The Future

Ellie sat on the bench in the Great Hall, her eyes fixed on her mother where she lay on the ground, Lupin was at her side as Madam Pomfrey continued to look her over just opposite him. They had taken Evan Selwyn's body somewhere else. Ellie hadn't realized that he was dead until someone told her afterwards, having run straight to her mother's side. She hadn't left it since then.

Somewhere around that time, the fighting had stopped with shouts going around that Voldemort was dead. But Ellie hadn't cared.

Her heart had been pounding in her chest as she dropped to her knees at her mother's side, her hands shaking as they reached out, trying to find a pulse. All she could think was that she couldn't be dead. Not her mother. She swore to Merlin that she would be a better daughter - would follow every order without complaint - if only her mother lived.

She had then thrown herself on her mother's body, wailing. Lupin had pulled her away, saying that she wasn't dead. But they needed to get her inside. Ellie's sobs had stopped as Lupin let go over her and bent down, picking up Aurora and rushing back into the castle. She followed on his heels, Seamus running at her side. She hadn't even noticed the slight rise and fall of her mother's chest.

And now they were just waiting, Ellie praying that she woke up. If she didn't anytime soon, they would move her to St. Mungo's. Pomfrey couldn't even tell them anything. Just that they had to wait. It felt like they had been waiting hours. Ellie knew it hadn't been quite that long, but it felt far too long for her.

"Ellie?"

She turned her head, seeing Harry walking up. He stopped, taking in her tearstained face and then looked over, seeing Aurora. He didn't move. Didn't react.

"Is she…"

"No. But… she… we don't know when she'll wake up," Ellie said, struggling to keep the tears at bay. Harry looked over at her, then walked up and wrapped his arms around her. "She has to wake up… she has to…"

"She's strong. She'll wake up," Harry murmured, still staring at Aurora. "She's got you and your brother to look after."

"She killed him. Selwyn. She killed him," Ellie said, knowing that she was rambling, but she couldn't stop the words as they tumbled out of her mouth. "I don't even know how, but she did." Harry looked down at her and then over at Seamus, who was wearing a grim expression, his hands tucked into his pockets. He nodded, confirming what Ellie had said. Harry just gulped, unsure what to do or say to comfort her.

"Did you hear? Mrs. Weasley… she killed Bellatrix," he said.

"Oh?" Ellie replied. She knew she should feel some sort of way about it, but couldn't muster anything, she was too worried about her mother.

"Oh, oh… there we are. Welcome back to the land of the living, Ms. Greenthistle," Madam Pomfrey said.

Immediately, Ellie pushed away from Harry and ran to her mother's side, dropping to her knees as she shoved the matron aside. She shot a frown at the young girl, but it quickly melted into a smile as Aurora reached up and touched her daughter's cheek.

"Mum. Don't you ever scare me like that again," Ellie ordered, tears still streaming down her face.

"I assure you - my fighting days are over," she said softly. She then looked over, seeing Remus bent over her. She reached out and touched his cheek as well, a soft smile on her face. "Help me up?"

Both Ellie and Remus helped her to sit, Aurora grimacing slightly as Pomfrey tutted.

"Ms. Greenthistle, you need-"

"Yes, I know. I have plenty of potions at home," Aurora said, cutting her off. Her eyes then fell on Harry. "Oh, thank Merlin…"

"Mum! You scared me!" Ellie nearly shouted. Aurora grimaced at the sound.

"I'm sorry. Didn't intend to knock myself out," she said, bringing her hand to her forehead. At that moment another person ran up to the group, his eyes wide as he stopped in front of them.

"Theo," Ellie said. Seamus frowned at him immediately, as Harry's eyes widened. He looked from Ellie, to Seamus, to Theo, then back at Aurora and Remus, utterly confused by the array of expressions. He thought about sneaking off at that moment, feeling like he was intruding on something. Where were the Weasleys?

"Thank you," Aurora said. "For helping Ellie." Nott shuffled on his feet slightly, looking at the ground as a blush painted his cheeks.

"It was… well… couldn't just do nothing," he mumbled. Harry stared at him in surprise as Seamus moved to stand closer to Ellie. Just what had happened while he was away, Harry couldn't help but think. Aurora then reached out for Remus, starting to stand.

"Ms. Greenthistle!" Pomfrey shouted. "You shouldn't move."

"I'll be fine. But right now, I would really like to get home," she said firmly as Remus helped her to her feet. She leaned on him, smiling at him. Ellie's eyes widened as she looked up at Seamus, confused. "Seamus, you'll come with us. Harry, if you have nowhere to go, you might as well come too. Sure, you need some rest. Perhaps some food." They all turned to look at him, his mouth gaping. "We still have your room for you."

"I… yea… sure," he said. Aurora's gaze then fell on Theo.

"I'm fine," he said immediately. "There's no need to look after me."

"Where are your parents?" Aurora asked softly, a look of concern coming over her face. He looked away, a grimace coming over his features.

"Dead."

Ellie looked up at Seamus and then over at her mother, who was still watching Theo, a pained expression on her face.

"Then you'll come with us as well," she stated. He looked over at her, the shock apparent on his face.

"But-"

"No, buts about it. I know you're of age and such, but… you'll stay with us until things are settled," she said. Nott just nodded. Though she was injured, the look on her face clearly read that she wasn't about to be argued with.

Aurora then looked up at Remus.

"Come on… let's go home…"

Aurora huffed as Remus helped her into her bed. She had wanted to see after the children, but Mrs. Clark took one look at her and said that she would do no such thing until she was cared for. Mitsy had helped her take a bath and then dress in a nightgown, but Remus had then stepped in, assuring the house elf that he could take things from there.

"The children?" she asked, a frown on her face.

"Mrs. Clark got them food and clean clothes. Suspect they're either eating or washing up," he replied, turning to the bottles of potion on the nightstand. "Then probably sleeping, if they feel anything like I currently do."

"And the others?" Aurora asked.

"Thacker's at St. Mungos, but he'll be fine. Shacklebolt is at the Ministry. The Weasleys are at The Burrow - they took Hermione with them. Though, I believe Tonks and Charlie are somewhere around here," he continued, picking up a bottle and handing it to her. "For the concussion." She took the bottle and sipped it, wincing at the taste. Remus settled in a chair next to her bed as she handed the bottle back to him. "Not so much fun now that you're the patient." He smiled slightly at her. Aurora sighed and shook her head, though immediately regretted the movement as it made her head pound more.

Remus reached for another bottle and handed it to her. She took it and drank, feeling the immediate effects.

"Snape is dead," Remus continued. Aurora nodded and looked down at her hands. "But, you'll be fine. According to Madam Pomfrey."

"I could have told you that," Aurora said, frowning slightly.

"I'm just happy that you're alive," Remus said softly. The frown faded from Aurora's face as she met his eyes. He reached out and took her hand. "I thought I had lost you."

"I thought I lost you too… and Ellie," she replied softly. "And for a time… I thought I was gone too…"

Neither said anything for a few moments, both caught up in reliving those moments.

"Rora-"

"No… let me… I need to say this," Aurora said, cutting him off. "Remus… I can't live without you. And… I've spent far too long living in the past." She squeezed his hand as she took a deep breath. "I love you." A soft smile played across his lips. "It's about time I started living in the present… and thinking about the future. A future that includes you."

"You have no idea how long I have waited to hear you say that," he replied softly. Aurora smiled.

"I have a bit of an idea," she said. "Sorry it took me so long…"

"Time doesn't matter. I would have waited longer," he said.

"I know."

He then stood slightly, leaning over to kiss her gently.

"I'll always be here, Rora," he said softly. "I'll never leave you." She just nodded, too overcome to speak. So instead she just kissed him again.

Remus then settled back in his chair, though he kept a hold of her hand.

"So… where do we go from here?" he asked softly. Aurora chuckled and shook her head.

"Think it's best to go a day at a time. Blimey… I just realized that we now have four teenagers in the house… one of which is currently dating my daughter," she replied, her eyes widening. "And a one-year-old…" Remus chuckled.

"It'll be fine," he said reassuringly. "I'm sure Harry will figure out his way soon, and Theodore, well…"

"Poor, Theodore," Aurora murmured, her brow furrowed. "We have to speak up for him. Assure others that he wasn't like his parents." Remus nodded.

"Of course, we'll help him," he said. "And I'm sure once we find Seamus' parents, he'll be home safe with them." Aurora nodded, trying to stifle a yawn. "You should rest."

"I feel fine," Aurora said stubbornly, though she was already struggling to keep her eyes open, leaning back against her pillows.

"Rest. I can take care of things," Remus said.

"Stay for a bit… until… sleep," she murmured, her eyes fluttering closed.

"I already told you, Rora, I'm never leaving…"

Ellie sat on the edge of the pool, dipping her toe in and swirling it around in the warm water. It was still a bit too cool to use it, but someone had done a heating charm on it, so it wasn't so bad. She had tried to sleep but found that she couldn't even though she was exhausted beyond belief. Too many things had happened.

So, there she sat, in her pyjamas, wrapped in a quilt, playing in the pool while the rest of the house slept.

"Ellie?"

She turned, seeing Harry standing in the open door. She smiled and motioned for him to join her. She then looked up at the sky as he walked over and sat down next to her. Neither said anything for a few minutes. Just sat there.

"How bad was it?" he finally asked. "Hogwarts?"

"Bad," Ellie said, not mincing her words. "The Carrows were horrible. How bad was it for you?" He didn't speak for a bit.

"Not so great," he admitted. "Being on the run and such. Trying to find Horcruxes."

"So that's what you were doing," Ellie said, looking over at him. He nodded, still not meeting her eyes.

"We couldn't defeat him until we had destroyed all of them," he replied. "They're… pieces of his soul that he put in other things so that he could live forever…"

"That's why you came back."

"Yea… there were three left… one was the lost diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw. Then Nagini - the snake. And then…" he trailed off.

"It was you, wasn't it?" Ellie asked. He looked over at her, surprised. "I mean… figured you'd give yourself up to save all of us regardless. But… I knew you'd put up a fight unless there was a reason… And well, then you popped back to life and all… Though didn't put it together until just now."

"You are really bright, you know?" he replied, smiling slightly. Ellie just shrugged.

"I am the daughter of Sirius Black and Aurora Greenthistle," she said lightly.

"Yea, but that's not completely them. Your parents," he said. "That's you." Ellie smiled slightly.

"Suppose," she said.

"Really, Ellie. And you're good at quidditch. That's you too," he pushed. "You survived under the Carrows. I'm sure that wasn't a small thing either. Yea, you've got their bravery and such, but you have to give yourself credit too." Ellie just nodded slowly.

"Suppose that's a huge compliment. Coming from the Boy Who Lived… and then Lived Again," she joked. Harry winced slightly but covered it with a smile.

"To be honest… I'm not sure where I'm supposed to go from here," he admitted. "I mean… my whole life has been about Voldemort. Surviving. Then beating him. I'm not sure what happens next. What I'm supposed to do." They both fell silent for a bit.

"I think… I think that's not such a bad thing," Ellie finally said. Harry looked at her, frowning slightly. "Think about it - from now on, you can decide what to do. And you can do… whatever you want." Harry looked back out at the gardens. "You could… play professional quidditch. You could be an auror. You could… leave all of this and go muggle." Harry chuckled.

"Dunno if I want to do that," he said. "Seems a bit drastic."

"Yea, but that's the thing. You get to choose," Ellie insisted. "Whatever it is. And you don't have to decide tomorrow. You can stay here as long as you want. Take your time." She looked over at him. "And… I think it would make Mum happy if you stayed a bit." He chuckled again.

"What was that about me getting to choose?" he quipped.

"Right. Whatever you decide, it's fine. We'll be happy for you. Mum too. And we'll always be here," she said. "I know I've said it before but doesn't make it any less true. Dad wanted you as part of our family. So you are. You're family now, Harry. Ehm, well, suppose you always have been..."

Harry turned to Ellie, studying her a moment. He had barely registered her existence until his fifth year, when she joined DA. Then he had just thought of her as yet another spunky third year. And then he found out the truth. She didn't know and he wasn't allowed to tell her, but he had felt the beginnings of some sort of connection, wanting to look out for her though he was confused and conflicted at the time. He wasn't ready to share Sirius at the time.

Then Sirius had died.

And here she was, not even a few hours after a years-long war had ended, telling him that he would always be family. And telling him to go out into the world and do what he wanted. She really was far brighter than her age.

"Thanks, Ellie," he said. She turned to look at him, smiling.

"Anytime. I'm always here for sisterly advice," she said lightly. "Next of which - you really should make things official with Ginny. And as she is my best friend, I will clobber you if you hurt her." Harry laughed a bit loudly at that.

"I think I should take things a day at a time, Ellie," he replied, still chuckling. Ellie just shrugged. He then looked over his shoulder and back at her. "Though… it does go both ways. Just what is going on with you and Finnegan?" Ellie's widened as she spun around to look at him. He pointed towards the door, where Seamus was standing, smiling slightly. "Or actually… I'll just… really tired. Long day, you know. We can talk tomorrow." He stood and walked away as Seamus stepped out, moving to sit next to Ellie.

"How much of that did you hear?" she asked.

"Just the last bit about you clobbering him if he hurt Ginny," he said. Ellie smiled and looked back out at the back gardens. "I'd be scared if I were him. You're nearly as good as Ginny when it comes to hexes."

"Girl's got to protect herself," Ellie replied, surprised at how easy it was to joke around, considering what they had all just been through. Maybe it was some sort of defense mechanism. For now, she felt okay. But it was only a matter of time before everything really hit. But until then, she was just happy that she was alive. That her mother was alive. Seamus, Theo, Harry, everyone. And the war was over. "Saw you sent an owl earlier."

"Yea… to my auntie. Let her know that I'm fine. And to pass the word onto my parents. Also, that the war is over," he said.

"So… you won't be staying that long," Ellie then stated. Seamus shrugged.

"There's no telling how long it'll take to get to her. And then for her to reach them. Could be here a week or so," he replied. "Though part of me thinks I should stay until Nott leaves." Ellie rolled her eyes.

"Seamus Finnegan-"

She stopped, seeing the twinkle in his eye. Ah… he was joking.

"Yes, Ellie Black?" he replied. Ellie smiled.

"I was about to say… You should know by now that I'm your girlfriend," she said primly. "And no one else's. No need to get all jealous." Seamus shrugged.

"I know," he replied.

"Though, I suppose we should be realistic about this… you're done with Hogwarts and all… sure you'll find some older witch and-"

Ellie stopped speaking as Seamus laughed. She frowned. This wasn't funny. She was being serious.

"In case you've forgotten, I haven't technically finished at Hogwarts," Seamus said, after quieting down a bit.

"But… what?" she asked.

"Still need to take my exams. And it's not like I learned much this year," Seamus said. "Planning to at least finish that bit. But, Ellie… even still… you honestly think I'd just… forget about you?" She didn't speak a moment. She hadn't put much thought into it until they had gotten to the manor. Now that the war was over and they were no longer living under the fear of the Carrows or whatever else that entailed, she had started to think that perhaps he would. He was nearly 18 as it was. She still had two more years at Hogwarts. It made sense in her mind. That's how it normally went, wasn't it? But then again, the last couple of years had definitely not been normal.

"I don't really know," she said honestly, meeting his eyes. "To be honest… I'm not really sure just what happens next."

"But didn't you just tell Harry that part of the beauty of that is choosing?" Seamus replied.

"You were listening far longer than you said," Ellie retorted, though she was smiling.

"Look, Elle. We're still young. We don't have to decide anything tomorrow. Or the day after. Let's just… see where it goes," Seamus said. Ellie thought a moment and then nodded.

"Okay," she said. He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Seriously, Seamus. I doubt Mum is lurking in the shadows."

"I know… but Lupin might be," he shot back. Ellie rolled her eyes.

"I don't even want to start thinking about that," she said.

"What? That he might be your step-dad soon?" Seamus replied, grinning. Ellie's eyes widened.

"Don't even," she said. Seamus just laughed and stood.

"Come on. Don't know about you, but I'm exhausted," he said, holding his hand out. Ellie sighed and took it, allowing him to help her up. "We can talk more tomorrow. And the day after."

"Fine…"

Felt like this story wouldn't be complete without a moment with Harry. He's been largely gone in this one and with the whole thing with Sirius in the last one, felt like there needed to be closure there. And yes – Aurora and Remus finally have their moment.

Stay tuned – there's an epilogue coming up…

Thanks for reading and following!