand nervously as we made our way across the station. He smiled down at me, and I could tell he was glad I still needed him as much as he needed me. He squeezed mine reassuringly in return, and I could feel strength surging into me that I used to have to give to him.

As we approached the brick wall, we pulled to a stop. Mum had chased the boys through the wall several minutes earlier, attempting to embarrass them in retribution for terrorizing me about Houses and difficult classes. I had stayed back with Dad, enjoying my last few moments as part of the non-magic world.

Dad crouched down onto my level, staring me straight in the eyes. "You aren't going to beg me to tell you that you won't be in Slytherin, are you?" His eyes shone pleasantly, recalling the similar situation from years earlier.

I grinned back. "No, Daddy, you'd just tell me the same thing I overheard you telling Al two years ago."

"You bad girl," he said with a grin.

"I don't care, anyways."

He looked at me quizzically. "Not in the least?"

I sighed, thinking over my carefully prepared answer. "The only reason I'd prefer one over the other is because all of the family is in Gryffindor. But I would be okay otherwise. I could start my own legacy in a new house. All that is important is that I can be happy wherever I am, and whoever I am with," I said, with a knowing look. "Right Dad?"

His eyes glistened with tears. "Lily-bear," he said with sadness, "I am so very sorry for the hurt I caused this family. But please, don't worry about me. I am better now, I truly am." He pulled me in for a crushing hug. "I'm so sorry," he murmured.

Pulling back from the hug to look into his eyes, I whispered in response, "It is very much okay, Dad. The weight of the world is a lot to bear. Everyone needs a break sometime."

"That sounds like something your mother would say."

I grinned. "She did, one time after I asked about the Room."

Gazing at the barrier with a hint of jealousy, he said, "Whether you like it or not, Lil, you'll be in Gryffindor. You're far to brave for any other house."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh good, that's actually what I really wanted. I just planned that speech to motivate you."

Rumpling my hair, he whispered in reply, so quietly that I wasn't sure if I was meant to hear it, "I know."

Grabbing my hand as he stood, we walked toward the brick wall together, ready to face my future.