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It took a few days for things to settle down. Everyone was hopped up on the excitement of Harry's win and Voldemort's defeat. They couldn't really believe it was finally, honestly over. Albus Dumbledore truly didn't believe it was finally, honestly over. Despite the eyewitness accounts from the aurors and the Minister of Magic himself, Albus went on believing that Voldemort was still out there, biding his time, waiting to return.
The issue became so contentious that the Minister personally found a way to sack Albus from all of his positions of prominence. Albus didn't go quietly. The problem led to the end of both of their careers and the Wizarding World was better for it.
The Blacks planned a big Victory Party/Early Birthday Party for the two boys. Draco didn't mind, even though more attention would be on Harry than on himself. Draco had permission to invite the Delacours to come to the party and spend a few days with the family. It was more than enough to please the young man. He had no intentions of acting on his romantic feelings for Gabrielle until she was at least 15 years old but he couldn't help but want to be close to her, even if it was definitely just as friends right now.
The party was themed after the Triwizard Tournament. The ever popular Welsh Green Hatchling made another appearance. The cow sized dragon was docile and happy to be petted as long as the steaks kept coming. A maze with hedgerows that were only four feet tall led to the gift bags for the party goers. Each person had their own miniature Goblet of Fire to take home with them. The teens loved it. This time, Narcissa made sure to invite all the Muggleborns from both Hogwarts and the elementary school to the party. Almost everyone came and everyone had a great time.
There was no special announcement at the party this year, though Narcissa had considered it. No, she was done having babies but Remus had finally seen what was right in front of his face. He asked Andromeda and Ted for permission to court their daughter. Andromeda and Ted teased him the entire night about it but they gave their permission. Narcissa thought that was worth a special announcement.
Severus stood proudly beside her. With the loss of his dark mark, the last of the man's guilt finally let go. He could remember Lily now without feeling the pain of her death. As he gazed at LilyAnne, he knew he had done all he could to make things up to his own Lily.
Sirius had started a betting pool on when Remus and Tonks would get married. The twenty-one year old witch certainly wasn't wasting any time making her intentions known. The couple hadn't even had their first date yet and she was already making wedding plans with Narcissa.
The joke was on Sirius. Charity and Tonks were making plans to have babies together. Charity wanted one or two more and Tonks wanted two. Their scheming focused on how to convince Severus to help make the potions when it would mean more marauders in the world.
All felt right in Narcissa's world. She felt full and peaceful for the first time she could remember. She knew good and bad times always came in their turn but she was glad to enjoy this time of peace for however long it lasted.
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