Seven am.
He opened the door to the Potter Beach House and let his twin children step through the threshold. He loved the serenity that this small home provided him topped with the excitement of Hermione coming back from her trip. She'd said to him once that she loved the quiet here, particularly after one of those long, exhausting ICW conferences.
"Dad? Are you coming?"
It was Elara. He found it hard not to grin as she beckoned him to come inside.
"We need to set everything up! Your mother will be home soon."
Hector hid an amused grin as he pulled the dusty tablecloth apart with a flick of his wand and they got to work.
Eleven am.
He was excited beyond words. He had just gotten around to cleaning up the veranda when the doorbell rang.
He almost dropped his wand as he ran and managed to open the door in record time.
It was just their neighbours, coming to say hi. He greeted them warmly, although his eyes couldn't help but look at his watch.
Four pm.
He'd reluctantly had a late lunch an hour ago upon the insistence of his kids. He'd seen them exchange worried glances as he couldn't help but pace in front of the French doors, with a visible frown of dejection on his face.
"Dad, mum won't be coming today," Hector said gently, making him stop his march and glare.
"She will! She would have called me if her meeting was delayed."
Hector was about to respond but Elara put a hand on his shoulder, her eyes sympathetic. Hector nodded sadly.
7 pm
He'd fallen asleep on Hermione's favourite sofa after preparing every one of her favourite dishes for dinner. Elara had helped with the dessert while Hector had gone out for a while.
"She isn't coming today, is she?"
Elara came to sit beside him, taking both his hands in her own.
"Dad, please. You need to remember."
His eyes seemed to glaze over at her admission. "But why won't she call me?"
"Because she can't!"
He looked towards his daughter who had tears spilling down her cheeks as she held out something to him in her palm. He stepped forward a little.
It was an old, broken mobile phone.
He collapsed on the sofa, his eyes rolling back into his head just as Hector came rushing through the door.
11:49 pm
He was in his bed while Elara sat beside him holding his hand and Hector occupied a chair nearby.
"I am so sorry."
His voice was faint and filled with remorse as Hector shook his head. "Dad, it isn't your fault."
Elara gripped his hand tighter as she said firmly, "Do you remember now?"
He nodded, tears rolling down his cheeks. "Everything."
Hector blinked back tears himself as he said, "Dad."
"I know. I made you promise."
Elara shook her head violently, holding a hand over her mouth as she tried to keep the tears of hysteria at bay. "Please, dad. Don't do this."
"I can't, sweetheart. You know I can't. It's been five years...I...I can't take it anymore."
Hector exhaled throatily as he knelt beside the bed holding a small vial of potion in his hand.
"I can't fight it anymore. You know there's no cure for Alzeimers even with magic."
Hector hugged Elara just as their dad took the vial and drank it in one go.
"Your mum and I are very proud of you both."
Taking a deep breath, Harry Potter dreamed of the love of his life, Hermione Granger, one last time as darkness took him.
Sometimes, letting go is a mercy.
A/N: Thanks for reading!