A/N Fair warning, it'll be a bit before I get back to this... for one thing, I really want to get some of the cover art done, not to mention that considering how long this book took I'm sure you've realized that I have a lot on my plate these days, but I'll know changes on twitter when they come. Still, here's the Epilogue, and I hope you enjoyed this twist on Hamlet's "All Life is a Play" theme. Thanks for reading! ~Doublequill
Epilogue
Spoilers
It was a beautiful morning in Hogsmeade. The sun was shining, it was hot but without being unbearably humid, and Toby the Tinker found himself a particularly satisfied mood as he opened up the shop and began working on a new set of his now famous wooden toys that he hoped to get done before Christmas. He gathered up the Oracle and the Daily Prophet, both of which had been particularly amusing of late, having daily updates on the Ministry's negotiations with the Elvish Trade Assembly, as well as an impressively large middle section of classified advertisements in the Oracle looking to fill household positions. Setting them on the counter so he might read some during elevenses, Toby got to work on a chimera figure that he found particularly challenging. It seemed like a good day to take on challenges.
Suddenly, there was a darkening at the door, as if a storm cloud had come unexpectedly out of the east to cover up the brilliant sun. Startled that he hadn't sensed it coming, he looked up to see the cloaked figure panting at his doorway. Toby's shoulder's relaxed, letting out a short breath.
"Oh, honestly, Deuce. Must you come in like that? At least have the decency to knock when my familiar isn't in. And anyway, aren't you done with what needs to be done for now? My apprentice hasn't shown up to scold me on what I did to him, and I need not tell you that would be hell for both of us."
"I'll watch for him," the Deuce said, putting another paper on the counter before hurrying back over to the window.
"Ah, what is this... oh, it's next week's paper," Toby observed, unfolding it. Gawking at the headline, he closed his eyes. "Confound it, Deuce! You know you're not supposed to show me anything I'd be tempted to tinker with!"
"I'm sorry, but you will tell me to warn you."
"And I told you there's a time to listen and a time to tell someone to keep quiet," Toby said angrily.
"You also told me it's not something you can stop, so there's no harm in preparation," Deuce explained.
"Damn you. Better yet, damn myself," Toby scowled.
"I have to go," the Deuce said, tugging on his cloak. "He'll be coming soon."
"Fine, just don't forget to take something with you. And don't come back until school is in session when he's less likely to come around here," Toby added for good measure.
Sighing, the cloaked figure looked quickly around and grabbed a Wizard Wireless before leaving. But even after he left the shop, Toby felt like the shadow hadn't followed him out. Quickly scanning the paper, Toby then tossed it in the pot belly stove behind the counter and let it with a match, watching the headlines, "Missing? Or a Disappearance?" burn away.
"I hope you had a relaxing holiday, Severus," Toby murmured under his breath as he watched the paper turn to ash. "It may be a while before you get another."