Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters and places. They belong to J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers, and a few others I won't mention. I have just borrowed a few things for a little while.

A/N: Just so you know, in case you don't like such things, this last and final chapter contains sexual content. You have been warned.

November 12

Here I am again, dear Diary, just as I promised, to continue my tale…

September 2, 2000: The following day I was in a daze - from lack of sleep and well, because of him. We saw each other several times throughout the day; in the Great Hall for meals, in the corridor and then later in the staff room. His attitude was surprising. He was strangely calm, as if nothing had happened between us. He didn't seem to be ill at ease being around me. Merlin knows I was, but I was trying with all my might not to let it show. Every time I saw him, it felt like there was a volcano in the pit of my stomach just waiting to erupt. Susan was quietly observing us both. I think she was waiting for that eruption just as much as I.

The week went by, with the same scenarios repeating themselves on a daily basis. We spoke little, always in the context of a larger conversation between colleagues. Susan was often the leader in these discussions and I often suspected her of trying to stir the cauldron a little bit. She was being very subtle about it, so I couldn't be angry with her. I knew she had my best interests at heart.

It was stronger than me; there was no way I could resist. Whenever I knew that he wasn't looking, I had to look at him. He had changed little in appearance. He was perhaps a little more filled out and somewhat broader in the shoulders; his face a little more mature. He no longer wore his glasses so his eyes were even more striking. The greatest change I noticed was in his demeanor. Gone was the sometimes shy, unsure adolescent and in his place was a young man who seemed confident, out-going and happy. Harry seemed to be at peace. I was pleased for him. I often felt little stirrings in my heart and elsewhere; I moved quickly to squash them.

Friday night of that first week began as usual – me in my rooms, laying low. A knock came at my door. Thinking it was probably Susan, coming to drag me out into the world, I opened it. I gasped. It was Harry! I stood there, unable to speak. I had figured since he hadn't come to see me straight away that Harry wouldn't come at all. I had been oh so wrong. I think he realized that he had shocked me yet again, so he asked if he could come in. I stood aside so he could pass. My mind was racing – what was I going to say to him? Part of me wanted to give him hell, perhaps even curse him, for hurting me so badly, for leaving me behind, for not loving me. But there was a teeny, tiny little microscopic spot in my heart that thrilled to see him standing before me. I pushed aside the thoughts of the first time he had come knocking at my door. I remember thinking 'don't even go there!'

I finally found my voice. I told Harry that I had been expecting him before this and had thought that he wouldn't come at all. His visit had surprised me to say the least. He said he was sorry and that seeing me again had been more difficult that he had thought. He said he had been struggling with himself all week, trying to figure out what he was going to say. He stopped. We stood there looking uncomfortably at one another for what seemed an eternity but in actual fact it was not even for a minute. I said, 'Well, what was it you decided you were going to say, Harry?' He cleared his throat and began to speak, 'I need to tell you where I have been all this time, Claire. I have to make you understand why I left. Can we sit down?' And we did just that, we sat and I listened to him for hours. He had been traveling the world in the time he had been away from Hogwarts. He told me of all the places he had been and of all the fascinating and strange people he had met. At first, it had been difficult for him. Everyone was most anxious to meet the 'Boy who Not only Lived, but Saved the World'. Harry, after all, had become the most famous wizard of our time and celebrity is not without its drawbacks. Harry told me that he soon became keenly aware of what that celebrity meant. He had to be very, very careful of the people he met. He learned quickly how to weed out the 'hangers on' from those who truly cared about him.

I found myself completely enthralled with his adventures. Merlin, I was jealous of his travels! He had been what seemed like everywhere in the world and had seen everything there was to see. My meager travels seemed very insignificant. I had seen nothing compared to him. Soon, I found myself at ease with him, my anger waning. I felt I should try to maintain it, after all, he had hurt me terribly, but I found I could not. I was slipping down that slope I had so greatly feared. I was falling under his spell anew.

He regaled me with tales of the people he had encountered – Witches, Wizards, Vampires, Werewolves, Goblins, and even Muggles. He said he now counted himself very fortunate that he had so many friends, all of different backgrounds and in so many places. As if he had read my mind, he said yes, he had taken many lovers. I felt myself squirm, although I knew that he had done so. What else would a healthy young man do – remain celibate? It seemed he had worked his way around the world of pleasure as well. Thankfully, he did not go into too many details. I suspect he felt my uneasiness. I was more than grateful.

Harry then asked me the question I had been dreading – how had I been and how was I now? I didn't want to reveal completely how I had been after he left nor did I want to laugh it off as if it had been nothing. I chose a middle ground. I told him how hurt I had been at his departure, adding it had taken me a very long time to come to terms with it. I told him I, too, had taken lovers, but nothing had ever worked out. I never told him why my relationships had ultimately failed. He inquired if I was happy. That was a tough one to answer. I replied that on some levels I was, for example my work, my friendship with Susan but that no, I wasn't really. This was the first question that I had answered truthfully. He shook his head knowingly.

I asked the same question to him. His answer was different from my own – he was quite happy, not 100%, but pretty close. I then asked him if he had found himself again, as he had said he wanted to do in his letter. He replied that yes, he had. He had found Harry Potter and had discovered who he was and what he wanted. 'Are you a peace now Harry?' I asked. 'Almost, Claire,' he said, 'almost.' I replied that I was happy for him. His next words have stuck with me. 'My trip was one of discovery, Claire, discovery of our world, yes, but more so of myself. I searched long and hard but I finally found what it was that I needed to be happy. Of all the places I have seen, I wanted to be in the one where I had been the most happy; the place where I first had been happy - here at Hogwarts. I knew that I had a lot to offer, so that is why I accepted Dumbledore's offer to teach. It was the perfect opportunity for me to come home, Claire.'

I had always known that Harry would make an excellent teacher, and I told him as such. 'I'm glad you were able to find your happiness, Harry,' I said somewhat wistfully. At least one of us had found satisfaction.

Harry continued, 'There's more, Claire. I told you a few moments ago that I was not quite 100% happy and that I was almost at peace. I have also discovered what it will take for me to fulfill those two dreams. I have had many lovers, but I never actually loved any of them. A couple of times, I thought that I might be in love, but it never happened. Things were good between us, but somehow there always seemed to be something missing. I felt great affection for them, but never love. Can I share a secret with you?' I nodded.

'I never fell in love with anyone because I always compared them to you, Claire. None of them could ever measure up,' he whispered.

I began to tremble. Could I have heard correctly? Did Harry just say that he had compared his lovers to me, the same thing I had been doing? I sat there, stunned and speechless, with my hand over my mouth, waiting for him to continue.

'I wasn't going to share this with you tonight, thinking it would be better to gradually ease into it, but I can not continue this charade I have been playing. I know how much I hurt you, and I am so very, very sorry that I did. I hope you see now why I had to leave. I hope you understand. In the letter I wrote you, I said I wasn't sure of my feelings for you but I am now. I never fell in love with anyone because it is you that I love, Claire. It took me awhile to realize it, but now I know this is the truth. I will understand if you can't forgive me or if you don't love me anymore, but I…I am hoping you still do. Do you Claire?'

Tears began to trickle down my cheeks. All of the emotions I had been feeling for so long suddenly welled up and caught in my throat. I felt like I would choke. I couldn't believe what I was hearing! I remember asking myself, 'Is this a dream?' I also recall thinking, 'Dear Merlin, if this is a dream, please don't let me ever wake up.' But it wasn't a dream; it was very, very real. Harry was sitting across from me; how do I describe the look in his eyes at that moment – expectant, hopeful, but tinged with apprehension. He had just declared his love for me and was asking if I still loved him! Did I still love him? I could barely breathe, let alone speak. All I could do was nod my head – yes! YES! YESSS!

He gazed at me, his eyes starting to shine brightly, 'You still do? Really?'

I finally came to my senses and was able to say, 'Really. I love you, Harry. I never stopped loving you.'

Harry stood and took my hand in his. He pulled me up and into his arms. We held onto one another so tightly, neither one of saying a word. It was almost as if we were afraid we would lose one another again if we dared to let go for even the merest fraction of a second. In his strong arms I felt safe, protected, at peace. Such emotion bubbled up inside of me; I don't think I could ever describe it accurately. It was all-encompassing, surrounding my body with warmth, reaching the deepest corners of my soul. All I knew I was happy, dear Merlin, I was happy at last!

Harry was the first to pull away from our embrace. He took my face gently in his hands and kissed me, marvelously, deliciously, teasingly. Have you ever had the feeling that what was happening to you wasn't real; that it was an illusion? That was exactly how I felt at that moment. It was as if I was standing on the edge of a dream watching, waiting for it to unfold. The sensation of Harry's body pressed closely to my own brought me back to reality. Our kisses had progressed quickly; they were now more desperate, needier, breathless. Hands that had been gentle took what they wanted, not waiting for permission to be given. Harry's expert fingers worked their way down my back, where they stopped to squeeze my ass, and then back up to capture my breasts. My hands were exploring him as well. He had indeed filled out, much to my great satisfaction. I marveled at the broadness of his shoulders and the strength of his well-muscled arms. I let my hand trail slowly down his stomach to firmly grab his crotch. My finger traced his length and caressed its head through his jeans. Harry moaned loudly and then pulled me down to the floor. I lay down and he straddled me on all fours. He leaned forward and began to kiss me while I tried my best to undress him. This was getting to be too much for me; I needed him right then and there and I told him so.

Harry leaned back, sitting astride my hips. Merlin, he looked so hot with his tousled hair, open shirt and unbuckled belt! Harry smirked down at me and began to undo my shirt. Why did I have to wear a blouse with so many freaking buttons? It seemed to be taking forever so Harry finally said, 'Screw this, where's my wand?' He retrieved it from under the table where it had rolled and quickly muttered a spell. Once we were both naked he said, 'Much better.' He moved forward and lay down on top of me, kissing me deeply all the while working his legs over mine so that he was now between them. His lips left mine and moved slowly downward, stopping here and there to suck and nibble, driving me closer and closer to the edge. Suddenly, I felt no more. I pushed myself up onto my elbows so that I could see what Harry was doing. He was completely still with his eyes closed; he was inhaling deeply. Such a simple action, but it was one of the most erotic things I had ever seen! It made me feel so desired and so sexy. I watched in fascination as suddenly his pink tongue darted out and tickled me ever so quickly. He was then upon me, sucking and teasing, his tongue making the most delicious swirling motion. Sweet Merlin! It was incredible! I could not remain silent. I didn't know I was capable of such sounds. It wasn't long before I was begging, pleading with him, 'Harry, please. Please I need you now!' He withdrew, leaned down to kiss me (I could taste myself on his lips!) and then moved back, positioned himself and entered me in one swift movement. 'Yes' came from both of us. After a brief respite, Harry began to thrust quickly but deeply.

Although there was the sensation of great urgency in our love-making, there was also an overwhelming feeling of correctness or rightness (I'm not really sure of the appropriate word; there must be another one that is more fitting, but I can't think of it) – this was how things were supposed to be. We were exactly where we should be, in each others' arms, together, lovers, making love.

As I was a fraction of a second from my climax, I felt the most curious sensation; one that I had never felt before. How can I describe it? It felt as if an unseen force moved through me, making me hyper-aware of Harry, myself and our joining. As I came crying out Harry's name, it peaked as well. I felt as if every nerve in my body was tingling. Harry moaned loudly as he came and then collapsed on top of me, spent and panting. He whispered, 'I love you, Claire.' I responded in kind.

Harry slipped beside me and we lay there silently and contentedly. Sometimes words are not necessary. It was enough that we were together. As I lay there, I thought how wonderful it had been, even better than the first time. How could that be possible? This time, the desire had been just as strong, but there was love behind it and this love was from both partners.

The floor is not the most comfortable place, so I suggested that we move to my bed. We snuggled in together and I asked Harry if he had felt anything strange while we were making love. He replied, 'You mean a weird kind of energy?' I answered, yes, that was it and I inquired if Harry knew what it was. He laughed and looked at me and said, 'You mean you don't know what that was, Claire?' I shook my head. 'That was our magic auras joining together. It happens sometimes when two people are meant to be together. We are in sync with one another now. I guess this proves I did the right thing by coming here, don't you think, love.'

That was the first time Harry ever called me 'love'. I adored the sound of it. I decided to tease him a little. I told him that if he would recall, I knew that we were meant to be together a long time ago. It wasn't my fault that it took so long. Harry blushed just a little, grinned and said 'Touché.' He pulled me closer and held me tightly.

We made love so many times that night, I can't even remember how many. All I recall is that it was bloody amazing each and every time. A repeat performance of what we did in the chair in the Room of Requirement stands out as particularly memorable.

When at last we were exhausted, Harry and I climbed under the covers together and settled in; Harry spooned against my back, his arms around me. I had one last thing to say before we drifted off.

I whispered, 'Harry?'

'Yes, Claire?'

'Welcome home. I love you, Harry.'

He kissed my shoulder and gave me a squeeze. 'I'm glad to be home. I love you too, Claire.'

For the first time in so long, I slept well that night. No dreams haunted me; no specters of the past roused me from my slumber. The best part came the next morning. I awoke with a smile on my face as I reached over and HE was still there. Harry was still in my bed. He remains there to this day. We have not been apart since. Every morning I awake with that smile, for every morning I awake to find Harry beside me.

As I said, we have been together since that fateful day. Harry moved into my quarters immediately. We both felt that since we had missed so much time together, there was no sense in delaying the inevitable. Albus was, of course, very pleased, as was everyone else on the staff. We were married on June 21, 2001, before the whole school. It was a lovely ceremony, with Albus having the honor of conducting the service. Ron was Harry's Best Man, of course, just as Susan was my Maid of Honor. It was a wonderful day; more wonderful than I had ever dared imagine. It was on that day that Hogwarts acquired a second 'Professor Potter.' Professor Claire Potter – it has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

And now, dear Diary, you know the whole story of how Harry and I FINALLY got together. Thanks for always being there for me!

P.S.

I should mention that Hermione was very pregnant at our wedding and gave birth about a month later to her and Ron's first child – Jonathan Arthur Weasley. Little Jonathan is our godson, and is just adorable. He has red hair just like a true Weasley.

Here Harry and I are now, awaiting our first, too. I forgot to tell you, dear Diary, that Harry was just as thrilled as I was to learn that we will have a son. He had tears in his eyes as he bent down to caress my stomach after I shared the news with him.

He kissed 'The Bump' (as we like to call my belly now) and began to speak softly, 'Hey James, it's your daddy here. I can't wait to meet you son.' You know that I had tears in my eyes as well. Five more months to go – it seems like such a long time to wait. I am anxious to meet you too, James. Life is wonderful!

Albus said to me a long time ago, 'Don't worry, Claire. Everything will work out for the best.' It seems he was right after all.

The End