Epilogue

About Two Years Later

Ellie glanced around at the large amount of people milling around the back garden, wishing she had worn flats rather than heels. Already they were starting to pinch her toes. Even though she had worn heels plenty of times at this point, she still didn't understand the purpose of them. They drove her batty to be honest.

"Damn you, Ginny," she muttered under her breath.

"And just what did I do?" her best friend asked, stepping to her side in a matching dress with a smirk.

"Convinced me that I needed to be in heels," Ellie said, frowning at her playfully.

"They make your legs look amazing. You'll be thanking me later when Seamus sees you," Ginny replied, her grin widening as Ellie's cheeks turned pink and she glanced around the yard, wondering just where her boyfriend had gotten off to. "Come on. Suspect we've about five minutes of freedom before your mum discovers we've slipped out and sends someone after us."

The redhead turned and walked over to a table, grabbing two glasses of champagne and handing one to Ellie.

"Thank Merlin I'm old enough to drink," Ellie replied as she took the glass. Which was the truth. Weddings were far more fun now that she could enjoy the champagne and other drinks openly rather than sneaking them behind her mother's back. Ginny just chuckled as she held out her glass.

"To Ellie finishing Hogwarts," she said proudly. Ellie just raised an eyebrow.

"Shouldn't we be drinking to the bride and groom?" she asked.

"They'll have plenty of toasts to them today. Right now, this one is for you," Ginny replied. Ellie smiled and the two clinked their glasses together. "You decide what you're going to do?" Ginny then asked after they had both taken a drink.

Ellie just shrugged and continued drinking. She had hoped that today would give her a respite. School had been out about a month now, but nearly every day of it, someone asked her what she was going to do with the rest of her life. It was starting to get a bit annoying.

"Don't give me that look, Ellie. You're rather lucky, you know. A spot on reserves for the Kestrals," Ginny said. "Soon enough you'll make first string and be playing against me."

"Or a spot in auror training," Ellie added with a sigh. "Which I'm fairly sure Sh-Minister Shacklebolt only offered me because he lived here during the war and is repaying the favor."

"Or, he saw your talent during the war and knows just how brilliant you are," Ginny said. A dark look briefly passed over their faces, though both of them quickly covered it up. Today - of all days - was not the day to allow those dark memories to take precedent.

It had been over for two years and the wizarding world had worked hard to set itself right. Shacklebolt was named minister and had made great strides to get the Ministry of Magic sorted and back to what it should be. McGonagall had been named headmistress of Hogwarts and somehow managed to get enough of the castle fixed up that the students could return that following September, Ginny, Ellie and Seamus among them. Seamus had to make up for the nearly half term in classes he had missed thanks to hiding out in the room of requirement while Ginny was allowed to proceed to her seventh year and Ellie's year went on to their sixth year, though still had to take their OWLs just before the term started.

Ellie hadn't been sure if she would have the strength to return, considering the memories the school held for her. And she wasn't the only one. A fair number of students hadn't returned that year. But she soldiered on and soon enough the nightmares lessened and the memories of the Carrows began to fade. She focused on school and quidditch and just being grateful that all of her friends - and her boyfriend - were there.

But then Seamus and most of the other eighth years left at the winter break. And then Ginny graduated. And then Ellie was back at Hogwarts for her seventh year, this time as head girl. Honestly, the last school term had been a blur between her classes, Head Girl duties and quidditch.

"Hey, you know you don't have to decide today, you know," Ginny said softly, sensing a bit of Ellie's frustration. The younger girl smiled at her and nodded.

"I know," she replied. "Just… a bit overwhelming. I hadn't even really had that much time to think about what I want to do. We're supposed to figure that out fifth year and mine was spent hiding out from the Carrows and just trying to survive…"

"But things are better now," Ginny said quickly. "Don't forget that. It's been over for two years now." Ellie looked over at her friend and smiled. She was right. It wouldn't do to get caught up in the past.

"So, where's Harry? Suspect since the Minister is here, he was able to get the day off," Ellie replied. Ginny snorted.

"Your mum would have thrown a fit if he had to work," she replied. "He is in the bloody thing, after all. And I know he still comes over to visit you lot all the time. When he's not working or at my matches…"

"And we're at all of them," Ellie replied with a smile. "Mum thinks Ryan's going to end up playing as well. Lupin actually got him a toy broom for his third birthday this year. Still can't seem to stay on it, though…"

"And your mum allowed that?" Ginny asked with a chuckle.

"Merlin, he won't stay away from it. When she saw Ryan's face light up as he opened it, she couldn't bring herself to even complain or lecture Lupin about it," Ellie replied, smiling. "Besides, we all know Dad would have gotten him one the day he was born." Ellie looked down at her glass, her voice stopping at the thought of her father.

She took a deep breath and looked around the garden again. There weren't tons of people there, but it seemed like a lot considering it had mostly just been her, her mum, Ryan and Lupin the last couple of years. Harry stayed with them for a long time after the war until he and Ron found their own place in Diagon Alley. Nott had left once his family's affairs were sorted - with a lot of help from her mother, Lupin and her mother's aging solicitor Mr. Bellweather.

But Ellie felt as though her father was always there with them in some ways. He was there in Ryan's smile and laughter. A large portrait of him had been put up in the library, alongside others of those they lost in the war. He was there in the letters she still read.

Reaching up, she grasped the locket she always wore now - it contained photos of her mother and Ryan and him. She wondered what he would have to say about today.

Ginny reached out and grabbed Ellie's hand, guiding her away from the guests and into the garden maze. They walked until they came across a courtyard with a small fountain and a bench, the two sitting in it as the hum of conversation faded.

"How are you really feeling about today?" Ginny asked softly, her brow furrowed. Ellie sighed and looked down at the locket.

"Dunno. I mean, I'm happy, of course. Mum deserves this, you know. Happiness. And I like Lupin just fine. He's been good to Mum. Good for her. Just…" she stopped speaking, frowning slightly as she wondered just what she was feeling. "Part of me keeps thinking… this was supposed to be him, you know? They were going to get married and we were all going to live here together…"

Ginny put her arm around Ellie's shoulders and hugged her.

"Sure it's a bit… odd for you," she said, unsure exactly what to say. Ellie sighed and shook her head, smiling.

"Things don't always turn out the way we want," she replied. "I didn't even know him. Or that he was my dad until after he died."

"But that doesn't change the fact that he was your dad. And you've gotten to know him a bit. As best you can," Ginny said. Ellie nodded and looked up at the garden.

"Just wish I could have gotten to meet him. See him and Mum together. I've heard the stories and all… I think he would have been a great dad," Ellie said.

"In my opinion… I know it's not the same and there's no one that can replace Sirius, but… Lupin's not so bad. He's been really good with Ryan. And I know for a fact that he loves you like you're his own. And he's madly in love with your mum," Ginny said. "Isn't that the next best thing?"

"Suppose so," Ellie said, smiling softly. "And yea… it's not horrible or anything. Just… different…" Ginny just hugged her again.

"There you are. Aurora's been going mad. Have you two been here this whole time?" Harry asked as he rushed into the courtyard in his dress robes, slightly out of breath. The two girls looked over at him, amused looks on their faces.

"Not that long," Ellie shot back with a grin. "It's only been about five minutes. Surely she can stand to be without us for that long." Harry just shook his head and rolled his eyes. "She send you to bring us back?"

"Yea, but…" he stopped and looked at Ginny. "If it's alright, Gin, need a moment with Ellie." Ginny hopped up and walked over to him, kissing him on the cheek.

"Course," she replied before leaving the courtyard. Harry walked over and sat next to Ellie.

"How you feeling?" he asked. Ellie laughed.

"Everyone seems to be asking me that today," she said, emptying the contents of the glass.

"Well… it's a big day and all," he replied.

"I'm fine," Ellie said, looking over at him with a smile. "I'm happy for Mum and Lupin. Really." He smiled and nodded, looking away as he reached into his pocket, fiddling with something.

"If it's alright… I sort of have a wedding present for you," he said. Ellie's eyes widened as she sat up and stared at him. He pulled his hand out of his pocket, revealing a small stone.

"What's that?" she asked, confused.

"Well… it's the Resurrection Stone," he said. Ellie gaped at him a moment.

"But I thought… it was… you lost it," she said. Harry shrugged.

"Hagrid found it last term while out in the Forbidden Forest tracking down some creature. Sent it to me," Harry replied. "And well… thought since I have it again, perhaps there's someone you'd like to meet." He reached over and dropped the stone in her hand. Ellie just stared at it, wondering how it worked.

"Ellie?"

Her head flew up as her eyes widened. Standing before her was her father, though he was translucent. Tears pooled in her eyes. She didn't know what to do. She wanted to hug him but knew that she couldn't. There were a million things that she wanted to say, but no words would come together in her mind. She had dreamed of seeing him, speaking to him, for years. And here he was.

"You're so grown up," Sirius said, smiling softly at her.

"Dad?" Ellie whispered. Sirius' smile grew into a grin as tears pooled in his own eyes.

"I've waited so long to hear that," he replied. "Oh, Ellie… I'm so sorry that I couldn't be there for you."

"It's okay… I… I understand," Ellie said as she slowly stood and took a step towards him. "You died protecting others. Doing what was right." He nodded sadly.

"But what I would give to be with you now. You and your mother," he said.

"And Ryan," Ellie added. He nodded again.

"To see my son," he said. He then swallowed. "I watch out for you all. All the time. With Lily and James. We're all watching out for you." His eyes briefly settled on Harry but then turned back to Ellie. "I love you so much, my girl."

"I love you too, Dad," Ellie said, knowing that she was on the verge of sobbing, but held it together.

"You've grown into a beautiful, brave witch. I'm so proud of you," he said. "And I know that I don't have to worry about you… you'll be alright."

"But I still wish you were here," Ellie couldn't help but say. "I need my dad…" Sirius blinked and continued smiling sadly.

"I'll always be with you… and you still have Remus," he said. "I know that it's not the same, but… he's my best friend. And I know that he cares for you and your mother and brother. Probably do a better job of things than I would."

"Don't say that," Ellie said quickly. "You would have been a wonderful father." Sirius chuckled as he stepped closer and reached out, placing his hand on her cheek, though she couldn't feel anything.

"I would have done my best," he said. "But if I can't be there, I rest easy knowing that he is… it's okay to be happy for your mother. To accept him, you know. I'm okay with it. Told your mother this as well."

"When did you speak to Mum?" Ellie scoffed slightly.

"I saw her briefly when she was injured at the battle… it wasn't long, but we said what needed to be said," he replied. Ellie stared at him a moment, things sliding into place. Why her mother had suddenly been open about her relationship with Remus after they had returned to the manor. Why she had finally agreed to marry him. "Ellie… all I want for you is to be happy. Life your life."

She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"I will," she said. Sirius grinned at her.

"I must go now," he said, stepping back from her.

"But… there's so much to talk about. And, and, I need advice. I don't know what to do with the rest of my life," she said quickly. Sirius chuckled.

"I couldn't tell you that even if I were here," he said. "You'll figure it out." She smiled slightly.

"Right… because I'm a Black," she said. He laughed again.

"Because you're Ellie."

He then quietly disappeared. Ellie stood in the center of the courtyard, staring at the spot where he stood a few moments before she started full-on crying, dropping her face into her hands. Harry stepped over and put his arms around her. He didn't say anything, just let her cry.

Finally, she looked up at him, knowing that her makeup was likely running everywhere.

"Thank you, Harry," she said softly. He smiled in return.

"Don't mention it," he said softly. "Now, we really should get back before your mum sends a search party." Ellie laughed as she wiped her cheeks with her hand while handing the stone back to him.

"Ugh, I must look horrid right now," she groaned. Harry laughed and pulled out his wand, doing a quick spell that fixed up her makeup and hair. Ellie stared at him in shock a bit.

"Ginny taught me that one," he said putting his wand back in his robe pocket. "Come on… the bride awaits."

Aurora paced around the room, looking towards the window and then the clock.

"Where is she?" she said for the 20th time. "I know she's not completely on board with this, but you'd think she'd put that aside for just today…"

"Stop fretting, Rora. She's supportive of this," Tonks said from where she was lounging on a sofa, casually sipping her champagne. "Probably just run off to see Seamus before the ceremony."

"If she makes us late because she's snog-"

The door opened and Ginny walked in, though she stopped and took in the scene, a guilty look coming over her face.

"Ehm… Ellie will be here in a bit. Harry had a gift for her," she said, smiling sheepishly. Aurora sighed.

"Sit, Rora. Have some champagne," Tonks said, patting the sofa next to her. "And stop fretting. You're bloody getting married today!" Aurora couldn't help but smile as she did as told, accepting the glass that Tonks held out to her.

The two had gotten closer since the end of the war, despite everything. Granted, Tonks and Charlie had wasted no time in getting married. The auror had asked Aurora to be her maid of honor and Remus was one of the groomsmen. But in that moment, Aurora was grateful for the easy-going witch's presence. A wedding was not an easy undertaking, even one as small as this one. Not to mention, Aurora had been worried about how Ellie was taking it all. She had tried talking to her about it, but Ellie always brushed it off, saying she was happy for her and not to worry.

"So… how long before you and Harry tie the knot?" Tonks asked, her eyes flashing in mischief. Ginny froze, a glass of champagne halfway to her lips as her eyes widened and her face turned nearly as red as her hair.

"Not anytime soon," she sputtered, glancing towards the door and expecting her mother to come barging in. "Merlin, I'm only 19!"

"She has plenty of time," Aurora added. Tonks just laughed.

"I know, but it's fun to see your face go so red. You Weasleys are fun to mess with," Tonks replied. Ginny just smiled.

"Yea, but you're one of us now," she countered.

"This is true…"

At that moment, Ellie rushed into the room. A bit red in the face as well.

"Sorry! I know!" she shouted as Aurora stood and walked over, hugging her.

"You were snogging," Tonks said in glee. Ellie's eyes widened as she met her mother's eyes.

"I wasn't. I swear," she replied quickly. Aurora smiled.

"I know. Ginny said you were with Harry," she said. Ellie sighed in relief. But before she could say anything, Mrs. Weasley bustled in.

"It's time!" she said joyfully. Tonks got up as she and Ginny went over to grab their bouquets.

"If you could just give us a moment," Aurora said to the three. They smiled and nodded, quickly leaving the room. "Help me with my veil?"

Ellie smiled and nodded, then walked over to a table to pick up the veil. She followed her mother to a standing mirror and began pinning it in place.

"I am happy for you, Mum," she said softly, meeting her eyes in the mirror. "I am really fine with this. You marrying Lupin. You deserve to be happy." Aurora gave her a watery smile before turning and hugging her tightly.

"You know I'll always love your father," she whispered.

"I know," Ellie replied. "Just as I know he'll always be looking out for us." Aurora stepped back and took Ellie's face in her hands gently. Her eyes roamed over her face.

"You're so much like him," she said. "But at the same time… you're not… you really are something, Ellie." The teen looked down at the floor, blinking to keep from crying. "I'm so proud of you." Ellie swallowed and looked up, meeting her eyes.

"I'm proud of you too, you know," she replied. "And as far as step-fathers go, I think I really lucked out with this one." Aurora laughed softly.

"He does love you," she said. "You and Ryan."

"I know. But more importantly, he loves you," Ellie said. Aurora smiled and kissed Ellie's cheek. "Come on, then. Time to make you Mrs. Aurora Lupin."

"May I have this dance?"

Ellie spun around from where she was watching Lupin and her mother have their first dance to see a smiling Seamus holding his hand out. She laughed softly and accepted it. They were then moving smoothly around the dance floor with the music.

"You've been practicing," Ellie said, smiling a bit smugly.

"Figured I'd need to get better after I nearly took off your foot at Tonks' wedding," he said with a shrug. "Suppose auror training has helped with coordination a bit…" Ellie just chuckled. "You decided if you're going to join us, yet?" Rather than get annoyed, Ellie just thought a moment before meeting his eyes.

"Not quite yet, but… feel like it's not such a bad idea," she replied. "I mean, I love quidditch, but I'm no Ginny. Not even sure I'd get off reserves."

"You could. You're a brilliant flyer and chaser," Seamus replied immediately.

"Are you saying this because you're my boyfriend or because you want free passes to matches?" Ellie asked playfully.

"I'm saying it because it's true," he said before kissing her lightly on the lips. Ellie just laughed in return. "Whether you decide to be an auror or play quidditch, I know you'll do brilliantly." Ellie felt herself blush. "And if you and Gin get that flat like you've been talking about… we'll get to see each other more often… This time without interruptions, hopefully."

Ellie quickly looked over, seeing her mother now off on the other side of the dance floor, Lupin at her side, as she took a three-year-old Ryan from Mrs. Clark.

"Shh! I haven't mentioned anything to Mum yet," she said, her cheeks turning a brighter red.

"You're 18 now, Elle. An adult. It's not like she can stop you," he said lightly.

"I know, but… well… it's always been just me and Mum," Ellie replied. "And now I'm going off on my own…"

"And she's certainly not going to be alone," he said, though his expression softened.

"True," Ellie said. "She's got Ryan and Lupin." She looked back over but noticed that her former professor had gone off somewhere. She frowned slightly, wondering where he went.

"So sorry, but do you mind if I cut in? Thought perhaps I'd get a dance in with my step-daughter before you still her away for the night."

She looked over, seeing Lupin standing next to them. Seamus smiled and dropped his hands as Ellie stepped over and began dancing with him.

"So… is this where you tell me it's alright to call you dad?" Ellie asked jestfully. Lupin smiled slightly and shook his head.

"I don't think I've earned that honor," he replied. "And we both know that your father will always be Sirius." Sadness quickly came over his face, though he smiled through it. Ellie nearly forgot that he had been just as hurt by Sirius' death as her mother. He had been best friends with him all throughout Hogwarts.

There must have been a lot of emotional back and forth when he fell for her mother.

"I think… that he would like the fact that you're looking out for Mum now," Ellie said softly. Lupin looked up, meeting her eyes. "That if he couldn't be here to do it, then there's no one else better for the job than his best friend."

"Is this your stamp of approval?" Lupin asked. Ellie shrugged.

"I've always approved of you," she said. "You were one of my favorite professors, you know." He smiled softly. "Even after I found out about… well… you know. But it never bothered me. I never worried that you'd hurt her. Or Ryan. In fact, I think you've been rather good for her."

"It means a lot to hear you say that, Ellie," he said. He looked over at Aurora. "Truth be told, I've always thought that she was far more kind to me than I deserved." Ellie frowned slightly, but following his gaze over to her mother, who was watching them with a soft smile and tears in her eyes. "I know that I'm not him but… I am always here for you. Should you need advice or help."

Ellie turned back to look at him. True, he wasn't her father. She had spent her entire life wishing for one that would love her and cheer her on. Then angry that she never got that chance with Sirius. But perhaps it wasn't too late to have that now. He was married to her mother, after all.

"I think I'd like that," she replied, feeling the tears start up. Bloody hell, she was going to turn into a soppy mess yet again. "And… I already feel like we're family." Lupin's smile widened as he started blinking back his own tears. He then kissed her cheek and hugged her.

"If you don't mind, I should see after my bride," he said. Ellie chuckled and motioned for him to go. He walked through the dancing couples to Aurora's side, kissing her as soon as he reached her.

"What was that about?" she asked softly. Remus looked over, seeing Ellie and Seamus dancing again, the two laughing and gazing adoringly into each other's eyes.

"Just… a chat that we needed to have," he replied, looking back down at her.

Part of him still couldn't believe that this was really happening. That after all those years of thinking he wasn't good enough, didn't deserve a family of his own, he now had that and more. He reached out and tickled Ryan, who giggled.

"Dance! Wanna dance, Mummy!" he shouted. Aurora laughed and bounced him on her hip. "Then fly!"

"I think I can take care of that, little man," Charlie Weasley said happily as he took the tot from Aurora. Ryan squealed in delight. "Let's let Mum have a bit of alone time." He winked at the couple as he started to toss Ryan into the air.

"Bye-bye, Mummy! Bye-bye, Daddy!" he squealed. Aurora's eyes widened as she looked up at Remus, who seemed to have turned into a statue. Daddy?

"Well… suppose we should have expected that… you've been helping me with him since he was born…"

"I… what?" Remus finally said, looking back down at her. Aurora smiled and kissed him gently.

"It's okay," she said softly. "He would be okay with it." Remus swallowed and nodded. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor again. He didn't look around at the friends that were there, just stared down at Aurora. His wife. In all his years alive, he never would have expected this is how things would go.

"I know… I never would have expected this as well," Aurora said softly, guessing at what he was thinking. "But… we deserve this, Remus. To be happy."

"I know," he replied. "Though I will be honest - it's a bit overwhelming." Aurora chuckled.

"Becoming a father and husband all in one go?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at him. "Not to mention one child is a toddler while the other is a teenager on the cusp of going out on her own." He laughed softly before kissing her again.

"I think we'll do alright," he replied. "As far as toddlers go, Ryan's not so bad." Aurora rolled her eyes. Ryan most definitely took after his father and was getting into mischief every time they turned around. "And Ellie, well… she'll do just fine." Aurora looked over at her daughter again, a soft look in her eyes.

"I know… just worried about that boy," she said before looking back at Remus. He laughed.

"Come now, Rora. You know that Seamus is a good man," Remus replied. "And she's 18. You really do have to let her make her own decisions now." Aurora rolled her eyes.

"Just so long as she doesn't come home with a ring or a baby until she's at least 30," she grumbled, though she was still smiling. Remus chuckled at her.

"I don't think you'll have to worry about that," he said. "Not yet, at least. Seems too preoccupied with figuring out what she wants." Aurora nodded and sighed, smiling up at him. "What's that look for, Mrs. Lupin?" Aurora grinned.

"Just… this. Being here with you. It's like… anything is possible, isn't it?" she replied. Remus nodded.

"Yes… that is true…"

Of course, everyone was going to get a happy ending. And I felt like Ellie needed the opportunity to finally meet Sirius. Wouldn't be complete without it. But here we were at the end. Hope you enjoyed!