EPILOGUE: DEPARTING WITH AN OLD FRIEND

Harry and Rose apparated in the Grangers' backyard. Almost immediately, Rose released her hold on her father's arm and ran toward the house. Harry chuckled.

It had only been yesterday when Harry had finished telling his and Hermione's story to their daughter Rose. It had only been yesterday when Harry had finally spoken to someone about Hermione's death. He had never opened-up before on what had happened. Harry had only talked about it to Daniel and Emma and, even then, it had lacked details. He had told them mostly over a sense of obligation. They were Hermione's parents, after all.

Some of his friends had suggested he go into therapy — not only to talk about what he went through with Hermione's death but also everything else that had happened in his life before. Harry had always refused, not wanting to talk about Hermione and her last moments to a complete stranger.

He now understood better why his friends had suggested he talk to someone. Talking about his and Hermione's life story to Rose had been somewhat liberating. Oh, he still felt grief over Hermione's death but it was easier to think about all the good times rather than her loss. It also helped that he had their daughter with him.

Harry had been a mess after Hermione's death. He had only been living for Rose's sake, not caring about anything other than his daughter. He hadn't even shown up once to work in the month following Rose's birth. It was only his previous exemplary work that had kept him from being fired. Yet, as the broken man took care of his daughter, it was her that put him back together.

Harry's love for Rose was what healed him. Harry wanted his daughter to have a happy childhood and Harry knew that having her father constantly grieving wouldn't allow her to achieve that. So, Harry had put himself back together, began living again and raised Rose like any good father would have — like Hermione would have wanted to. On Rose's first birthday, Harry was back to being his older self. Since then, Harry had made sure to give his daughter as happy a childhood as he could.

Dan and Emma were great help whenever he needed help. They had been a godsend in Harry's darkest hours, taking care of Rose when he was too tired or too broken to do so himself. Just like him, they had taken the death of Hermione very hard but had bounced back quicker than him, mostly thanks — once again — to Rose. They absolutely adored their granddaughter and doted on her mercilessly. It was a good thing Rose wasn't living with them — otherwise he would fear she would become spoiled like Harry's cousin Dudley!

Together, Harry, Dan and Emma would often tell stories about Hermione to make sure her daughter would know and remember her mother. Neither of the three wanted her to be in the same situation as Harry — where Harry barely knew anything about his own mother because those that knew her had never said anything.

At least once a month — but more like every two weeks — Harry and Rose would visit the Grangers in Crawley. Today was one of those days. The last time Harry and Rose had come was the previous weekend and Harry hadn't planned on visiting his in-laws until the following week but, after the past few days, he realized that Rose needed their presence.

Harry walked at a leisured pace toward the patio doors. Rose was already there, knocking on the window.

As Harry climbed the wooden stairs — hiding Rose from view — he heard the doors slide open.

"Hi grandma!" she said.

"Rosie!" beamed Emma. "Give me a hug!" Harry did not need to see them to know that Rose had thrown herself into Emma's arms. Like grandmother — like mother — like daughter. "Where is your father?" she asked.

"I'm here!" said Harry, walking on the patio and revealing himself. He smiled when he noticed his daughter deep in her grandmother's embrace. "How are you, Emma?" he greeted.

"Fine, and you?" she asked, releasing Rose and giving a hug to her son-in-law.

"As good as usual." answered Harry.

"Why don't you come inside?" she said.

Once inside, Rose immediately ran toward her grandfather. Dan grinned when he grabbed Rose and spun her around. Rose let out a half-terrified shriek full of laughter. "My little princess came to visit me!" he said. Then, he made a confused face. "But — if you are a princess — where is your King?"

"It's you, of course!" said Rose.

"Hey!" protested Harry to Rose. "I'm your father!"

"Shush Harry, you're Prince-Consort." said Dan, making Emma chuckle. Harry rolled his eyes good-naturally.

"So, what do you want to do, my princess?" asked Dan to the small girl sitting in his arms.

"Movies!" said Rose.

"What?" said Dan, pretending to clean his ear with his free hand. "I didn't understand you; can you speak louder?"

"MOVIES!" yelled Rose before she began laughing.

"Movies — eh?" said Dan. "Well, then — say it after me..."

"TO THE BATCAVE!" they yelled before Dan ran downstairs with Rose in his arms.

Harry let out a laugh. "I can't believe how much of a child Dan can be sometimes." he said shaking his head fondly as he sat down at the dining table.

"He was like that with Hermione too — before we got too busy with work." said Emma from the kitchen where she had gone to grab something to drink for both of them. She came back with two bottles of butterbeer. The Grangers had fallen in love with it the first time they drank it.

"Yeah, I remember. He did that once when we were at Privet Drive. At the time, it both amazed me and freaked me out." he said, shaking his head fondly.

Emma opened both bottles and gave one to Harry. She took a sip. "Now, why don't you tell me how you really feel?"

Harry raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Don't try it with me, Harry." she said with a glare — which was lacking anger. "I'm not blind, you know? I can see when you lie."

Harry let out a sigh. "On Halloween, Rose asked me to tell her how Hermione and I met." Emma's face softened. "One thing led to another and I ended-up practically telling her everything — including Hermione's death."

"Oh, Harry." she said, giving him a hug. "How did she take it?"

"Better than I expected, for the most part." said Harry. "Neither she and I were really 'there' yesterday once I finished. I brought her to eat fast food in the hope of raising her morale because — as you know — children love that stuff for some reason. It helped."

"How about you?"

Harry shrugged. "If I'm honest, talking about our story made me feel less burdened in the end. I was able to sleep better last night than before. It helped. Doesn't mean I necessarily want to go through all of it again any time soon, though."

"It's understandable." said Emma. "Still, if you need someone to talk to, you know how to reach me."

Harry smiled. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

"No worries, I'll always be happy to listen to you. Now, did anything interesting happen in the office?"

Harry grinned. "Well, about the Auror Office..."

Many people would agree that Godric's Hollow was a beautiful village. Located in the west of England near the Welsh border, Godric's Hollow had been, for a long time, a peaceful community composed of both muggle and magical citizens. Both groups lived in harmony. Even during the worse of the witch burnings in the medieval era, they had stood together. Many families had lived in Godric's Hollow, most of them even marrying in the small village.

Today was one of those days where a young couple was being wed. Today, the church of Godric's Hollow would be witness to the magical marriage of Frank Neville Longbottom and Rose Hermione Potter.

"I still can't believe my daughter is marrying your son." had said Harry to Neville the previous day. The relationship between Frank and Rose had come to a surprise to both friends. Both Harry and Neville had always believed their children saw each other as honorary siblings. It had shocked them both when Rose and Frank announced they were a couple only a few short years before.

Now, Harry was currently inside the church where he and Hermione had married twenty-three years before. He was walking toward the room where Rose, her grandmother Emma and her bridesmaids were changing. He had a small package in his hands. Harry was walking rather slowly, feeling somewhat weak. He hadn't felt very good these last few days. Thankfully, he had been able to ignore it, his mind on the upcoming wedding.

When he arrived, he saw that his father-in-law and Rose's grandfather Dan was already waiting. Even in his early seventies, Dan still looked rather dashing. Both of them were wearing black tuxedos. The main difference between their outfits was that Harry had a small white cloth handkerchief in the pocket of his vest.

"Hey, Dan!" said Harry. "Ladies didn't let you in yet?"

"Harry!" greeted Dan before his face took a look of concern. "Are you alright? You look rather pale."

"Still feeling under the weather." he answered. "But don't worry. I'll be fine."

"If you say so." said Dan before looking back at the door. "Reckon they'll let us in yet?"

"Only one way to find out." shrugged the younger man before he knocked on the door.

The door only opened slightly, revealing a woman with silver hair. It was Emma and she was wearing a dark-blue dress. "Can we come in?" asked Dan.

Emma turned behind her. "Rose! Your father and grandfather are here!"

"Let them in!" came a voice from inside.

"Well, come on in! Harry, you're going to be mind-blown!" she said with a grin before opening the door fully. Harry gasped. In front of him was his twenty-year-old daughter in her wedding dress, beaming at him. She was absolutely stunning!

Rose had long grown out of her childhood looks. Gone was the little girl who looked like a younger version of her mother — except with her father's eyes. As she grew up, Rose began adopting more and more traits from her father, ending with a unique look that was a mix of both. In front of Harry stood a beautiful young woman with straight dark-brown hair which had small curls at the end. While her face was still rather similar to her mother's, Rose's cheekbones and chin were now closer to that of her father's. The eyeglasses she had worn in her youth were now long gone, having been replaced with contact lenses during her teenage years. She, of course, had bright green eyes.

Rose's father was shocked at the wedding dress his daughter was wearing. It had been custom made months ago and Rose had told Harry that the design was inspired by another dress. She simply had never told him what. Now, he could see that her dress bore resemblances to Hermione's periwinkle blue dress she wore at the Yule Ball. It was her way of having her mother with her.

"Rose..." stuttered Harry. "You look amazing!"

"Thanks, Dad." she beamed. Father and daughter took each other in their arms and hugged.

"Your mother would be so proud of you." he whispered in her ear. When they pulled back, Harry could see that his daughter's eyes had turned moist. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't the only one.

"What did you do?" gasped one of Rose's friends, pointing a finger toward Harry. "Don't cry, Rose! You'll ruin all of your makeup!"

"Sorry. Anyway -" said Harry. "I have a small gift for you, Rose."

"What is it?"

Harry pulled the package from a pocket and gave it to her. Rose opened the box, revealing a lily-flower. She let out a small gasp. "It's the same flower your mother wore in her hair on our wedding day, which has been preserved with magic. I know you always loved seeing it when you were younger, so I thought -" but he was interrupted. Rose, true to her namesake and heritage, had brought her arms around Harry and gave him a bone-squeezing hug.

"Thank you." she said, sniffing. Harry gently took the flower and placed it in Rose's hair. A tear leaked out of one of Rose's green eye as she looked at herself in a mirror.

The beautiful moment between father and daughter was interrupted by a cry of "The makeup!" before Rose's friend came to wipe her cheek gently.

Harry and Dan glanced at each other before they muttered "Women." Emma gave both of them slaps at the back of the head.

Eventually, about thirty minutes later, it was time for the wedding to begin. Dan and Emma were the first ones to leave, followed by the bridesmaids. Harry and Rose were now alone.

"Are you ready?" asked Harry. Rose looked at him and smiled.

"I am." she said.

"Well, let's get you married." said Harry, offering his arm. Rose grabbed it.

Together, Harry and Rose walked out of the room and down to the church. Harry was beaming as he walked down the aisle with Rose. At the altar, the rather handsome looking Frank Longbottom — named after his paternal grandfather — was gaping in shock at Rose. His Best Man had to close his mouth so that he wouldn't swallow flies. Harry stifled a chuckle.

When Frank finally looked away from Rose and met Harry's eyes, Harry gave him a nod. He approved of their marriage. He completely trusted Frank Longbottom. He had inherited most of his father's personality but, being raised differently than Neville, he had never been shy or closed off. Harry knew that Neville's son would make his daughter happy.

The wedding was beautiful. The groom and the bride couldn't look away from each other's eyes. Both had tears leaking out of their eyes. Then, they kissed and the official pronounced them "Mr. and Mrs. Frank Longbottom." The guests cheered. They moved to the dinner and, after the Best Man and Maid of Honour had given their toasts, it was time for Harry's turn as the father of the bride.

"I remember when Rose was five-year-old. At the time, she wanted to learn how her mother and I met. When Rose was first told that Hermione and I became friends at four year-old, she wondered out loud whether or not she had already met her future husband. It understandably freaked me out." said Harry with a chuckle. Rose blushed. "I told her right then and there that she wouldn't be able to marry until she was at least thirty! Well, so much for that!" he added, making others laugh. Harry was now grinning, looking at the couple with pride. "Later on, when I was telling her about how Hermione and I got engaged and announced it to Dan and Emma, she wondered why Dan hadn't freaked out and threatened me. I explained that fathers do that because they want to make sure that the man who won their daughter's heart won't end up breaking it in the future. Dan already knew and trusted me, so it wasn't a problem for him."

"Hear, hear!" shouted Dan. Harry let out a laugh.

"Then, probably attempting to give me a heart attack, she said 'Does that mean I have to marry someone you already know?' and began spouting the names of a bunch of boys her age I knew!" People laughed as Rose covered her face with her hands. She was shaking, containing her laughter. "Well, one of those names was Frank's, and I'm happy to tell you that I didn't have to threaten Frank because I already knew him and I trust him! May both of you live a happy and long lives together! To Frank and Rose Longbottom!" he said, raising his glass.

"To Frank and Rose Longbottom!"

After the dinner, it was time for the dances and Harry was more than happy to dance with his now married daughter. After giving Rose back to her new husband, Harry went to one of the tables and gave a breath of relief as he sat down on a chair. He had turned the chair toward the dance floor to allow him to look at his daughter and her husband. She looked very happy. Yes, Hermione would be proud of the woman their daughter became.

He was beginning to feel rather tired. The dance had taken a heavier toll than he had imagined. Hopefully, Rose wouldn't be disappointed if he slept for a few minutes. Harry leaned back on his chair and closed his eyes. He wouldn't be able to tell how much time elapsed but, when he later opened his eyes, it was to see Rose dancing with Dan. Harry smiled. Dan looked so proud of his grand-daughter, as he should be.

As he observed Dan give back Rose to her husband, Harry noticed something on both edges of his vision. He then felt his left hand being grabbed by someone. He recognized the hand which gripped his' almost immediately. It was Hermione's. Turning to his left, he saw Hermione sitting on a chair next to him. She didn't look a day older than the last time he had seen her. Her cheeks were wet as she was looking at Rose and Frank with both happiness and sadness. It was the same expression the ghosts of his parents and Sirius had given them a long time ago.

Her eyes left their daughter and son-in-law and she looked at him. She gave him a big grin. Harry's heart felt like it was about to explode.

"It is time to go." said a blank yet powerful voice to his right. Looking away from Hermione, he noticed that someone else was sitting with him, on his right side. It was Death.

Harry gave the entity a nod before turning back to Hermione. "Have I been a good father?" he whispered.

"The best." she said, beaming.

Harry smiled before he turned back toward Death. "Thank you, my old friend, for giving me enough time to witness their union."

Death gave him a bow before he raised to his feet. Harry and Hermione followed him, still holding hands. Harry was surprised that the action had been much easier than anticipated. He felt lighter, less tired. When he looked back behind him, he understood.

He could see himself still sitting in the chair. His eyes were closed and his lips were forming a smile. Just like Hermione, he had died peacefully, looking at his daughter being happy.

He took a last glance at Rose who was in the arms of her husband Frank, both eyeing each-other with complete love. Yes, Rose would be in good hands.

"Let's go home." said Harry and, together, the trio departed from this life, as friends and equals.

THE END