I do not own Harry Potter, the wizarding World, or any canon characters.

Note: Well. Here it is. The final chapter of The Family that Chooses You. I am posting a bonus chapter right after this with an extended note. Thank you for everything and I sincerely hope you enjoy this chapter.

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The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 144 – The Family They Made

Seven years later.

"Dahlia Kaitlyn Potter! You are in so much trouble young lady!"

Katie grunted as she walked around the couch, using her wand to lift the curtains and pillows, peering behind things and moving them back with flicks of her wrist. "You know better than this! You just wait until I tell your father!"

"Tell me what?"

Katie turned and sighed with relief when she saw Harry walk through the door. She smiled lovingly at him, her eyes crinkling with delight and her lips spreading in a warm smile. She walked over and hugged him tight, kissing him on the lips for a long moment. "Hey you, welcome home!"

"Good to be back," he said happily, kissing her again. He rested a hand on her abdomen. "How're you feeling?"

"Still pregnant, so I feel fat." She pressed a finger to his lips. "And don't say there's more of me to love or else I'll jinx you."

He kissed her finger. "Okay, I won't. So tell me what?"

Katie rolled her eyes. "Your daughter has been driving me mad! She keeps sneaking around the house, hiding, moving things, and more I'm sure."

"I have a question. Why is it when she does something bad, she's my daughter, when she does something good, she's your daughter, and when we have to tell her bad news, she's our daughter?" He grinned at her flat look.

"Go away," she said, trying to push him.

"But I just got home!"

"I hate you!"

"But I love you!"

"You're dumb!"

"You're so smart," he said and kissed her cheeks.

She headbutted him in the chest. "You're lucky you're cute."

"I count my blessings every day. And you're beautiful. Well, I'm home now and I'm not going back to work for at least a week so time for me to do my husbandly things. Let me get started on dinner, I'll wrangle our gremlin, and you relax for a good long while."

She smiled. "That sounds lovely. Is anyone joining us for dinner tonight?"

"Nope. I wanted to spend my first night back with my family. Tomorrow will be the Mums and Sirius and we'll see the rest together after. Sounds good?"

She kissed him. "Sounds great."

Harry helped her to her home office and ran off laughing when she threw a pillow at him for being annoying. After unshrinking his luggage and putting things away he walked into the kitchen, opening the curtains to let the sunlight in. He sighed happily, easing back into the kitchen after a week-long tour abroad. Soon there were pans heating on the stove, an array of ingredients on the counter and he started chopping by hand. He always preferred to do most of the ingredient prep by hand, he thought it tasted a little better that way. Every so often he would put a small piece of a vegetable on the left side of the cutting board, away from the knife.

After a while he noticed the pile getting smaller and smaller, as if disappearing by magic. He knew however that magic had nothing to do with it. He watched as the corner of the board disappeared from sight and he set the knife down with the blade towards the wall and spun. Snatching at the empty space with both hands. "Gotcha!"

A shrill happy squeal filled the air and he felt something invisible wriggle in his arms as well as something wrapping her arms around his neck. The hood of the cloak fell back revealing a little girl with a heart shaped face, soft blonde curls, and brilliant emerald green eyes. "Daddy! Welcome home!"

"Why didn't you welcome me home sooner?!" Harry asked with false hurt.

"I'm sorry!" She grabbed his face and kissed his cheeks again and again. "I was hiding!"

"I see," he said and fed her another piece of carrot. "Is that why Mummy was saying you were being naughty?"

Dahlia pouted. "I wasn't being naughty."

"You know better than to play with the cloak, little flower," he said gently.

"I know. But I missed you and the cloak feels like you."

He hugged her tight. "I missed you too but the cloak isn't a toy. We've told you the story where you fell asleep in it when you were even littler remember? They couldn't find you and it was very scary for us."

Dahlia nodded, her face solemn. Then she giggled. "Grandma brought Bailey and when Hedwig came back, they found me."

"Yes they did because they love you too." He set her down and held out his hand. The little girl took off the cloak and folded it carefully, her face creased in concentration before she handed it back to him. "That's my good girl," he praised. "Remember, no playing with the cloak without permission. I'll leave some of my jerseys for you next time. Okay?"

"Okay." She hugged him tightly about the leg until he picked her up again, resting her on his hip. "You're not leaving again, are you?"

"Nope. Not for a long time."

"Not even for work?!"

"Not even for work! I'm spending time with Mummy and you and our soon to be baby."

She wriggled happily.

"But, can you be a good girl and go apologize to Mummy?"

She nodded reluctantly. "But what if Mummy has the 'pointed face?"

Harry smothered a smile. "If she has the disappointed face, it's usually for a good reason. But in this case," he looked left and right before lowering his voice to a loud whisper, "give her the look."

"I can?!" Dahlia's eyes popped wide.

"Go for it," he encouraged and set her down. He smiled as she scampered off and went back to cooking, waiting patiently.

"Harry James Potter!"

He laughed as he heard Dahlia squeal, the sound of her laughter and Katie's kissing getting closer. Katie walked into the kitchen, holding a wiggling Dahlia in her arms and kissing her face again and again. "You monster!" Katie berated her husband. "You taught her the look and you told her to use it on me?!"

"I didn't teach her!" Harry said.

"Dally, did Daddy teach you the look?" Katie asked while continuing to kiss her.

"No! Angie Mum and Ali Mum taught me!"

"Oh did they?! Well we're going to get our revenge! Yes we will!" Katie stayed in the kitchen, comfortably holding Dahlia while they chatted and laughed with Harry. She and Dahlia set the table, something the little girl was proud of being able to do. Dinner rambled and took its own time, letting them all get caught up with each other after a week's worth of separation. Then Katie had a moment's peace to do some paperwork and answer a few letters while Harry got Dahlia ready for bed. The little family sat together in the sitting room for a bit until the little girl fell asleep in his lap.

When he deposited her gently into her bed, Hedwig came fluttering through the window. The owl nuzzled Harry for a few minutes, yanking on his hair to show her disapproval for him being gone for so long. After lots of petting and scratching, the owl took her roost on a perch beside Dahlia's bed, eyes ever watchful.

He and Katie got ready for bed together. It was a habit they developed and enjoyed, missing dearly when they were apart. They would talk about the day, make plans, chat about anything on their mind. They used the time to air our arguments and grievances, ensuring that no resentment could build or miscommunication to fester.

"Were things okay when I was gone?" he asked worriedly.

"Things were just fine," she assured him. "Honestly, there was barely any time where it was just the two of us, well three." She patted her belly gently. "Mum came over every other night with MumAndi coming over on the opposite nights. Alicia and I visited during the day twice. Angelina sent George over for a day as well. Tonks, Daphne, Hermione, and Luna came over too and Lyla would have if she was in the country. Did you tell them to do that?"

"I asked Hermione and Daphne to send you a message to let them know if you needed anything. I didn't expect them to come visit. Then again, they don't live that far so guess I should have. That was nice of them."

Katie smiled as struggled into her pajamas. "Daphne and Hermione got into it when they visited. Almost started dueling."

"For what?!"

"What do you think?"

"I thought they were fine with being co-godmothers like Angelina and Alicia are for Dahlia."

"They are, but they were arguing about Prima Parentis apparently. First Parent."

He blinked. "Does that matter?"

"It matters to Daphne which means it matters to Hermione."

He rolled his eyes. "I guess it's flattering that they care so much. Who won the duel?"

"Luna." Katie laughed. "She made her usual not-so-innocent remark that made them stop. Something about Tracy would get jealous if Daphne got sweaty with another woman, mortifying them both."

Harry laughed. "I love her."

"She respectfully asked to be considered for godmother if we have another baby. I told her she would if we do get there."

"I'm fine with that," Harry said. He sat behind Katie and took a silver brush from the box and started brushing her hair. Katie moaned happily as she felt him gently tease out the curls, straightening her hair slowly and lovingly.

"How's Angelina doing?"

"She's good! She's pretty sure she's having twins this time, something she's been blaming George for. She was feeling a bit sick the day she sent him over instead, so I went back to visit her when he left to go back. Little Hailey is getting so big now, she was asking for you. Same with Hadley and Melanie when I visited Alicia and Oliver. Said they missed you and feel neglected."

His hands slowed as he looked concerned. "Oh? Well…okay. I mean, I'm tired of long international tours anyways. I'll tell coach that. Been meaning to cut back on them."

She twisted and took his hands. "Hey, you are not neglecting anyone." She ran her thumbs over the backs of his hands. "They're just being little kids that say words without knowing what they mean. Angelina and Alicia were fast to tell them that you weren't neglecting them. I only told you what they said because it shows how much they love you and care about you."

She smiled warmly. "You are an amazing father, godfather, uncle, and husband. Don't you think anything else."

He took a deep breath and let out slowly. He smiled back, squeezing her hands. "Okay, thanks. I worry sometimes. But yeah, thank you. I do want to cut back on tours though."

She turned around again at his touch, rolling her shoulders while he continued to brush her hair. "I thought you liked them?"

"I liked going on them with you. But the entire time I was away and not playing, I just thought about you and Dahlia and the others. I'll still go on the France ones so I can see the Delacours and Aimee and Colette. Oh speaking of, they want to know when they can come visit. Fleur says she wants to spoil Dahlia some and visit with you."

"Oh I'd love to see them. Hmm, how about later this week if it's not too short notice?"

"I'll ask. They've been saying it's been too long."

"Didn't we see them a few months ago?"

"That's what I thought but I honestly didn't know. They love to exaggerate, you know."

They finished their tasks and climbed into bed. It took a few moments for Katie to get comfortable and she made it known by smacking Harry lightly on the chest and arms. "All your fault," she grumbled as he smiled at her. "Turning me into a whale. How dare you treat your wife like this?"

"I'm almost certain both times you were initiating them."

"You think about your wife that way?!" She gasped with mock disgust. "You perv!"

He laughed heartily. "All the time."

"You're gross!"

"Gross for you," he said, cuddling her close. He flicked his wand and their candles lit on their nightstands. The glass on the ceiling became translucent, letting them look up at the night sky, at the sea of stars.

"I really missed you," Katie confessed after some soft silence.

"I really missed you too."

Silence.

"Thank you," he said softly.

"For what?"

"For everything."

She smiled into his neck. "That really narrows it down."

His chuckle felt good on her lips. "For saving me. For loving me."

"Thank you for all that and more," she said softly.

They fell asleep in each other's arms, candlelight bathed in starlight.

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Katie grumbled as she woke up, feeling the need to use the restroom. It was still a few hours shy of dawn and she silently cursed at the unfairness of it all. She did not want to leave the very comfortable position she found and the comfortably warm bed. She grunted and shifted, somehow not waking Harry up as she managed to get up. Her unexpected task finished, she stopped at the door, hearing a soft rustling and a sleepy hoot.

She opened the door and looked down at her daughter, frozen with her hand outstretched for the handle. Hedwig sat on Dahlia's head, looking irritated at being woken but hooted reassuringly that all was well.

"Bit early to be up, Dally," Katie said with a smile. "Did you have a nightmare?"

The little girl shook her head.

"Are you sick? Are you hurt?"

Two head shakes.

"Are you trying to sneak into bed with Mummy and Daddy?"

She nodded. She opened her eyes wide and blinked slowly.

Katie smothered a smile and she took her hand. "Okay okay, no need to torture your poor mother. Come on, star flower." She loved the way Dahlia's fingers tightened on hers. She helped the little girl onto the bed first before beginning her more arduous version of getting into it. Luckily she was able to find her comfortable position again, despite the added little body cuddled between her and Harry.

After a sleepy kiss, Dahlia instantly fell asleep. Katie rolled her eyes and looked up at Hedwig who roosted on the headboard. "It's not fair that they can just fall asleep like that."

Hedwig hooted smugly and was too out like a light after a moment.

"So not fair," Katie repeated with a wry smile to herself. She snuggled closer to the loves of her life, feeling better when Harry shifted, throwing an arm over Dahila and her. Despite her misgivings, she too fell asleep swiftly, listening to her loves slumber.

Dawn broke fully, shining brightly on the trio in bed. Katie woke slowly, feeling fingers drifting through her hair. Her eyes fluttered and a sleepy smile creased her lips as she saw Harry's face close to hers, his fingers brushing out her locks. "Good morning," she said huskily.

"Good morning," he replied. He had woken first and found Dahlia squeezed between them. He maneuvered the sleeping child onto his chest so he could wriggle closer to Katie, running his fingers through her hair gently before she woke up. "I see we got invaded last night," he said, running his other hand up and down Dahlia's back.

"I woke up to use the restroom and found her about to sneak in," Katie said fondly. "She's such a daddy's girl."

"Is it bad that I kinda love it?" he confessed with a shy grin.

"I'm glad you do," she said sincerely. "I love it too."

"That's good." His eyes radiated care and contentment. He leaned in for a kiss.

She kissed him back. "Do we have to get out of bed for anything yet?"

He hugged them to him. "Nope."

"Good," she said, snuggling them both. "Let's stay like this for a while longer."

"As long as you want," he said contentedly.

"Even forever?"

"Forever."

"Hey Harry?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

"For everything?"

"Yeah. And for not giving up on me."

He chuckled softly. "That's my line."

Gentle birdsong seeped in from outside.

"Hey Katie?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For choosing me. For choosing to be my family."

She smiled as tears ran down her face. She rested her cheek against his hand, feeling his thumb wipe away her tears. "Thank you for choosing me to be yours." She pressed her forehead against his. "This is perfect," she whispered.

He murmured agreement, pulling her close. He laid there and held his wife and daughter, thankful for his family.

The family they made.

The family He chose.

Fin

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FanfictionFanGirl59 - I hope this continues to help you smile and if you do cry, they are tears of happiness and joy. Thank you for being there from the very beginning.

alix33 - I will write a chapter in the spinoff for the Alicia and Oliver wedding. Glad you liked Bailey and Hedwig. Thank you for being a long time fan.

SvenHPotterFan - It boggles my mind that I have people reading this from around the world and in other languages. I mean, I can see it on the breakdown but it is incredible to me. It did take them a while, but hopefully the journey was satisfying.

guest - Thank you, the bonus chapter will have some insight into that.

slytherinsal - Oh I hope you feel better.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - 6 months feels like a long time and yet it doesn't. I'm actually going to be at a lost without posting daily. I got so used to it. I will start the spinoff this week as well as something else, and will explain more in the bonus. Thank you for all your kind words.

Urgwaew - Aw shucks, you are far too kind. I'm glad you liked Bailey and Hedwig. I knew I wanted to include Hedwig but Bailey was a fun last minute addition. Katie joined the medical team of Portree. She's not a player. Angelina was saying that Katie is still nervous when a lot of people are focused on her and she's not focusing on her job or back when she played at Hogwarts.

McGonagall as the officiant was a random thought but I am so glad I ran with it, she added a touch of serious hilarity to the event and the Boy-Who-Loved was another random thought but I thought it was a good one. I knew the baby bird line would be really good too. I will be doing Alicia's wedding in the spinoff.

Thank you for being such a kind person with plenty of encouraging words. I always looked forward to your comments. I hope what I have to come will continue to entertain you and best of the best to you.

yogibears - I had the idea of the Patronus doing that for ages, literally when I was writing second year so I am happy it came across well. That's what I liked about the speeches too. I trawled through the chapters and picked out moments that I thought were the most poignant and treated it almost like a clip show. Glad you liked Hedwig and Bailey too.

D.J. Scales - Thank you.

CenturionEon - I'm glad you liked it so much.