Chapter 18: Epilogue
It was 11:00am and Ginny Potter stood alone on the front porch of her family's home in the United States. Ginny decided shortly after James was born that she didn't want to live anywhere but here. This cabin that Ginny had come to think of as home since the day Harry had rescued her from the Ministry. Harry had added on to the home himself using only a little magic, but most of the work he did manually. He enjoyed doing it and was proud of the home he and Ginny built. The sun, while setting earlier these days was still high, the air was warm, but not unbearable, and Ginny was smiling as her children played in front of her. Jasmine, now six years old was playing with her younger brothers and sisters. The oldest of five children, Jasmine enjoyed her roll as big sister. The girls currently outnumbered the boys' three to two. James and the first born of the triplet's Daniel were running from their younger sisters Lily and Helena. Jasmine was following close behind to ensure her siblings stayed out of trouble and didn't get hurt, which Jasmine knew was asking a lot considering who their parents were.
"Mum." James called out slightly out of breath.
"Yes love, what is it?" Ginny asked.
"When's dah coming home?" James asked.
James' three younger siblings looked at their mother with the same curiosity as their older brother.
"He'll be home soon Jimmy. He had to go take care of some personal business but will be back before dinner." Ginny replied to her three year old son.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
"Harry." A surprised Ronald Weasley announced.
"Ron."
"This is an unexpected surprise. Uhhhh please. come in." Ron offered.
Harry walked into the Ron Weasley's home. The house was similar in design to the burrow but much nicer since Ron and Hermione both worked. They also had a considerably smaller family than Molly and Arthur had which meant they had more money available. Harry took in the surroundings while he waited for Hermione to appear. Ron had not seen Harry at all, save a few photographs at the Burrow, since the day Harry returned to the expose the wizarding world to the general populace. Much like Harry predicted, the world adapted to the change and went on as it always did. Sure there were problems in the beginning but as history has shown time and again, life marches on.
That same day, after verbally scolding, then empathically sharing his emotional torment in Azkaban with Dumbledore, Sirius, Remus, and himself, Harry had ordered Ron never to darken his doorstep. Ever. Knowing that he had hurt Harry one time too many, even going out of his way to kill Harry, Ron agreed and true to his word never did step foot in any of the Potter's home. If Harry was going to be at the Burrow, Ron made sure that he was not, if Harry were in Diagon Alley Ron apparated away. The only place Ron refused to leave was his home, although he would normally leave the room if Harry were coming.
"I came to drop off a gift for Hermione from Ginny, and to see my niece and nephew." Harry stated.
"I see." Ron said, a note of disappointment in his voice. He then started to leave the room.
You're a prat Ron. Harry stated in the man's head. You made far too many mistakes where our friendship is concerned. You misjudged me. you even tried to kill me Ron.
"I hate when you and Ginny do that." Ron stated out loud on purpose.
I can always voice my opinion aloud and let your children know what I think of you. Maybe they'd like to know why their dad and uncle aren't in the same place at the same time. Harry replied.
"Point taken. Continue." Ron said aloud for the final time.
I'm tried Ron of this Ron.. Harry stated his shoulders dropping as he sighed. Tired of all the animosity and anger. It needs to end now! Harry stated.
So what do you propose? Ron asked.
I forgive you Ron. Harry informed the man.
"You forgive me." Ron said rhetorically out loud. In the past three years he had never dared to hope that Harry would utter those words. Now he was getting misty eyed.
"Yes I forgive you. You stupid, fiery tempered, overly sensitive prat." Harry replied.
Ron ran up and bear hugged his best mate. The commotion he was causing brought the Weasley's down in a panic. Hermione had her wand drawn ready to stun the two if they were fighting only to find her husband and brother-in-law looking happier than she had seen them in two decades.
"Mummy, daddy hurting Unca Hawy." Justin Weasley said pointing at the two men.
"No honey, daddy's hugging Uncle Harry." Hermione corrected.
"Daddy and Unca Hawy friends again?" Phoebe asked.
Hermione smiled and simply nodded her head yes. "It would appear so." The four-year-old Justin and three year old Phoebe ran to the two men and gave them a hug.
"We a big family again!!!" Phoebe announced as she joyfully bounced towards her uncle. Harry hefted the little girl up and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. He then ran his hand through Justin's red hair.
"Yes Phoebe, we're one big happy family." Ron stated.
"I hate to cut this visit short but I have another stop to make." Harry said. He handed Hermione a wrapped box and gave his sister-in- law a kiss on the cheek. "You will have to come by the cabin sometime next week before you return to work." Harry said to Hermione.
"We'll be there mate, count on it." Ron chimed in, glad to finally be invited to the Potter family home he'd heard so much about.
"Oh. one more thing Ron." Harry added looking over his shoulder. "While I may forgive, I will never, EVER, forget."
Ron felt a chill up his spine as Harry departed his home. He, as well as his wife, understood Harry's message. Ron held took his wife's hand and said to her, "Love if I even look like I'm going to say or do something stupid. hex me. It will be far less painful." Ron stated, fearing his brother-in-laws wrath.
Hermione kissed her husband's cheek, "Count on it."
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
In another part of the country three old and unemployed men sat patiently at the Leaky Cauldron. Albus Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black had each received a summons to meet a man who three years earlier had informed them he never wanted to see them again. They each had a butterbeer in hand and were taking sips of it when Harry appeared, and sat down in front of them, but not looking at them. He ordered a butterbeer and waited for it to arrive. When the server brought the butterbeer Harry took a drink, swallowed, took in a deep breath, and exhaled. He then opened his eyes and looked at those three men who in his youth he had once both revered and in his adult hood detested.
"Thank you for showing up." Harry politely stated. Yet the three men could sense his cold tone of voice.
"We were quite surprised to hear from you Harry." Sirius said.
"I know. I was surprised I managed to muster the courage to write you all." Harry informed the trio. "It took me ages to write the letters, then even longer to send them out.
"So. what did you want to say to us?" Sirius asked his godson.
"I'm letting you all off the hook." Harry stated. "I don't have it in me to hate the three of you any longer. You all hurt me more than Voldemort ever could. The cruciatus curse was less painful then the knowledge that the three of you didn't have enough faith to believe me. You trusted circumstantial evidence more than your own knowledge of me. You knew me, you knew what he'd done to me, and yet you were so sure I was evil that you cast me into Azkaban."
Harry paused and took a drink of his butterbeer. "Still, even after everything I've been through, after all that I said three years ago, I don't have it in me to hate the three of you anymore."
"Thank you Harry." Sirius sighed. His companions also sighed in relief and thanked him as well.
"However. as I told Ron not too long ago when I forgave him. I will never forget what you did to me." Harry said. He then stood up to go.
"Good day gents. I have a family to get back to. Oh, by the way. you're all still fired." Harry said. The three men were sitting in shock until they heard Harry let out a very loud laugh as he exited the Leaky Cauldron.
"Well, I can't say I like his sense of humor but better to be the on the receiving end of a joke than for him to perceive us as jokes." Albus stated.
"I'll drink to that." Sirius and Remus bellowed in unison. The three men then ordered a round of fire whiskey.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
"So you actually forgave them all?" Ginny asked her husband as they snuggled on the couch watching the sunset. Ginny had fed the kids early and sent them to bed when Harry returned. He kissed all of his children and tucked them in. When they were all snug in their bed Harry at his dinner then sat on the couch with his radiant wife.
"Surprisingly. yes I managed to forgive them all."
"That was very big of you love. I know how hard it was for you to see them all again." Ginny said kissing her husbands cheek.
"It takes a lot to will power to hate people that much for a long time. I just couldn't do it anymore." Harry said.
"I think I know why." Ginny replied. Harry gave her a quizzical look since even he wasn't sure what had changed.
"The kids. They bring so much happiness and love to our lives, its impossible to hate anything or anyone after being around them so much." Ginny said and she leaned her head against her husband's chest.
Harry smiled, "You're right love. I never knew how happy I could be until Jasmine was born. Don't get me wrong Ginny, our time alone were some of the happiest I've ever had." Harry said before Ginny could say or do anything to him for his comment.
"It's just. I can't put into words how good it feels to have the kids in our lives." Harry stated.
That's one of the good things about being empathic Harry, you don't have to put it into words. I know exactly how you feel." Ginny replied. Harry tickled his smart alec wife. Ginny squirmed until Harry stopped.
"Your parents would be proud of you Harry. Azkaban hardened your heart, and made you vindictive. It was your right to lash out at those that turned on you, but in the end, with time, you forgave them." Ginny replied.
"You Ginny Potter are an amazing woman and mother." Harry said kissing his wife's forehead. "I don't think any woman could have put up with everything that happened to me, to us, and finally our family. You stood by me when no one else would, and for that I will always be grateful."
"You're just lucky you didn't go looking for one." Ginny sternly informed her husband.
"Gin no one could possibly replace you in my heart. From the moment I realized how much I cared about you, no one ever entered my mind, or my heart." Harry said.
"You know Harry." Ginny said as she rubbed a finger over her husband's shirt clad chest, "five is an odd number, perhaps we should go for an even six."
Harry looked at his loving and giving wife. "Six is a nice even number." Harry said then captured his wife's lips.
"Do you think we should torture the children and keep the gender a secret during this pregnancy or will we tell them early?" Ginny asked.
"We'll play it by ear." Harry said and kissed his wife.
"I love you Harry Potter." Ginny said.
"I love you Ginny Potter. For everything you've done for me and given me." Harry said with all the love and affection in his heart.
-The End-
This marks the end of Retribution (formerly Restitution). The person who originally named it (Des) suggested the change after she saw the direction I was going with the story. I want to thank everyone (particularly my 3 moderators who helped me with the logistics, editing, and everything else) for their comments and support.
The biggest thanks goes to Katey who's story Betrayed was the inspiration for my story. Had I offended her after the first 2 chapters I sent to her I would stopped writing this tale and I wouldn't have had as much fun as I did telling this tale.
Now some might be wondering.. What happened between chapter 17 and 18????
Well. keep wondering.
Just kidding. I am in the process of writing what it was that Harry was up to. Keep your eyes peeled for Harry Potter: Retribution II. While it won't be anywhere near as long as Retribution it will fill in some of the gaps that I had in this story (primarily the time between Ch's 17 & 18)
Dax S. Torres
It was 11:00am and Ginny Potter stood alone on the front porch of her family's home in the United States. Ginny decided shortly after James was born that she didn't want to live anywhere but here. This cabin that Ginny had come to think of as home since the day Harry had rescued her from the Ministry. Harry had added on to the home himself using only a little magic, but most of the work he did manually. He enjoyed doing it and was proud of the home he and Ginny built. The sun, while setting earlier these days was still high, the air was warm, but not unbearable, and Ginny was smiling as her children played in front of her. Jasmine, now six years old was playing with her younger brothers and sisters. The oldest of five children, Jasmine enjoyed her roll as big sister. The girls currently outnumbered the boys' three to two. James and the first born of the triplet's Daniel were running from their younger sisters Lily and Helena. Jasmine was following close behind to ensure her siblings stayed out of trouble and didn't get hurt, which Jasmine knew was asking a lot considering who their parents were.
"Mum." James called out slightly out of breath.
"Yes love, what is it?" Ginny asked.
"When's dah coming home?" James asked.
James' three younger siblings looked at their mother with the same curiosity as their older brother.
"He'll be home soon Jimmy. He had to go take care of some personal business but will be back before dinner." Ginny replied to her three year old son.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
"Harry." A surprised Ronald Weasley announced.
"Ron."
"This is an unexpected surprise. Uhhhh please. come in." Ron offered.
Harry walked into the Ron Weasley's home. The house was similar in design to the burrow but much nicer since Ron and Hermione both worked. They also had a considerably smaller family than Molly and Arthur had which meant they had more money available. Harry took in the surroundings while he waited for Hermione to appear. Ron had not seen Harry at all, save a few photographs at the Burrow, since the day Harry returned to the expose the wizarding world to the general populace. Much like Harry predicted, the world adapted to the change and went on as it always did. Sure there were problems in the beginning but as history has shown time and again, life marches on.
That same day, after verbally scolding, then empathically sharing his emotional torment in Azkaban with Dumbledore, Sirius, Remus, and himself, Harry had ordered Ron never to darken his doorstep. Ever. Knowing that he had hurt Harry one time too many, even going out of his way to kill Harry, Ron agreed and true to his word never did step foot in any of the Potter's home. If Harry was going to be at the Burrow, Ron made sure that he was not, if Harry were in Diagon Alley Ron apparated away. The only place Ron refused to leave was his home, although he would normally leave the room if Harry were coming.
"I came to drop off a gift for Hermione from Ginny, and to see my niece and nephew." Harry stated.
"I see." Ron said, a note of disappointment in his voice. He then started to leave the room.
You're a prat Ron. Harry stated in the man's head. You made far too many mistakes where our friendship is concerned. You misjudged me. you even tried to kill me Ron.
"I hate when you and Ginny do that." Ron stated out loud on purpose.
I can always voice my opinion aloud and let your children know what I think of you. Maybe they'd like to know why their dad and uncle aren't in the same place at the same time. Harry replied.
"Point taken. Continue." Ron said aloud for the final time.
I'm tried Ron of this Ron.. Harry stated his shoulders dropping as he sighed. Tired of all the animosity and anger. It needs to end now! Harry stated.
So what do you propose? Ron asked.
I forgive you Ron. Harry informed the man.
"You forgive me." Ron said rhetorically out loud. In the past three years he had never dared to hope that Harry would utter those words. Now he was getting misty eyed.
"Yes I forgive you. You stupid, fiery tempered, overly sensitive prat." Harry replied.
Ron ran up and bear hugged his best mate. The commotion he was causing brought the Weasley's down in a panic. Hermione had her wand drawn ready to stun the two if they were fighting only to find her husband and brother-in-law looking happier than she had seen them in two decades.
"Mummy, daddy hurting Unca Hawy." Justin Weasley said pointing at the two men.
"No honey, daddy's hugging Uncle Harry." Hermione corrected.
"Daddy and Unca Hawy friends again?" Phoebe asked.
Hermione smiled and simply nodded her head yes. "It would appear so." The four-year-old Justin and three year old Phoebe ran to the two men and gave them a hug.
"We a big family again!!!" Phoebe announced as she joyfully bounced towards her uncle. Harry hefted the little girl up and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. He then ran his hand through Justin's red hair.
"Yes Phoebe, we're one big happy family." Ron stated.
"I hate to cut this visit short but I have another stop to make." Harry said. He handed Hermione a wrapped box and gave his sister-in- law a kiss on the cheek. "You will have to come by the cabin sometime next week before you return to work." Harry said to Hermione.
"We'll be there mate, count on it." Ron chimed in, glad to finally be invited to the Potter family home he'd heard so much about.
"Oh. one more thing Ron." Harry added looking over his shoulder. "While I may forgive, I will never, EVER, forget."
Ron felt a chill up his spine as Harry departed his home. He, as well as his wife, understood Harry's message. Ron held took his wife's hand and said to her, "Love if I even look like I'm going to say or do something stupid. hex me. It will be far less painful." Ron stated, fearing his brother-in-laws wrath.
Hermione kissed her husband's cheek, "Count on it."
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
In another part of the country three old and unemployed men sat patiently at the Leaky Cauldron. Albus Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black had each received a summons to meet a man who three years earlier had informed them he never wanted to see them again. They each had a butterbeer in hand and were taking sips of it when Harry appeared, and sat down in front of them, but not looking at them. He ordered a butterbeer and waited for it to arrive. When the server brought the butterbeer Harry took a drink, swallowed, took in a deep breath, and exhaled. He then opened his eyes and looked at those three men who in his youth he had once both revered and in his adult hood detested.
"Thank you for showing up." Harry politely stated. Yet the three men could sense his cold tone of voice.
"We were quite surprised to hear from you Harry." Sirius said.
"I know. I was surprised I managed to muster the courage to write you all." Harry informed the trio. "It took me ages to write the letters, then even longer to send them out.
"So. what did you want to say to us?" Sirius asked his godson.
"I'm letting you all off the hook." Harry stated. "I don't have it in me to hate the three of you any longer. You all hurt me more than Voldemort ever could. The cruciatus curse was less painful then the knowledge that the three of you didn't have enough faith to believe me. You trusted circumstantial evidence more than your own knowledge of me. You knew me, you knew what he'd done to me, and yet you were so sure I was evil that you cast me into Azkaban."
Harry paused and took a drink of his butterbeer. "Still, even after everything I've been through, after all that I said three years ago, I don't have it in me to hate the three of you anymore."
"Thank you Harry." Sirius sighed. His companions also sighed in relief and thanked him as well.
"However. as I told Ron not too long ago when I forgave him. I will never forget what you did to me." Harry said. He then stood up to go.
"Good day gents. I have a family to get back to. Oh, by the way. you're all still fired." Harry said. The three men were sitting in shock until they heard Harry let out a very loud laugh as he exited the Leaky Cauldron.
"Well, I can't say I like his sense of humor but better to be the on the receiving end of a joke than for him to perceive us as jokes." Albus stated.
"I'll drink to that." Sirius and Remus bellowed in unison. The three men then ordered a round of fire whiskey.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
"So you actually forgave them all?" Ginny asked her husband as they snuggled on the couch watching the sunset. Ginny had fed the kids early and sent them to bed when Harry returned. He kissed all of his children and tucked them in. When they were all snug in their bed Harry at his dinner then sat on the couch with his radiant wife.
"Surprisingly. yes I managed to forgive them all."
"That was very big of you love. I know how hard it was for you to see them all again." Ginny said kissing her husbands cheek.
"It takes a lot to will power to hate people that much for a long time. I just couldn't do it anymore." Harry said.
"I think I know why." Ginny replied. Harry gave her a quizzical look since even he wasn't sure what had changed.
"The kids. They bring so much happiness and love to our lives, its impossible to hate anything or anyone after being around them so much." Ginny said and she leaned her head against her husband's chest.
Harry smiled, "You're right love. I never knew how happy I could be until Jasmine was born. Don't get me wrong Ginny, our time alone were some of the happiest I've ever had." Harry said before Ginny could say or do anything to him for his comment.
"It's just. I can't put into words how good it feels to have the kids in our lives." Harry stated.
That's one of the good things about being empathic Harry, you don't have to put it into words. I know exactly how you feel." Ginny replied. Harry tickled his smart alec wife. Ginny squirmed until Harry stopped.
"Your parents would be proud of you Harry. Azkaban hardened your heart, and made you vindictive. It was your right to lash out at those that turned on you, but in the end, with time, you forgave them." Ginny replied.
"You Ginny Potter are an amazing woman and mother." Harry said kissing his wife's forehead. "I don't think any woman could have put up with everything that happened to me, to us, and finally our family. You stood by me when no one else would, and for that I will always be grateful."
"You're just lucky you didn't go looking for one." Ginny sternly informed her husband.
"Gin no one could possibly replace you in my heart. From the moment I realized how much I cared about you, no one ever entered my mind, or my heart." Harry said.
"You know Harry." Ginny said as she rubbed a finger over her husband's shirt clad chest, "five is an odd number, perhaps we should go for an even six."
Harry looked at his loving and giving wife. "Six is a nice even number." Harry said then captured his wife's lips.
"Do you think we should torture the children and keep the gender a secret during this pregnancy or will we tell them early?" Ginny asked.
"We'll play it by ear." Harry said and kissed his wife.
"I love you Harry Potter." Ginny said.
"I love you Ginny Potter. For everything you've done for me and given me." Harry said with all the love and affection in his heart.
-The End-
This marks the end of Retribution (formerly Restitution). The person who originally named it (Des) suggested the change after she saw the direction I was going with the story. I want to thank everyone (particularly my 3 moderators who helped me with the logistics, editing, and everything else) for their comments and support.
The biggest thanks goes to Katey who's story Betrayed was the inspiration for my story. Had I offended her after the first 2 chapters I sent to her I would stopped writing this tale and I wouldn't have had as much fun as I did telling this tale.
Now some might be wondering.. What happened between chapter 17 and 18????
Well. keep wondering.
Just kidding. I am in the process of writing what it was that Harry was up to. Keep your eyes peeled for Harry Potter: Retribution II. While it won't be anywhere near as long as Retribution it will fill in some of the gaps that I had in this story (primarily the time between Ch's 17 & 18)
Dax S. Torres