"Are you ready to tell them? I can't wait!" Snorkmaiden beamed. Harry shook his head and she deflated, "But why not?! How can you possibly expect me to hide this breathtaking ring!?"

Harry chuckled as they walked back to camp. "I want to plan the reveal...Maybe we can have a party? Especially with Winter around the corner."

Snorkmaiden relented with a smirk. "I suppose that is a good idea. But if anyone sees the ring and asks, I'm telling them!" Harry playfully rolled his eyes. "Okay, fine. Don't shove your hand in their faces too much." She swished her tail happily as they walked back to camp.

"And where were you two off to?" Snufkin smirked as both Harry and Snorkmaiden paused. Little My snorted, "Well, whatever it was, it sure was quick!"

Harry rolled his eyes as Snorkmaiden bristled. "If you must know, it was-"

Harry interrupted her. "It was just a walk, hush." He reprimanded as his friends continued to tease.

Sniff scratched his ear, "I don't get it?"

Moomin and the others snickered as Sniff looked around at them with a frown.

Harry sat back down with Snorkmaiden flopping happily beside him. They were practically connected at the hip.

Harry cleared his throat. "So...Snorkmaiden and I were talking and...We thought about hosting a party."

Snorkmaiden lavishly placed her ringed finger on Harry's shoulder. "Oh, it's a SPLENDID idea! Isn't it a DAZZLING idea guys?" Harry side-eyed her in amusement at her obvious hints.

Moomin perked up, "A party? At our house?"

Harry nodded, "Sure! Do you think Mama and Pappa would mind?"

Moomin huffed, "Are you kidding? Mama loves parties!... Pappa loves them, just not preparing them. But I think most people are like that. They'll love it."

"But what for?" Sniff muttered as Harry shrugged. "Oh...We'll just call it a send-off before Winter comes."

Snorkmaiden beamed, waving her hand near the firelight. "Yes, it would be! All the SPARKLING snow coming. It's a wonderful way to RING IN the season!"

Little My squinted at Snorkmaiden. "Do you have a sprained wrist or something? You're flopping your hand around like a fish."

Snorkmaiden folded her arms with a frown. "Argh, you guys are so oblivious sometimes." Harry chuckled as he wrapped an arm around her.

Snufkin chimed in, "A party, huh? It sounds like a great idea. A good way to say goodbye before I leave."

Moomin's face fell ever so slightly as his ears drooped. "Yeah...A great goodbye."

The fire soon died down. Little My was staying at Sniffs for the night, which she complained about. Moomin wanted to spend the night by the fire with Snufkin and his large tent but Snufkin declined. Moomin tried covering up his disappointment as they said goodbye, the brothers walking Snorkmaiden home.

Snorkmaiden happily kept looking at her hand the entire time, humming and swishing her tail as her fur turned a faint pink. Moomin seemed too depressed to even care or question her happy mood.

"Oh goodbye dearest, I can hardly wait for the party." She hummed as Harry kissed her. He smiled lovingly at her, "Neither can I. Sleep well."

Moomin looked away with a grumble at their happiness. It was unlike Moomin.

Once goodnights and sweet nothings were exchanged among the happy couple, Harry turned to Moomin as they walked home.

"Moomin, are you alright?"

"I'm FINE." He muttered. Harry raised a brow. "Really? Because you look like if you were a Snork, you'd be quite colorful."

"I said, I'm fine!" Moomin's deeper voice grumbled. But Harry saw the sad expression on his brother's face.

"Moomin...We're practically adults. If you want to travel, then do so. Mama and Pappa already said they don't mind."

Moomin huffed, "That's not the problem."

Harry sighed, "I know...It's Snufkin."

Moomin stiffened as he averted his eyes. "N-no."

Harry sighed again with a skeptical look. "Suurreee… This has been going on since we were kids. I guess I just wish you'd both figure out a compromise or stop waiting for him to want company around...You can't change someone's personality, Moomin."

Moomin turned his head and said nothing. But by how low his ears were, Harry knew he was close to tears. To prevent any other sadness, Harry awkwardly dropped the subject as they walked home.

A few days passed as they decorated the Moomin house.

"I don't know why you don't just use your magic to do this, son," Moominpappa said as he unfolded chairs. Harry sighed, "Pappa, we've been over this. I can't use my magic for everything. It takes energy, focus-"

"Ah yes, yes. I know." Moominpappa mumbled as he cut Harry off, loading up even more chairs.

Meanwhile, Snorkmaiden fussed in her room. Brushing her hair in different directions, adding jewelry before changing her mind and putting it away, only to change her mind again.

"ARGH! NO!" She exclaimed as she indecisively reconsidered her look for the utmost time.

"Snorkmaiden, what is going on down here? I can't work with all this racket!" Snork said as he came in to see what was going on.

Snorkmaiden let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know how to style my hair or what to accessories with for the party!"

Snork pushed up his glasses, "Why not go as you always go?"

She shook her head as she adjusted herself in the mirror, "No, no, no! Snork, this is such an important night for me!"

Snork shrugged, "Well regardless, I hope you have fun." She whipped around from the mirror to gape at her brother. "You aren't coming?!" Snork shook his head, "Oh no, I have entirely too much work to do."

Snork faltered as his sister's fur changed and she looked close to tears. "How can you put work before your own sister?!"

"Snorkmaiden! It's just a party, what will it hurt if I miss it?"

She growled as she clenched her fist. The glimmer on her hand caught his eye as he saw the ring for the first time. He tilted his head at the mesmerizing gem.

"Snorkmaiden, where did you get that beautiful ring?"

She thrusted her hand outward with a glare. "Well, since you aren't going to be there, I guess there's no need for hiding the fact I'm engaged!"

His eyes bulged as his glasses slid off his nose. "WHAT?! WHEN?!"

"Maybe if you got out of the tower more often and got your nose out of your planes you would have noticed!" Snorkmaiden faltered at her own words and tone. She looked back at Snork with teary eyes, "Oh Snork, I'm sorry! I just...I want this to go perfect."

Snork's tail nervously jittered as he rubbed his arm. "It's okay...So, Harry asked?"

She nodded.

"Well… He wouldn't have asked you had he not loved you enough. So, maybe try less to be perfect and just...Be there?" He awkwardly gave. Snorkmaiden blinked at her brother in surprise.

"Um.." He continued as he averted his eyes, "Congratulations. If it means that much to you, I can postpone my model for one night. After all, Harry will be a wonderful Snork...Or man for you..."

Snorkmaiden smiled, "You really mean it? Oh, Thank you Snork. But don't tell a soul, okay?" She ran up to hug him. He lightly returned the gesture.

They parted as his fur shifted colors in his happiness and nerves. "You're welcome, sister...Besides, who would I tell from now to the party?"

Snorkmaiden giggled, "Very true. Still, just to be safe."

That evening, the party started. Everyone in Moomin Valley was invited, even Stinky despite a few protests. It was a bit cool being Autumn, but otherwise, the weather was nice.

They served punch, had appetizers and a live band of Moomin residents. Harry was shocked that even the witch showed with Alicia. Alicia landed beside her Grandmother, having her own broom now.

She was a stunning witch with long auburn hair she now wore up in a loose bun. She wore a short black dress with bell sleeves and dark tights. She immediately greeted Harry, having not seen him in years. After her training was over, she went back to where she came from with her Mother.

They hadn't seen one another since they were pre-teens.

"Harry! Look at you! You grew up to be so tall and handsome!" She grinned making Harry blush.

He would never argue that Alicia wasn't beautiful, charming and a human witch. But no matter how much he appreciated the flattery, his heart belonged to Snorkmaiden. However, he also knew Alicia was just a bubbly girl, not meaning anything by the compliments.

Harry materialized into his Snork form with ease. His height the same as well as his hair and scar. He smirked in her grasp, "Still handsome?"

She clapped her hands with glee, "And powerful! Isn't Snorkmaiden lucky!... Wait...It's still her, right?"

Harry nodded enthusiastically, "Oh yes, more than you think...You look great as well. I see you're a full-fledged witch."

She let him go with a smile, "And I hear you might be powerful enough to rival the best magician or witch."

The old witch got off her broom and passed by the two. "I highly doubt that. Maybe Hobgoblin but he certainly doesn't rival me! Now, where's the food?"

Harry chuckled to Alicia. "She hasn't changed." He commented. Alicia giggled as well, "I hope she never does either."

Harry and Alicia walked to the party with his Snork form. Harry saw Moomin and Snufkin out in the field talking away from the house. He could tell the tension was thick between them and instantly knew it was over Snufkin's departure for Winter.

Over the years, Harry was unsure of Snufkin and Moomin, both having a strange but strong bond. He just wished Snufkin would either allow Moomin to explore with him at least once or that Moomin would stop hoping. Just to save his brother the heartache.

Harry shook it off as he made his way over to Snorkmaiden. Moomin sulking as he made his way back to the party and Snufkin tensely followed.

'They're old enough to handle their own problems. This is one of the happiest nights of my life, I need to enjoy it!' He rejoiced. He forgot about anyone else or any trouble when he looked at Snorkmaiden.

She wore her usual attire, and for that, he adored her more. He didn't think he'd ever get tired of the idea of being his childhood friend's husband. Even little simple pleasures of domestic life made his heart sing.

"Ready dear?" Snorkmaiden asked. Harry grinned, "Beyond ready."

Everyone was caught off guard by the chiming of a spoon against a glass. They turned to see Snorkmaiden. "Attention everyone! Harry and I have an announcement to make!"

Everyone turned to her and him, waiting. Harry spoke up, "I wanted all of our closest family and friends of Moomin Valley here for this. That's the entire reason we decided to host this party. Of course, thanks to Moominmama and Moominpappa's help, along with our friends."

Little My cupped her hands to shout, "Get on with it!"

Harry and Snorkmaiden shared a grin before ecstatically showing the crowd her ring. "We're engaged!" They cheered in unison.

There was a moment of silence before the crowd hooted and clapped at the couple. Everyone ran up to congratulate them. Moominmama's eyes shone as she hugged both Harry and her future daughter in law.

"Oh what a wonderful thing! Snorkmaiden, when shall we plan the wedding?"

Snorkmaiden happily hugged Moominmama, "Oh, as soon as possible! Spring!"

"That soon after Winter?" Moominmama asked to which Snorkmaiden faltered, "Should we go for Summer instead?"

Harry smiled at everyone, the happy energy contagious. Until he saw a figure looming in the distance. His face fell at seeing Hobgoblin, looking pensive in the distance. Harry excused himself as Snorkmaiden happily chatted with everyone about their upcoming wedding.

Harry strode up to Hobgoblin, still shorter than him but not freakishly so like he was growing up.

"Hobgoblin, you actually came!" Harry gave an unsure smile as he came closer, seeing the worry on Hobgoblin's features. He just knew his fur was turning a turquoise green with the fear budding inside.

"Harry, I'm sorry to drop in on such a joyous occasion with bad news, but this simply can't wait. There is no more time, despite my best efforts."

Harry's face fell. "What do you mean?... What's wrong?"

Hobgoblin sighed, guilt-ridden all over his face. "They're coming for you, Harry. And there is nothing any of us can do to stop them."

Hobgoblin led Harry away from the party, far away to the mountains. In hopes that he could tell Harry before 'they' came.

"Hobgoblin, please tell me why we're going clear out here. Is it that discrete?"

The older magician sighed heavily as he sat on a rock. Harry did the same, giving the man his full attention.

"...I tried. I tried and failed to hide you." He drew out, looking older than usual as his face sagged.

Harry's Snork fur was as green as it had ever been. "From what?"

"No my boy, from who...The dark one that killed your birth parents, the prophecy you were meant to uphold, and from the hate of the human and wizarding worlds."

Harry looked shocked, "I-I don't-"

"Harry, please let me speak! Thy have not much time left!" Hobgoblin schooled his features as he continued. "Your parents were both a wizard and a witch. They died protecting you from the Dark one, the one that wanted you destroyed, for he knew you'd be his undoing. He failed to kill you, killing your parents instead. They protected you with every ounce of love and magic they had."

Harry's face contorted in anger, "And you kept this from me?!" Hobgoblin stood in his own urgency. "Thou can be mad at me later, just listen! He comes nearer to this realm with each second."

"The one that killed my parents?"

"Nay. The one that will take you from here. I don't know how they found you, but they did. There is nothing I can do but help you run. Perhaps we can go to another realm? You can travel with me! I'll make sure they can't catch us."

Harry looked outraged. "This is my home! I just got engaged around my entire family and friends! And you're telling me to run?! For how long? Forever?! What if I stay a Snork? They're expecting a human, right? Perhaps we can fool them?"

Hobgoblin sighed, "That will not work. You bear the mark. The mark the dark one gave you when he tried to kill you. They'll recognize you no matter what."

Harry subconsciously touched his forehead.

Hobgoblin sighed, "I knew you'd say no...I just...I suppose I wanted to apologize and explain before he arrives. I truly am sorry, Harry. I honestly tried to give you a better life. I even avoided telling you of your parents for fear you'd seek revenge and undo the effort I put into your happiness."

Harry felt his head spinning uncontrollably. "Why? Why do they want me? Why can't I just fight them or say no?!"

Hobgoblin went to answer when his face fell. He let out a shaky breath as he spoke. "We're too late...No matter what, have no fear. You will get through this and defeat the dark one, I have seen it as a path for you. Now take that path."

"And what about the other paths?!" Harry exclaimed as Hobgoblin didn't reply.

Harry went to retort again when green light emitted behind him. He turned to the mountainside to see an old man with a long beard and robes.

"Ah, young Harry Potter I presume? My you look different than what I expected...And a friend is with...A very powerful friend." The wizard addressed Hobgoblin with an appraising eye. Hobgoblin protectively placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

Harry built up a bit of courage as he looked to the other magic wielder. "I don't know that name. I go by Harry Moomin."

The old wizard smiled warmly, "Oh, I see. We'll have to change that on your records."

Hobgoblin spoke up, "How did you find him?"

The wizard bowed his head, "My name is Dumbledore. I'm ahead of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And how I found Harry after so many years of thinking he was departed, was from the Goblet of Fire. Someone put his name in."

Dumbledore looked pensive as he continued. "I… Know why this gentleman brought you here...My colleague had a similar idea. But, nothing can be changed now."

"And why not? Are you going to take me by force?"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Goodness no!... In fact, time is different here it seems. So you'll have a chance to pack, say goodbye and anything else. However, the Ministry of Magic now knows about you. Once your name is in the fire, there is no going back. Either you come with me to compete in the Goblet of Fire or lose your magic...Especially once they see how powerful you are...You did a good job, my friend." Dumbledore gave a grateful smile to Hobgoblin who merely nodded.

Meanwhile, Harry felt his world slow to a halt. The words that stuck out in Dumbledore's sentence ringing in his mind and canceling everything else out. His throat was dry as he looked on in fear. "L-lose my magic?"