Barry Potter - Epilogue

Ron Weasly sat up in bed, having woken with a start. Sweat was pouring down his forehead, and he was trembling slightly. He looked around the silent bedroom; he was alone.

Hastily pulling on some robes, he stumbled from the room and down the stairs. He found his way to the living room, and hastily lit a fire. For a moment, the only sound was the crackling fire and a slight scuffle as Ron searched for his box of Floo powder. When he had found it, he threw a handful into the fire, said, "25 Main, Oxford," and stepped into the emerald flames.

Alden was sitting up by the fireside when he arrived, almost as if she had been waiting for him. She was studying a letter, and there were others on the table before her. Without looking up at him, she asked, "Isn't it a bit early?"

Ron stood sheepishly for a moment, trying to put into words the reason he had come. All that came out was, "Well, you're awake, aren't you?"

She laughed, raising her eyes to meet his. Shaking her head slightly, she patted the couch beside her, saying, "I'll never understand you. Sit."

He sank onto the couch beside her, giving her a tiny peck on the cheek and throwing an arm casually about her shoulders. She leaned back, supported by his strong chest. Tucking her head underneath his chin, she asked, "What's wrong?"

"I had a dream about... you know, the day You Know Who died."

"Ron," she gave a little sigh, "It's been an entire year since. Can't you put it behind you?"

"Well," Ron replied, mocking her sigh, "It was an emotional day for me. An emotional year for me."

Alden turned her head around to look up at him. "How so?"

"Well, I made friends with Draco, realized what a jerk Harry was, was nearly killed by You Know Who, and met you."

She rolled her eyes. "It wasn't that bad."

Ron rolled his eyes right back at her. "It would have been better if I hadn't met you."

"Aw, I hate you too."

"As long as we're in agreement."

She laughed again as she turned her eyes back to the letter in her hands. He leaned his head against hers, asking, "Who's that from?"

"Oh, Jenni. You know, Barry's girl friend. She decided to join that nunnery after all."

"Good for her. Better than suicide."

"True."

"What'd she say?"

"None of your business." Alden tossed the letter down onto the table and reached for another one. "Look, here's one from Hermione."

She unfolded the letter and they quickly read over it.

"Alden -

Hope you are well. I just learned that you'll be coming to our wedding. Fantastic! It's so much more convenient that you've decided to stay on in Oxford, you'll receive news much faster this way. We've tentatively set the date for the 10th of July, but wanted to make sure that it didn't conflict with your plans. I heard about your father, so I assure you we'll try to plan around whichever date you set. We're also trying to make it after Kayla's release, so she can come.

I was just thinking the other day about the day I stabbed Draco. You know, I heard what you said to Ron about thanking you later. I still can't figure out why. If you don't write back for any other reason, at least explain that to me!

Love, Hermione G. & Draco L. Malfoy"

"What's that bit about your father?" Ron frowned. He hadn't heard any news concerning Alden's father. In fact, he was quite sure that her father was dead...

"The other day, the Ministry ruled to give me his ashes," she replied quietly, "So that I can give him a proper burial."

"Oh." Ron bit his lip. He knew that Alden's father was a touchy subject, so he picked up a third letter. "Have you read this one? It's from Silvia."

"No, give it here," she took the letter and skimmed it briefly. Her face lightened up, and she smiled to herself. "Well, look at that. Dean's proposed to her!"

"Let me see." They read the letter together. Indeed, it seemed that Dean had proposed to Silvia two days before.

"...But it won't be official until July 7th, when Kayla gets out. So don't tell anyone, especially not Ron. He's sure to tell everyone!" Alden read, laughing out loud.

Ron gasped in imaginary outrage. "What? Do your friends think so little of me?"

"Yes," Alden's eyes sparkled playfully, "But I love you anyway!" She gave him a light kiss on the cheek before picking up a forth letter. "Here's one from Uncle."

"Alden -

I heard that your friend Kayla is being released from Azkaban on July 7. Congratulations! I'm glad the sentence was so short. She might have been thrown in for life.

Of course I'll come to the funeral. Just don't set the date for June 28. Minerva has arranged for a memorial at Jenni's nunnery that day. For Barry, you know. I hope it will be a point of closure for the poor girl. I'm thankful that she took my suggestion and didn't throw her life away.

Remus said to give you his regards, so I'll pass them on to you. He's headed to Transylvania to look for some old mates of his, and should be back by July 1. He asked if you'd like him to attend the funeral as well. He also said to tell Ron, if he's still going out with you, to be careful of you. I'm not sure why, but he said you'd understand.

Hope you are well.

Uncle Albus"

"I don't get it. Why should I be careful of you?"

Alden tossed the letter aside, smile playing across her lips. For a moment, just a moment, her smile appeared snake-like to Ron. Then it was gone and she was laughing softly. "Just a little joke we have about my curse."

"I don't get it."

"Forget it, then."

"I think I will."

"Fine."

There was a silence, then Ron said, "I still have some questions, though."

"About what?"

"About you. About the Moones. About You Know Who, and Harry, and everything."

"I'll only answer one question."

"Fine, here it is. What happened to Harry?"

"I think he's at St. Mungo's."

"Why?"

"That's two questions."

"No, it's an extension of the same question. What'd you do to him?"

"I'll carry my secret to my grave."

"You worry me."

"I worry a lot of people."

Ron grinned, stroking her cheek gently as she leaned on his shoulder gazing up at him. At last she closed her eyes, nestling her head more snugly on Ron's shoulder. His eyes wandered around the familiar living room. The fire flickered warmly in the hearth, casting light on the dusty odds and ends strewn about the room. His eye was drawn to a framed piece of parchment on the wall, apparently a Transfiguration license. He frowned at it.

"Alden?"

"Hm?"

"What's your middle name?"

"Haven't got one."

"Yes you have. See, there it says, 'Alden R. Dumbledore.' What's the 'R' stand for?"

"My father's surname."

"Oh."

"G'night, Ron."

"G'night, Menace."

She smiled, eyes still closed. Ron leaned his head down onto hers and closed his own eyes. This was the way it was meant to be...