Author's Note: Penultimate installment, Harry's time to leave draws near. Enjoy!

Harry stood before the Jedi Council. "Provided a great service to the Jedi you have," Yoda stated solemnly.

The other councillors nodded their agreement. "We are bestowing upon you the title of Master," Mace Windu stated.

"There's no need," Harry stated. He felt the shock of the councillors and was unable to help a grin. "I am not long for this world," he stated seriously.

Yoda sighed. "Knew this day would come we did," he remarked. "Miss your antics I will, young one."

Harry tilted his head, aware that the Council were communicating. "You are excused from your duties," Mace declared, "as are Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan."

"Thank you," he spoke sincerely, bowing to them, before he turned and left the council chambers. It was strange knowing that his time here was limited. Well, definitively coming to an end soon.

He made his way to the Clone Army's barracks, deftly making his way to Cody's quarters. Within a couple of seconds, he was invited inside. "Is everything all right Harry?" the General asked in concern.

He blew out a breath. "I wanted you to hear this from me," he stated. "I'm going to be leaving soon."

"Will it be before this evening?" he demanded.

"No," he answered without thought.

"Then would you please join us at seven tonight?" Harry nodded with a smile. "Bring Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and the Skywalkers – if they feel up to it." Harry nodded again. "Are you all right?"

"I knew I wasn't going to stay here," he stated. "But I am sorry to go. There are so many people that I will miss."

"As many as you miss from your own world?"

"Close," he admitted. He blew out a breath. "I'm sorry I won't be here to see Luke and Leia grow up, but at least I know this world is as safe as I could make it for them, and the rest of you."

"Seven," he reminded.

Harry laughed. "I get it, you've got arrangements to make," he spoke good naturedly as he made his way to the door.

He responded to the many greetings he got as he made it out of their barracks, turning toward Anakin and Padme's quarters, knowing that he would be met by Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon on the way.

"Going to see Anakin, Padme and the twins?" Qui-Gon asked with a smile.

"What gave it away?" Harry retorted with a grin.

"The smile," Obi-Wan replied with a grin of his own.

"As if you're not as excited to see them as I am."

"Boys," Qui-Gon sighed. They both grinned unrepentantly. "I had thought you would grow out of this."

"But you hoped not," Harry spoke with confidence and a cocky grin. His former Master tilted his head in concession. He saw them look at him curiously. "I will explain," he promised. "But I'd sooner do it once."

"We had thought that you would," Qui-Gon assured.

The door to the Skywalker's quarters opened before they reached it. Crying emitted from within. "Sorry," Anakin apologised.

"Children cry," Harry assured, slipping past the blonde. He followed the sounds to an almost flustered Padme. "Hi," he greeted. "What's that noise?" he asked in a soothing voice. With a thought, bright lights shimmered in the air above Luke and Leia, causing them both to giggle. "That's better," he spoke, smiling wide at the two cooing babes.

"Thank you," Padme breathed.

"Not as easy as you thought?"

"Sometimes it is not as simple as one thinks to soothe them," she replied slowly.

Harry grinned. "Mm. Come on, you two," he remarked, scooping up both cooing babies, using a combination of magic and the force to carefully hold one against each shoulder. He followed Padme into their living room, joining Anakin, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

"You're so good with children," Padme murmured.

"Believe me," Harry murmured as he conjured brightly coloured bubbles to float about the twins' delighted faces, "I was shocked."

"Do you have children of your own at home?" she asked concerned.

"A godson," he replied. "Who lives with his grandmother," he added. "But I doubt he's had the chance to miss me."

"What is it Harry?" Anakin asked gently.

He looked down at the twin's smiling faces for a moment. "I am not long for this world," he spoke softly. He felt his companions still.

"How long?" Padme asked.

"I am not sure, but I know it will be soon."

"Hours? Days? Weeks?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Days," he spoke definitively. "Perhaps a week, but not as many as two." He smiled poignantly. "At least I will get the chance to say goodbye."

"We need to tell-" Anakin began.

"The Council is already aware," Qui-Gon stated. "They have excused the three of us from our duties."

"And Harry just came from the Barracks," Obi-Wan added.

"Speaking of, Cody has invited all of us at seven tonight. If you're up to it?" he spoke to Padme and Anakin.

"We are not going to miss your farewell party," she stated. "I'll have a nap when the twins do if need be."

Harry smiled. "I don't know if it's a party."

"It will be a party," Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan spoke in unison.

Anakin shared a look with Padme, and she nodded her assent. "Will the three of you stay with us for the time Harry has left with us?"

"Of course we will," Qui-Gon replied, Obi-Wan murmuring his agreement.

"Harry?"

He grinned. "I was already planning on that, so I'm glad you offered it."