Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or its characters. This is merely a work of fanfiction.
A/N: Thank you so much for your support on this story. This is where our tale ends. I love you all, and your feedback. Please let me know what you're interested in seeing next.
A/N#2: I am aware that some of these children were not born until later in canon, I just don't care, and moved it around for my convenience.
"What do you have planned for today?" Tom asked as he dropped a kiss on Peony's head.
Hadrian gurgled happily from a bassinet beside her seat.
"Renata is hosting a mother's group. It seems to be more of an excuse to gossip, but I need to make some friends. I'm hoping to meet some ladies for my committee."
"Ah yes, the committee for the protection of Muggleborn children."
"That's right, though I want to expand it to all Magical children at some point."
Tom took the cup of tea Rolly offered him and started on a piece of toast.
"I told you it's too early for that. The Purebloods families won't want the Ministry meddling in their family business."
Peony waved a hand, "I know, I know. I'll just have to keep an extra eye on a few people. What else is the Invisibility Cloak for?"
"I've got a few ideas," Tom replied mischievously.
"Don't look at me like that!" Peony accused. "No more children for at least a few years!"
Tom put his hands up in resignation.
"I know love."
"You need to control Fenrir Greyback."
"What?!" Tom asked.
"Alpha Fenrir Greyback. Go make him some kind of deal, or kill him if you must. He's going to start biting children in a few years."
"You're kidding," Tom said, perplexed.
Peony shifted Hadrian in her arms, and Tom stared at him in concern.
"I'm not."
"I'll take care of it."
Peony knelt down and looked into the eyes of two year old Severus Snape. There were black bruises on his arms, and scrapes on his legs. He looked timid, and was ill fed. Peony stood to her feet and looked back at his mother.
"You have to make a decision, Miss Snape. You can come back to the Magical world, and leave your husband, or lose Severus. We can't allow Magical children to be treated this way."
Eileen looked at her with bloodshot eyes.
"I can't leave him," she said weakly.
"Your parents are gone, Miss Prince. Severus will be Lord Prince one day, if he claims his title. We'll make sure you have everything you need. There's nothing to hold you here. Please, do this for your son. We can obliviate your husband. He'll never find you. Please."
Eileen shook her head. Peony turned and looked at Lord Nott and Lord Avery, who had been sent by the Auror department to assist her.
"Obliviate his memory of Severus. We can't make Miss Snape leave if she wishes not to."
She turned back to look at Miss Snape, "You realize what this means?"
Miss Snape nodded her head, and turned her back. Peony's heart nearly broke at how easily she gave up. Peony knelt down to Severus, and held out some chocolate.
"Would you like a treat?"
The boy looked at her suspiciously, but took it, gulping it down in one go. His little body began to sag under the weight of sleeping potion laced into the chocolate. Peony scooped him into her arms.
"Do you want to say goodbye?" Peony asked.
Miss Snape shook her head. Peony put a hand on her shoulder, and handed her an emergency portkey in the form of a simple necklace.
"To the Ministry, in case you ever decide to leave. You'll be safe there. Severus will be placed with a very loving family. He'll be well cared for."
Miss Snape nodded, and Peony met the Aurors at the door.
"Let's go."
That portkey was never used, and Miss Snape never returned to the Magical world for her son.
Peony knocked on the door of Potter Manor. Lady Dorea Potter opened the door, James hanging off her leg with a silly grin.
Dorea paused at the sight of Peony. A skinny looking boy with hair as black as James' was cuddled against her, sound asleep. He looked entirely too thin for a boy of that age.
"Come in, Peony. Come in!"
She moved aside, picked up James, and placed him on her hip. Peony came in, and followed Dorea to the sitting room.
"Who is this?" Dorea asked kindly.
Peony took a seat, and cradled the slumbering Severus in her arms.
"This is Severus, or Lord Severus Prince, as he will be known."
Dorea contorted her face, as she tried to place the name.
"Heiress Eileen Prince's son? Whatever happened to her?"
Peony lowered her voice to a mere whisper so neither Severus or James could hear her.
"She married an alcoholic Muggle. He's very violent. I tried to convince her to come with me, but she wouldn't do it. I had to take Severus. He's much too thin, and he's got marks all over him. I gave her an emergency portkey in case she changes her mind."
Dorea's heart ached. The poor toddler looked so much like James.
Peony had been doing such a good job with the committee that the Wizengamot had just given them permission to intercede in Magical families as well.
"Does he need a home?" Dorea asked.
Peony nodded, "That's why I'm here. I know you and Charlus had trouble conceiving. I thought maybe you'd like to foster him. James and he are only a few months apart."
Dorea held out her arms, and Peony passed Severus over. James climbed up onto the sofa and looked at the boy.
"Brother?" he asked.
Charlus stood in the doorway now, fetched by a house elf. He nodded at Dorea.
"Brother."
Heiress Theodora Slytherin was born one day in Spring, when the flowers were just beginning to bloom.
Hadrian was three, and incredibly protective of his baby sister. When anyone but his mother and father came near her bassinet, he would brandish his toy wand, ready to strike them down.
Close friends and family were invited to see the new baby, as soon as they could convince Hadrian that their close friends were not threats.
Sirius played with Lucius, and Hadrian, chasing them around the furniture. Orion held Regulus, who was barely a month old.
"Why don't you lay him down next to Theodora," Peony suggested.
Orion looked down at his youngest son, who was quickly falling asleep. He took only a step towards Theodora's bassinet, before Hadrian and Lucius were standing in front of him, toy wands brandished.
"Now children," Orion warned.
"Friend or foe?" Hadrian asked seriously. "I have to protect the princess!"
Tom put a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Lord Black just wants to set down Regulus for a nap. He won't hurt Theodora. He's only a baby."
Hadrian scrunched up his little face at Lord Black, but moved aside at his father's urging. He pointed a tiny finger at Regulus in the bassinet.
"If you hurt Theodora, I'll kill you."
Peony rolled her eyes, and shooed them away from the bassinet. They resumed their game of tag with not a thought.
"Like his father and uncle then," Orion muttered under his breath.
Peony giggled happily, "Yes. I'd say so. Lucius is the same. It's charming"
Orion shook his head at Peony as he went to talk to Tom and Abraxas.
Orion stared down at the small form of his newest niece, Narcissa Black. He raised a glass to his cousin Cygnus, as a toast was made. Cygnus made his way over to him.
"How are you doing?"
Orion looked dutifully sad, and sighed.
Walburga had passed mysteriously in her sleep just a month previous, though he suspected Peony had something to do with it.
Tom would tell Orion, years later, that Walburga had back handed Sirius in front of Peony one day. That had sealed her fate. Peony wouldn't let Sirius and Regulus suffer.
"We're fine. Lady Slytherin and Lady Malfoy have been helping with the boys when I go into the Ministry."
Cygnus took a sip of his firewhiskey as he thought.
"Lord Slytherin's going to run for Minister in a few years, isn't he?"
Orion nodded, "Yes, and he's going to win Cygnus. It would be smart to get on his good side now."
"Is he as Dark as they say?"
"Darker," Orion admitted. "He's remaking our world."
"And you're comfortable with that?"
"It could do with some reforming. The Ministry calls Dark Magic bad, as if we can help what kind of magic we're born with. Lord Slytherin knows that. He will put through the necessary reforms. He's the most powerful wizard of our time."
"But all this nonsense about Halfbloods and Muggleborns being equal to us-"
Orion cut him off, "I won't have this discussion with you again, Cygnus. Power is power. Look at your own wife's brother. Lord Rosier has married a Halfblood, and they are on their third child in as many years, and madly in love. It's the future."
Cygnus' knew Orion's words had the ring of truth, despite their upbringing. More than that, he knew Lord Slytherin was their future, and it would be wise to fall in line.
"Do you think you could introduce me?"
Orion smiled, "Of course cousin."
Peony steered Orion towards the front of the ballroom in Slytherin Manor.
"What is this about?" Orion whispered.
"Tom and I have a witch we want you to meet. She's a Muggleborn, incredibly powerful."
Orion stopped short, "A Muggleborn? Peony really-"
Tom approached then, and Orion's words halted. The woman on Tom's arm was the most gorgeous woman Orion had ever seen.
She had hair blacker than midnight, and skin a warm beige. A black gown hugged her curves tastefully. He wanted to fall into her dark brown eyes and not surface for days. Tom smirked at the look on Orion's face.
"Miss Nagini, this is Lord Orion Black."
Orion looked at her dumbly. Nagini curtsied, and he bowed deeply in return. Peony stifled a laugh. That was a bow worthy of a royal. He was completely smitten. Finally something seemed to click in Orion's mind.
"Why don't I know you?" He asked, looking at Tom in confusion.
Miss Nagini blushed, "I was suffering from the Maledictus curse. I've been in seclusion for several years. Lord Potter, and Lord and Lady Slytherin have worked together to find a way to halt the progression of the curse. Thanks to them, I won't get any worse."
Orion looked between Peony and Tom, gratefulness on his face.
"Lord Slytherin is full of surprises, isn't he?"
He didn't know how Tom had kept this from him, though he supposed he shouldn't be surprised.
Tom and Peony we're always up to something behind the scene, researching some rare magic, or another.
"A man has to have an air of mystery," Tom replied with a smile. "Though I have to admit, most of this was down to Peony and Charlus. Their potion work was truly inspired."
Peony smiled.
It had been hard work, but she couldn't let Nagini be abandoned and forgotten. She had stood by Tom's side when no one else did, and been punished cruelly for her loyalty. She deserved a good life this time around.
"Would you like to dance Miss Nagini?"
She nodded shyly and took Orion's hand. Peony watched them go with a smile. Tom put a hand on her waist.
"You did a good thing," he whispered in her ear.
Peony smiled and took a step back, closer to her husband, enjoying the feeling of him pressed against her back. He still filled her stomach with butterflies at the slightest touch.
"You better get two more doses of Elixir of Life ready. I predict nuptials within the year."
Lady Nagini Black fit into their group easily.
She was incredibly loyal, and had magic just as Dark as Orion's.
There were objections from some Purebloods, but anyone who dared to say a word publicly, soon found themselves having unfortunate accidents.
A line was being drawn.
You don't come after Lord Slytherin, his Knight's, or their families.
The children loved her. They were entranced by her ability to shapeshift into a snake.
Sirius was terribly upset that he didn't have the same ability but she assured them that one day, if they studied very hard, they could become Animagi.
Peony jolted up in bed, covered in sweat. Tom bolted up next to her, his wand outstretched. He lowered it when he saw it was just Peony. He pulled her into his arms.
"What's wrong, love?"
She swatted at the muscles of his chest, and scooted away from his embrace.
"Did you ever remove the Basilisk from Hogwarts?"
Tom sighed heavily and ran his hands through his dark hair.
"Love, it is three a.m."
"Tom, I just had a nightmare that the Basilisk hurt Hadrian, and I had to kill it all over again! I told you to move it ten years ago!"
"You killed her in your past life!?"
"Tom," she whined.
"Alright, Alright. I'll write Lord Newt Scamander in the morning. He'll know what to do."
Peony crossed her arms and looked at him sternly.
"See that you do. No sex until it's off Hogwarts grounds!"
Tom groaned loudly, collapsing back into his pillows.
Theodora clutched at Hadrian's cloak.
"But I'm going to miss you! Why can't I come with you to Hogwarts?"
Hadrian picked up his little sister, giving her a hug, and a kiss on her forehead.
"Someone has to keep Mama and Papa company, and what about Regulus and Sirius? Would you really want to go to Hogwarts without them?"
Theodora thought for a moment, before sighing dramatically, and tossing her long blonde hair behind her shoulder.
"No. That would be boring. I suppose I'll stay with Mama and Papa and keep them company for a few more years."
"That's very kind of you," Hadrian laughed.
Lucius appeared at his side, and swept his cousin into his arms, spinning her around in a circle. Giggles spilled out of her, filling the platform. People smiled over at them.
"Are you going to miss me?" Lucius teased as he put her down.
"Never," Theodora lied stubbornly. Lucius pouted, and she gave in.
"Okay, maybe a little."
"Siri, sit still!"
Sirius threw a ball of paper across the room, completely bored.
"Cissa, I don't see why you have to braid my hair every time you come over."
"Because I love to. Now sit still."
Sirius rolled his eyes, but obeyed.
"You need some girlfriends," he whined.
"Like who?" Cissa asked.
She had sisters, sure, but Bella was already at Hogwarts, and Andy fancied herself to mature to play "little kids games".
"Like Heiress Slytherin. She's the same age as you and Reggie."
"Hmm," she hummed. "I'll ask Mummy about her later. Now sit still, or I'll have to redo the entire braid."
Sirius groaned, but obeyed.
Peony entered Theodora's room, a letter from Hadrian in her hand. Theodora and Cissa had littered the floor with princess dresses that Tom had bought Theodora.
He denied his children nothing.
"Theodora there's a letter for you from Hadrian and Lucius."
Cissa's cheeks pinked, and Peony tried not to laugh. Cissa had become Theodora's almost constant companion, much like her and Renata. Cissa had developed quite the crush on Lucius already. It was adorable to watch.
"Any letter from Sirius?" Cissa asked.
Both Theodora and Cissa missed him. They were used to him being around constantly.
"Not yet sweetie, but it's only been a week. Give him a few days to get over the novelty of Hogwarts. He'll write."
"I can't believe he's really in Gryffindor," Cissa said wistfully.
"It doesn't matter," Peony reminded. "Family is family."
Theodora took the letter, and Peony left them to read it together.
Peony adjusted Tom's tie, and smoothed the shoulders of his robes.
His eyes were on the neckline of her dress, enjoying the hint of cleavage that peeked out from the top. She shook her head in amusement as she stepped back from him.
"You were just elected the Minister of Magic, and yet you seem more interested in my cleavage, than attending this Victory Ball."
Tom smiled, "I assure you I'm very interested in both. I'm also very interested in escaping from the Victory Ball to fuck you on the desk in my new office."
His words sent warmth flooding through her body. She walked back towards him, placing her hands in his hair, and kissing him deeply. He tangled his tongue with hers, and bit down on her bottom lip.
"Be a good girl and I'll eat you out on my desk tonight."
Peony smiled wickedly, "You promise?"
"I promise."
Tom sat down beside Hadrian, and put a hand on his shoulder.
"You've done well at Hogwarts, and I'm very proud of you."
Hadrian beamed at his father's approval, holding his head just a little bit higher.
"Your sister starts this year. I need you to keep an eye on her. Your Uncle Abraxas will be having this same talk with Lucius, and Lord Black with his sons. We protect the women in this family with our lives. They're treasures. Theodora will not go anywhere by herself. Do you understand?"
Hadrian nodded. He took his duty to his family very seriously.
"A long time ago the Malfoy family lost it's Heiress when a man tried to force her into marriage. Your mother is the first Malfoy maiden in centuries, and we kept her safe. Now it's your job to keep Theodora safe."
"I promise Papa."
Tom nodded, satisfied that he took his duty seriously.
Orion rushed into Tom's office, ashen faced. Tom dismissed the meeting, except for Abraxas, and shut the doors behind them.
"Is it my family?" Tom asked, his wand drawn.
"No, it's mine."
"Let's go then," Tom said, making for the door.
Abraxas stood in his spot watching Orion. He was standing completely still, as if in shock.
"It's not…it's not that kind of thing."
Abraxas grabbed Orion by the elbow and led him to a chair. He summoned the firewhiskey and poured him a glass, shoving it into his hands. Tom took his seat behind his desk.
"I just kicked out half of the Department Head's, Orion. This better be an emergency."
Orion raised his eyes to Tom. He pulled out a letter from his robes and handed it over. Tom's eyes grew wide as he read. He shrugged noncommittally at the end and handed the letter back to Orion.
"So your son likes men," Tom said, all nonchalance.
Abraxas choked on his drink, but forced down the mouthful. It burned worse than usual.
"Which one?" Abraxas asked in shock.
"Sirius," Orion whispered.
Tom looked back and forth between the two with annoyance. He never understood homophobia. It was a waste of time.
"I hardly think this qualifies as an emergency, for Merlin's sake."
"He can't carry on the family line. He can't be Lord Black if he can't carry on the family line."
Tom scoffed, "He can do a blood adoption ritual, you idiot."
Orion seemed to be considering the idea. Abraxas conceded the point immediately. Peony was adopted into the Malfoy's, and his magic recognized her as his natural born twin.
There was no difference.
"There are going to be people who don't like this," Orion muttered, fearful for his son's safety.
"We piss people off professionally, Orion. You're married to a Muggleborn Maledictus, and I'm the Dark Lord turned Minister of Magic. Sirius can protect himself, and if he can't, then we'll do it for him."
"He's the next Lord Black. People will get over it," Abraxas comforted.
"He wants to court the Lupin boy. The scruffy, tall one."
"Then let him, for Merlin's sake, so I can get back to running the country."
Orion nodded, a small smile starting to take over his face. He left the room, in a hurry to get home and write back to his son, now that he had been able to think through things.
Tom looked at Abraxas, "He's right. Sirius might have trouble. Send Hadrian and Lucius a letter. Tell them to spread the word- anyone that touches Heir Black and Master Lupin will have to deal with us."
Abraxas nodded, and left to write their sons.
Heir Prewett stepped too close to Theodora. He towered over her in the dark shadows of the dungeon corridors.
Of course this was the one time she had walked alone in the corridors. Never once had she gone against her family's rules to have an approved escort walk with her.
"You don't want to do that," she said softly as she unsheathed her wand.
She pressed down on her protection ring, careful to make sure Heir Prewett didn't notice.
"Why's that?" He asked. "Even if you called your father with your protection bracelets, he's all the way in London. That's a long way, even for the Minister of Magic. There's no one to save you."
He stepped closer, putting a hand on her arm. Theodora recoiled from his unwanted touch. Her protection bracelets activated, shocking him, but he held on tighter. He was going to leave bruises at this rate.
A smirk crossed her face as she heard the tell tale clack of dragon hide boots on cobblestone. Heir Prewett's gaze snapped behind her.
"This doesn't concern you, Master Black," he snarled.
"That's where you're wrong."
The sound of heavy footfalls sounded from behind Heir Prewett, and he snapped his head around to see the Marauders standing there. Heir James Potter, Heir Sirius Black, Lord Severus Prince, and Master Remus Lupin stood with their wands drawn, ready to duel.
He released Theodora immediately. She ran towards Regulus. He took her in his arms, and consoled her as he looked for injuries. Heir Prewett looked at the Marauders. James' face looked thunderous.
"How could you do this?" James demanded. "We are supposed to be an honorable house. You can't treat women like this!"
"It wasn't like that," Heir Prewett denied.
"Don't lie!" Theodora shouted down the corridor. "You know what you were going to do!"
"Lucius and Hadrian would kill you if they were here," Severus drawled.
"There's not a Lord in the Wizengamot that wouldn't vote for your execution," Remus provided. "They'd get off without so much as a slap on the wrist, as would we, if we killed you."
Sirius looked at his brother, who was holding Theodora.
"What do you say, Thea?" Sirius asked, though his magic demanded that he get revenge for the witch he hoped would one day be his sister.
She looked at Regulus, who gave her a nod. It was her decision. He would end Heir Prewettt himself, if she wished, or not. He had loved her for his entire life. He wouldn't go against her wishes in this.
Theodora got a mean smile on her face, the one that sent a thrill through Regulus each time she donned it.
"No murder. Just rough him up a bit."
James huffed, "Theodora, he was going to-"
"I know," she cut him off. "I said I only want you to rough him up a bit. Lord and Lady Slytherin can do the rest. They should be here within the hour."
Lord Tom Marvolo Slytherin, The Minister of Magic, The Dark Lord wiped his hands of blood as he left the Chamber of Secrets.
He may have had to move the Basilisk, but the room was still good for other endeavors. He made his way to the Slytherin Common Room, where his wife was sitting with Theodora and Regulus
She had gotten her revenge early, and returned to their daughter's side. He had drawn out Heir Prewett's suffering before he finally ended his life. The Prewett's had other son's, they'd get over it.
Every man in the Slytherin Common Room stood to their feet as he entered, as a sign of respect. He nodded to them as he headed toward Theodora.
"How are you doing sweetheart?"
She smiled up at him, and held out her arms for a hug that he happily gave. He took the seat beside her.
"I'm okay. Is it over?"
Tom nodded, "It's over, Theodora. I'll have to take a vial of your memories for the Wizengamot, but that's it. I took his memories before I ended him. There's more than enough."
Theodora shook her head to try to dispel the memories.
"I'm sorry I was by myself Papa. I promise it's the only time I've ever done that. I fell asleep in the library, and when I woke up it was so late I didn't want to bother anyone."
Tom rubbed his hand over her back consolingly, as he looked past her at Peony. He remembered all those years ago when Peony had gone out without an escort, and ran into a rather nosy Professor Dumbledore.
"It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself, and don't hesitate to ask for an escort from one of the Marauders. I'm sure any of the boys would be happy to escort you. They know Hadrian and Lucius did it before they graduated."
Peony's eyes turned to Regulus, and Tom followed her line of sight. The boy looked at Theodora like she was the only thing in the entire world that mattered.
"You gave her the ring?" Tom asked.
He had seen it in Heir Prewett's memory. He knew he had never given Theodora the ring, and he was certain Peony would have mentioned the purchase of new protection jewelry.
Regulus nodded, "I had it commissioned when Hadrian and Abraxas graduated. I wanted her to have a way to call me, if she needed to."
Tom looked between Regulus and his daughter. They had been inseparable since they were babies.
It had never occurred to him that Regulus might be in love with his daughter, because to Tom, she was still his little girl. Only she wasn't, she was fifteen. She was growing up.
"You love my daughter?" Tom asked.
"Papa!" Theodora whined in horror.
"Yes," Regulus answered coolly.
Theodora calmed at his answer, though her cheeks turned a bright pink.
Peony put a comforting hand on her shoulder, as Tom and Regulus stared at each other. She had to admire the way Regulus didn't shy away from Tom's gaze. Very few could say that.
Tom looked down at Theodora, "You love this boy?"
She nodded her head, her face hidden behind her hands in embarrassment.
"Orion and I will work out a courtship agreement. No dates until it's signed, and I expect you to protect my daughter with your life!"
"Yes, Lord Slytherin."
Tom looked at Theodora, who was smiling softly at Regulus.
"And you, next time a man puts his hands on you, cut them off. Then call for your backup! I mean really, have I taught you nothing?!"
Peony and Theodora giggled, though they knew he was serious. It was all just a part of Tom's charm.
Peony rested her head against Tom's chest as they danced. She could feel her horcrux through the fabric of his shirt, still safe after all these years. She still wore the Peverell ring everyday.
"I can't believe our babies are all grown up," Peony sighed.
Regulus was leading Theodora gracefully around the dancefloor. Their wedding had gone off without a hitch.
Narcissa and Lucius would be married the next weekend. Hadrian was dancing with his wife, Heiress Filia Slytherin nee Goldstein, across the ballroom.
"We could always have another," Tom said, holding Peony a little tighter.
She blushed as Lord Prince danced by with his wife Bellatrix. He had managed to make a potion that balanced her mental instability, allowing them to live a happy life.
"Don't you think people would have questions when our children and grandchildren attend Hogwarts together?"
Tom sighed sadly, "I suppose so."
"Don't worry, you'll have grandbabies to spoil soon."
Tom cheered at that. He loved being able to spoil his family.
Abraxas sat next to his sister, as their grandchildren played on the floor in front of them. Tom had gone overboard this Christmas, as always, and now their children were chasing after two year olds on toy brooms.
"Can you believe we went from being so alone, to having all this?"
Peony rested her head on Brax's shoulder and smiled happily.
"It's hard to believe."
Their children had taken the Elixir, along with their spouses, years ago. They had a new appreciation for why their parents always seemed so youthful.
Sirius had forgone the Elixir, asking to be allowed to age with his husband and best friend. He had taken an Unbreakable Vow to keep their secret. Orion and Nagini hated that they would lose him one day, but respected his right to choose.
Peony stood on Platform 9 ¾, her children, and grandchildren around her. The only concession they gave to their supposed old age was charming their hair a silver color before they went in public.
Tom was right all those years ago. People notice far less than they should.
She looked down the platform, and was stuck by the sight of herself, except not really. It was eleven year old Peony Lilian Potter, named after the Potter's close family friend. Her striking emerald eyes lit up when she looked around the platform.
"Are you okay?" Tom asked, following her line of sight.
"Yes," she assured him.
She had done everything she wanted. She was enjoying her long life with Tom and her loved ones. She had saved everyone that she loved, and now little Peony Potter would go to Hogwarts, and have a happy childhood.
Lady Peony Slytherin and Heiress Peony Potter were two totally different people. One had been forged by loss, hardship, and war. The other was cultivated by love, family, and friends.
Peony couldn't be more happy that she had trusted Lucius all those years ago, and left her life behind to create a new future.
They had created nothing less than an empire, one where Muggleborns and Halfbloods were safe. Tom had stepped back from his position as Minister just a year previous, and Hadrian had won the election by a landslide. Peace was secured.
"I love you Peony," Tom whispered in her ear.
She turned around to look up into his blue eyes, the blue eyes that had called her across the seas of time.
"I love you Tom."