I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Note: Hello, hope are all well. As of today, I finished writing Defiance of Fate. It's going to clock in at 22 chapters and I'm pretty happy with how it turns out and finishes. I'll probably post 2 or 3 times a week of this until it's all posted. I'm still working on Extended Family and want to build up a bank of chapters, I let it go for a bit in finishing this one. I'm not too sure what I'm going to do next. I'm still storyboarding a longer idea and haven't found the voice yet so we will see. Hope you all have a nice day and as always, thank you for reading.
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Defiance of Fate
Chapter 13 – Homecoming, Part 1
Harry stumbled and fell to his knees, completely disoriented and winded. He was still recovering from the final battle and his ritual spell, his magic was still in flux. The extremely long-distance portkey rattled him and he fought the urge to vomit. It had taken several portkeys to get to the staging ground from when he left England months ago. Obviously the ICW portkeys were stronger and it only took the one to get him back but he felt completely off-kilter.
"Are you okay?!" A witch ran to him and helped him to his feet. "Here, anti-nausea potion."
He drank it gratefully, feeling his nausea subside. "Thank you," he said as he swayed on his feet. "ICW portkeys are strong."
"Yours especially. It's a special one that can really cross distances. We don't use it unless we have a very stable anchor point and it can only transport one or two people at a time. It does take a lot out of you." She helped him to a chair.
After a few minutes and a cup of water, he felt much better. "Thanks," he said again. He looked around. "Are we really in the Ministry?"
She nodded. "Sure are. We have our own wing on the outer edges but the same property. We actually brought our own land here and put it beneath the foundation so it's technically not UK territory."
"Huh, that's cool. What time is it?"
"A little after midnight. We have a room waiting for you if you'd like to sleep until morning, well when the sun rises."
"Actually, I think I'd like that. I'm still not feeling too great."
"Of course." She led him to a small room that was mostly a bed and a desk but it felt cozy instead of cramped. "No one in the Ministry knows you are here and they won't when you leave, if you don't want them to."
"I'd appreciate that," he said gratefully.
"Of course. All of the ICW staff here were livid when we read the article. I don't mind telling you that the Ministry has been a mess ever since. A lot of arguing and debating. Lots of changeover in the positions and the like."
"What's going to happen to the Minister?" he asked.
"He's been granted a stay to finish his term but then there will be a re-election." She frowned. "Personally, I don't think he should be allowed to run again but they haven't decided on that yet. I do know that the ICW has refused to ever deal with him again and that will definitely be a factor I imagine."
Harry sighed. "Well, I won't have anything to do with the Ministry again hopefully so whatever they decide I suppose."
The witch nodded. "Oh and I wanted to thank you personally. My brother is a part of the task force and you helped save his life. Thank you so much, Healer Potter. Or Angelus."
He blushed a little. "Harry is fine really, Healer Potter if you want to be formal."
She smiled. "Well, thank you. Sincerely. When would you like to be woken? Would you like something to eat?"
"Seven will be fine and no thank you. I'm probably going to just sleep. Thank you, you've been really welcoming."
After she left Harry set his things down and cast an alert charm around the room. With a complicated sigh he laid on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. If you had asked him at the start of the war when he thought he would be back in England, he would not have had any idea. He never imagined he would return earlier than others, much less without anyone really knowing, save for the ICW and the ones in the field of course.
Coming back in anonymity felt good to him though, he was ashamed to admit. He was very nervous about his homecoming once Rita's article came out. At least he could avoid that circus show. "I better reach out to Rita too," he murmured softly.
He eventually fell asleep, not quite relaxed, but not quite on edge either.
-0-
"I know you said this would happen, but it's still a bit amusing to see it working," the witch said, smothering a smile.
She had woken Harry up at seven and escorted him out of the ICW offices. They had to pass through a part of the Ministry and she went with him to run interference. He had put his bandanna on, hiding his hair and scar, and though there were very few people about, none approached. They left the building unbothered.
Harry smiled. "I guess more people identify me by my hair and scar so it works."
"At least that does," she laughed. "If you ever need anything, send us a message or come to us. Forgive me for being forward, but what will you do now?"
He rubbed his face. "Good question. I'll have to find a place to live, I cancelled my last lease. I can find something I'm sure," he said, noticing her concern. "But yeah, need to do that. And I guess talk to St Mungo again." He looked thoughtful. "No, I should see some friends first. That's more important."
"If you need a place to stay, come back to see us. We have rooms and places for ICW members to use if needed. Same if you need some work or something to do. Our resources are at your disposal."
He smiled. "That's a huge relief. Thank you."
"Of course, we take care of our own. All the best to you Healer Potter and don't be a stranger." She shook his hand and made her way back into the Ministry.
Harry stood in the small alcove, watching the streets wake up. He dithered for a moment, unsure of what to do. Without a list of tasks, a duty roster, he was momentarily paralyzed with indecision. He suddenly had so much freedom to do things and no strict time frame to do it, aside from finding somewhere to stay of course. Yet knowing that he could return to the ICW space was a comfort.
He decided he wanted, needed, to see his friends and the people he cared most for. After some thinking on who to see first, someone drifted to his mind first and he was filled with fondness and longing. "I hope she's awake this early," he murmured and disapparated with a pop.
-0-
Luna stared at the cup of tea steaming on the counter. Dark circles ringed her eyes and she sighed deeply. Ever since receiving the picture, she had not slept well. Colin never sent anything else and Astoria had replied with a very brief message saying she could not explain more but Harry was still alive.
Still alive.
Harry had not written to her and she could not sleep. She got a few hours here and there and while she did not have nightmares every time, she would lie there awake or wake up feeling more tired than before she fell asleep.
She kept seeing him like she remembered him during the Blood War.
At least she had remained productive with the hours she spent awake. She managed to do a lot of her work and commissions and when she had no other work, she found inspiration elsewhere. She painted and drew moments from her time at Hogwarts, of happier times and memories. She found small landscapes that she drew and painted.
There was a small series that, when she finished, she had no idea how they came about. They were not of familiar places per se. They were peaceful for the most part, some of them with Hogwarts or Hogsmeade in the background, others of plain but pleasant generic locales. It was not until she recognized the people within that she realized she was painting things she wanted to happen. Things she wished she would or could see. Of peaceful times, of happy things.
In many of them there was a man with messy black hair and green eyes. Usually a woman with long silver-blonde hair and pale grey eyes.
Whenever she finished them, she put them away carefully. She got very emotional when she looked at them but could not bring herself to get rid of them.
On the third or fourth knock she looked at the door with surprise. Lost in her thoughts and fatigue she did not hear the first few. She glanced at the clock on the wall, trying to force her sleepy mind to work. Since leaving Hogwarts, she never had many visitors. Ginny once in a while. Hermione more often. Astoria occasionally. The one that visited her the most was not here.
With a sigh she carried her cup and walked to the door. "Who is it?" she called out, starting to lean towards the peephole.
"Luna?"
The voice made her stop completely. She froze and stared at the door. Her hand shook, spilling tea over the rim.
"Luna?" the voice asked again.
She pressed her face to the door and gasped when she saw who stood on the other side through the peephole. She undid the locks by hand, and threw the door open. As she did, she dropped the tea cup and it fell to the ground unheeded, spilling everywhere.
"Luna! Are you okay?!" Harry gasped as he tried to catch the tea cup.
"Harry? You're here?" she asked in a disbelieving whisper. She rubbed her eyes, blinking hard as she stared at him. "You're really here?"
"I'm sorry," he said sheepishly. "It's really early and I should have sent something first. I just got back and wanted to see you and-oh my goodness did you burn yourself?" He saw the tears spilling down her cheeks. "Are you ok-"
She threw herself at him, sobbing openly. She clung to him desperately, crying harder when she felt him catch her, hugging her tightly in return. "It's you," she sobbed into his chest. "You're home! You're really here!"
He half carried her inside and closed the door behind them. He tried to walk her to the couch but he tripped over the cup and fell awkwardly, angling it so she fell on top of him. He grunted as she squeezed harder, unable to stop himself from tearing up a little as well. "Yeah, I'm here," he murmured into her hair. "It's good to see you too." He held her as she cried into him, squeezing him as tight as she could.
"When did you get back?" she asked after some time, face wet and eyes shining.
"Literally this morning, after midnight," he said as he shifted a little for comfort. "I slept at the ICW offices and then I came to see you first."
Luna's heart thumped in her chest hearing that. "Did everyone come back?" She looked thoughtful at his head shake. "Just you? Before the others? Why-" Her expression became a frown and she sat back, straddling his middle and looked down at him. "Harry James Potter, what did you do."
He held his hands up. "Okay, hear me out first." He groaned when he saw her eyes focus on his left hand, at the deep scar that was in his palm.
"You did something terribly noble and stupid, didn't you," she said flatly.
"Yeah…"
She stretched out painfully, trying not to get off him and grasped for something on the table nearby. She managed to knock it loose and catch it as it fluttered in the air. "Explain this," she said, shoving the picture at him.
He sighed when he saw it. "Dammit Colin, how did you even take that picture." He wilted under her eyes and explained the spell, what it did, and what it demanded of him to cast. He told her how he had once again nearly died and that even now, his magic was still recovering and how he was unsure if it would ever recover completely.
When he finished, he laid there, looking up at her with baited breath as he anticipated the lecturing to follow.
She had listened the entire time with crossed arms, her eyes never leaving his. She whimpered as he described how the event ended, chewing on her lip. When he finished, she took a deep breath and took his hand in hers, pressing her lips to the scar. "I am proud of you for saving others, but I distinctly remember telling you to be safe. What you did was not safe."
"I know, but I had to," he said and she echoed his words with a pawky expression.
"I am upset but it is overshadowed by how happy I am that you're here. I'm sure I will lecture you some other time."
"Some other time is good," he said with relief. He smiled shyly. "At least I kept my promise. I'm back."
"You did," she said and fell on top of him, burying her face into his neck and hugging him tight. "Thank you for coming back," she murmured wetly, her tears returning.
"Thank you for believing in me." He waited for her to let go before pushing her back, looking at her face with worry. "Are you okay? You don't look well."
"I'm exhausted, I haven't slept since I got the picture and heard that you were injured." She liked the way he brushed her hair out of her face, how he looked at her.
"Oh sorry. Like I said I was out for a few days and then when the terms of me coming home early were discussed, I focused on recovering and then came back. I should have sent a letter or something."
"That would have been nice but I'm glad you're here now." She reluctantly got off of him and helped him up. She took her fallen tea cup back to the kitchen and made two more cups, giving him one. "What are you doing today?"
"Well I need to find a new place to stay for a while. Get my things eventually that I put in storage."
"Stay with me," she said instantly.
"Really?"
She nodded firmly. "Yes. Please."
"I wouldn't want to impose…"
"You would not be. I want you to stay with me. I don't trust you on your own right now."
He snorted but smiled. "Alright then, for a little while at least. Thank you." He breathed a sigh of relief. "That's a big load off my mind then. I was going to go see Hermione and the Tonkses too today. Oh and will have to see Fleur and Daphne soon too, at least one today and the other tomorrow. Need to reach out to Rita at some point. Eventually I'll have to go to St Mungo's or decide on my work but I think I'll wait a little on that."
A loud keening cry could be heard, growing in strength. Luna and Harry turned to the window, looking for the source. The source flew through the open window and collided firmly into Harry's face, knocking him to the ground.
Hedwig hooted and barked and cooed, alternating between buffeting Harry in the head with her wings and rubbing her face against his.
Harry laughed, trying to grab the flapping ball of energy. Eventually he succeeded, hugging her and she yanked on his hair. Luna watched happily, dabbing her eyes at the sight. Finally, Harry held her at arms-length and sighed softly. "I missed you too Hedwig," he said and hugged her again. She cheeped and bit his nose gently.
He held her up to his face and narrowed his eyes. "Were you really nicking Luna's socks and knickers?"
Hedwig closed her eyes and shrugged.
He sighed. "Don't steal Luna's things Hedwig. That's not nice. Go get them and return them."
Hedwig barked but did as asked. She scrambled behind the bookshelf and emerged with pairs of socks and other things and deposited them in Luna's lap. She then flew back to Harry and sat on his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek.
Luna smiled. "I didn't mind that it was Hedwig doing it. I knew she would return them if I needed them and she was only acting out for attention."
Hedwig hooted in agreement.
"I never knew you'd do that," he muttered, shaking his head. "I swear I never taught her that." He caught Luna's cavernous yawn. "You look like you could use some sleep."
"I do," Luna yawned again. "I feel like I can sleep again knowing you are here."
"Want me to stay with you?"
"I do but you should go see Hermione and the Tonkses at least today. They would be very cross if you didn't. You'll be back though, yes?" She could not stop herself from sounding anxious.
Harry took out his things and unshrunk them, putting them in the corner. He undid the bandanna around his head and wrapped it around her wrist. "I promise."
Luna smiled brightly. She walked to her bedroom and came out with another bandanna and wrapped it around his head. "There. Now you can walk about without being bothered still." She pressed a copy of the key to her flat into his hand.
"It certainly is handy. I'll be back later."
She hugged him tightly. "I know. Have good visits." She laid back on her couch after he left and for the first time in days fell deeply asleep, her cheek resting on her wrist with the bandanna wrapped around it.
-0-
"Miss Hermione?"
"Yes?" Hermione did not look up from her work, continuing to scribble away at the parchment. "How can I help you, Tiffany?"
"I have something here for you."
Hermione looked up, catching Tiffany's odd tone. "You do? What's wrong?"
Tiffany walked into the office proper and held out a paper bag. "A strange man dropped by with this. I checked it and there doesn't seem to be a potion or a spell on it but still, it's very strange. He said it was a longer overdue snack and he didn't think you'd want him to bother you while you're at work."
Hermione frowned and she took the bag from her secretary. She peeked inside. "Who in the world eats treacle tart in the morn-" She dropped the bag and looked at Tiffany with wide eyes. "Is he still here?!"
"Yes, he's outside and-Miss Hermione!" Tiffany stumbled as Hermione got up and ran past her. "Wait! What's going on?!"
Hermione ran out the office and looked wildly about. Across the street Harry stood against the wall with Hedwig perched on his head. He straightened quickly, seeing her wide eyes and frantic expression. "Hermione, is everything ok-" He grunted as he caught her, backpedaling and colliding with the wall behind him. Hedwig sank her talons through the bandanna, flapping her wings to keep her own balance.
"Ow, careful!" he said, looking up at an utterly unrepentant Hedwig who hissed back at him before plumping back down. He looked down at a sobbing Hermione. "Are you okay?! What's wrong?!"
"You're what's wrong!" Hermione wailed. She squeezed his ribs as hard as she could. "No word for days, we don't know what's going on, then you show up like this?!"
"I can lea-" he coughed as she squeezed harder. "Kidding, Hermione," he said in a strangled voice, rubbing her back. "Let go…think of the baby…"
"She's fine, she's happy too," Hermione said and barely relaxed. She looked up at him. "You're home, you're here. Are you okay?! What happened?!"
Harry's face started to redden as he noticed people watching curiously on the street, at Tiffany standing in the doorway with her jaw dropped open. "Let's go inside, I'll explain." He led her inside, past the gaping Tiffany. "Sorry to disrupt things," he said to her.
"I've never seen her like this," Tiffany admitted. She gasped when she took a closer look at Harry. Hedwig had pulled the bandanna up some and the edge of his scar showed. "Oh! You're-"
"I'd appreciate a little discretion," Harry interrupted hurriedly. "It's not common knowledge that I'm back."
Tiffany nodded. "Of course! I'm sorry I called you strange to your face."
Harry laughed. "I've been called worse." He walked back to Hermione's office, the whole time with her clutching him. After some effort, he managed to get her to let go and sat her down in her chair. He took out his wand.
"I don't need a bloody check," Hermione grumbled, blowing her nose. "I was just a little emotional is all." She noticed how he cast the diagnostic spell twice. "What's wrong with your magic?"
"It's still a bit weak. Yup everything looks good," he said, reading the charm results. "And you look wonderful Hermione!"
She waved the compliment away. "Yes yes I am radiant." She inspected him closely and took his left arm, pushing the sleeve up. She grimaced at the scars and then she noticed the one on his hand. "I knew about the arm ones from Fleur but what is this?" she asked, running her fingers over the one on his palm.
Harry told her and her fingers convulsed, tightening over his hand. By the end of the story, he had lost feeling in his fingers but he did not mind too much, being reasonably sure he would get feeling back eventually.
"You arse," Hermione said at last. "You mad bastard! You utter bloody idiotic-"
"Language," he said with mild reproof. "I don't want my goddaughter learning such filthy words."
She laughed and hiccupped and glared in one. "This isn't over Harry. I can wait for her to be born and then lecture without restraint."
"Hopefully you'll be too tired too. I'm sure I'll be getting it from many people," he sighed.
"When did you get back?"
"After midnight. I stayed at the ICW offices and I went to see Luna first." He blushed at her look. "What?"
"Nothing, just happy to hear it and I'm fine that you came to see me after. I would have been cross if you woke me early. She's missed you terribly."
"Yeah, and I missed her a lot too. All of you of course but, well, I'm sure you know, being my best friend and all."
"I do." She smiled warmly. "Where are you staying?"
"With her." He looked away from her smug look. "She asked and said I can't be trusted to be on my own right now."
"I don't disagree."
He snorted. "It'd take a while for me to find a place and while I could stay at ICW or have their help, it'll be nice to be with someone. The Tonkses would give me a place of course-"
"-as would Neville and I," Hermione interrupted.
"Yup, you too. I wouldn't want to intrude though. I almost refused with Luna but you know when she looks at you that way and you just can't refuse her."
"She's never looked at me like that," Hermione smiled. "I've seen it though. And at least you'll be watched."
Hedwig barked.
"By multiple sources," Hermione said.
"I guess I can get used to be cared for a little," Harry admitted softly.
Her eyes shone when she looked at him. "Yes, best get used to it." She sighed. "I'd cancel the rest of my day if I could..."
"No, I wouldn't want you to lose work or get in trouble. I'm back, not going anywhere."
"Thank goodness," Hermione said gratefully. She pressed his hand to her belly. "See? She's welcoming you home."
Harry smiled as he felt the baby kick. "I'm back little one," he said softly.
She wiped her eyes. "What are your immediate plans?"
"I'm going to see the Tonkses today and probably visit Fleur, probably see the twins real fast first. Tomorrow I'm going to see Daphne and Mrs. Zabini and visit St Mungo's, probably the rest of the Weasleys too. Then…take one day at a time I suppose. Oh and I should message McGonagall, Pomfrey and Remus. Rita too."
"That would be good. I'll tell Neville you're back and he'll want to see you soon too."
"Maybe we can get dinner together tonight or tomorrow?"
"Good, yes. With Luna too of course." She hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you're home Harry. Please, don't leave us again."
"I'll try not to," he said as he hugged her back. "I'm tired and it's time for me to stop surviving and start living."
She kissed his cheek. "About damn time."
"You've gotten a lot more foul-mouthed since I lef- Ow ow ow okay! I was joking!"
-0-
Dora looked at the large bag. "What's this? I know I eat a lot but you trying to say something?"
The woman smiled. "It's your order. The gentleman said so and he paid for it."
"Remember the last time someone tried to hit on me when I was here? I tossed him over the fence over there. Why would you want me to do that again? Thought you said it drove business away."
The woman snorted. "We actually got more customers the following days." She frowned. "Sorry dear. He said he knew you and proved it by saying your whole name. Said it's been a bit. There he is." She pointed over Dora's shoulder. "Need me to call the police?"
Dora turned, her snarky comment dying when she saw Harry waving sheepishly. "Harry?"
"Hey Dora. I swear I'm not trying to hit on you 'cause that'd be really weird and-" He grunted as she tackled him, squeezing the life out of him.
"I have never seen her do that," the woman gasped and others clearly did not either. More than a few stared with wonder.
"I'm like a cousin," Harry said breathlessly as Dora squeezed tighter. "I just got back from serving. Just this morning."
"Welcome home then! Dora's one of our favorites and it's great to see her like this. Here you go." The woman put some things into a second bag. "On the house. You get along then and enjoy catching up!"
He managed to take both bags, thanking the grinning people while Dora continued her vice-like grip on him. They stumbled around the corner and Harry managed to cast a privacy charm. "Hey Dora," he said, "it's good to see you too!"
"You're back! You're okay!" Dora's hair changed rapidly in shape and hue. She picked him up and shook and squeezed him. "You're back!"
"I'm back," he gasped, kissing her on the forehead. "My ribs are pretty sore after today but I don't mind."
"How'd you know I'd be here for lunch?"
"It's Wednesday, you always get shawarma on Wednesday."
She wiped her eyes on his shirt. "Oh you're really back," she wept happily.
"I got us extra and hoped we could see your parents for lunch too."
"Let's go then!"
-0-
Ted looked up, noticing that Hedwig was sitting on the desk beside him. "Oh hello Hedwig," he greeted and scratched her chest. "Didn't notice you there. Did you bring me something?"
She shook her head and cheeped, looking more happy than he remembered her being lately.
"Then what brings you by?" He looked out his office door with surprise when he heard the front door open. He sighed when he heard Dora stumble and curse. "Dora! I'm fine, you don't need to check on me so much you know!"
"Dad! He's back! He's back!"
"Who?" Ted gasped and looked at the smug Hedwig. "No!"
"You might need to help me Ted," Harry said warmly.
Ted stood up, not stumbling once and ran out of the office. He smiled at Dora hanging off Harry and he hugged the both of them. "Harry! Welcome home lad!"
"Good to see you!" Harry looked down. "How's the leg?"
"I didn't even trip running over," Ted said. "Forgot about my cane too but enough about me, welcome home! Oh you look good lad."
Harry smiled. "So do you. I brought lunch for us."
"I'll call Mum!" Dora ran to the hearth and threw a pinch of Floo dust in. When the fire turned green she called out, "Potions Emporium Office!" and thrust her head into the fire. "MUM!"
Andromeda jumped in her chair and she glared at Dora's head in the fire. "Nymphadora! No need to scare the daylights out of me. What is wrong? Is your father well?"
"He's fine! He's back!" Dora babbled.
"Where did he go?" Andromeda asked, concerned.
"No, he didn't go anywhere. We're at home. He's back! Harry!"
"Harry?" Andromeda whispered.
"He's here!" Dora squawked as she saw Andromeda charge for the hearth. She pulled her head out and just barely managed to clear the way before Andromeda ran through her end and came out running into the Tonks' residence. Without stopping or breaking stride, she slammed into Harry, knocking him over.
Harry laid there for a moment, patting her back and trying to regain his breath while Andromeda hugged him soundly, crying all the while. "Really…good to…see you too…" he gasped. He coughed when Dora threw herself onto them, looking up at Ted pleadingly.
"You're stuck there, lad," Ted chuckled as he sat down on a chair. "I'm not risking any limbs getting you out right now." He waved his prosthetic at them.
They eventually let him up and they sat around the table, laying out the food. The Tonks family listened to him with rapt attention and sighed at the exploit that sent him home.
"Don't do that ever again!" Dora scolded. She waved a piece of meat at him threateningly. "You hear me?!"
"I hear you," Harry said, dabbing at the grease on his face.
"The important thing is that you're home," Ted said.
"Did they officially announce the end of the war?" Harry asked.
"Not yet, technically," Andromeda said. "Rumors are all over and it is all but confirmed. I imagine they will soon. I am glad to hear that things ended as well as they could have." She poked him irritably. "Aside from you risking your fool neck once more."
"You know me," he said weakly.
"Yes we do," the trio of Tonkses said as one.
Harry smiled as he set more meat on a plate in front of Hedwig. She gobbled it voraciously. "How are things here?"
"Works been good for us. New crop of Aurors is coming up to scratch," Dora said. "And if the Aurors that volunteered are coming back soon, it'll be even better. We were really quiet for a while but lately been getting more things to investigate and the like."
"The Emporium is flourishing. Working with the Greengrasses has done well and we turn a comfortable profit without unnecessary hardship," Andromeda said.
"I've stayed busy. Drawing up new designs and building plans. Diagon is continuing to rebuild and expand and with the ICW aid, it's been steady. Been keeping up with my physical therapy too." Ted sighed and shook his head. "I almost rather we didn't have the ICW aid with what we know now."
"It's in the past," Harry said quietly. "I knew what I was doing and well, I'm back. It ended okay and let's just be grateful for it turning out this way."
"Well now that you are back, Dora and I can abscond with Shacklebolt and you can hide the body properly," Andromeda growled.
"Sorry, I swore never to do anything with him again, even posthumously," Harry said.
Dora snorted. "Well, his days are numbered. He thinks he has a chance for re-election but there's barely anyone in the Ministry right now that'll give him the time of day. He managed to piss off a lot of people." She gave Harry a look. "He might try to find you if he knows you're back."
"Like I said, I won't do anything with him again and I have it in writing," Harry said firmly. "He burned that bridge and salted the ashes."
"Good," Andromeda said coldly. "I will gut him if he tries to approach without your permission."
Lunch meandered into the early afternoon before Dora looked at the clock unhappily. "I better get back. Thanks for coming to see us so soon."
Harry hugged her. "Of course. You guys were high on the list."
"And I am glad you are staying with Luna," Andromeda said. "She was looking very put out with you gone. It will be good for her and you."
"I still can't believe she did that at the Ministry," Harry said softly.
"They still haven't managed to get rid of it," Dora said gleefully. "Still haven't figured it out and it's amazing."
"You'll be seeing us often, right?" Ted asked.
"Of course, whenever I can."
"Good. And do bring Luna along as much as she likes. I like her a lot." Andromeda gave him a searching look. "What about Sirius?"
Harry shrugged. "He did send me a letter. Didn't say much in it and I replied as succinctly. I'll visit him soon. Might have you come along if you don't mind."
"Of course love. Just let me know when."
They hugged and kissed and the Tonkses watched him leave with Hedwig firmly planted on his head. "I'm glad he's home," Dora sighed.
"He looks good, all things considered," Ted said softly.
"We will help him recover fully," Andromeda said stoutly. "He is different, you can tell."
"He's recovering," Dora said.
"No I know. I mean, compared to how he was after the war here, he is different. He wants to be different."
"We'll get him there," Ted agreed.
"He fucking deserves it," Dora murmured.
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DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I wouldn't really, that sounds exhausting planning every cliffhanger. Yeah I had hoped the flashbacks helped reasonably show how Harry became who he is in this setting. Glad you liked the unit reactions.
diffident-serpiente - I don't think I'd ever write anything that bleak. I mean, I am not a stranger to tragedy and tough tones but that would be tough for me to justify to myself. I always want a good ending or at least a bittersweet one with a hopeful feel to it. I think you will like today's chapter with your last wish.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - He has time to explore that now and hopefully it'll feel good.
Guest - That was a big inspiration for this fic idea and I'm glad you like the feeling of it.
alix33 - Blaise is surprisingly fun to write for in this setting.