Family Man
Author's Note: Originally published on March 17, 2011
A high-pitched squeal interrupted my thoughts as James emerged from the back door of the Burrow, clad only in a nappy. He'd escaped another changing—a born troublemaker, my son.
Walking into that forest years ago, I never thought I'd have all this.
It didn't seem possible.
I vividly remember those dreaded steps, my life decided for me. No hope of ever experiencing those few things in my life that gave me joy. The acute awareness of the smell of the grass and cool air on my face in that moment truly made me appreciate the little things.
I've lived my life with this realization always in mind.
It was a gift to have the freedom to once again fly through the air, the open skies beckoning, speeding forward with the wind blowing through my hair. This simplest of pleasures, the first true fun I'd had in my youth was not to be taken for granted.
The door opened and Ginny's voice called out for James. My wife, my partner, and now the mother of our children, her fire and passion had taught me to love and be loved. It was this hope that had gotten me through so many nights, when my spirit was nearly broken. Just the thought of her set my heart ablaze, allowing me to forge an iron will to take on the greatest of evils for a future with her.
As my son waddled his way back to the house, I caught a glance of an image that my eleven-year-old self would have never believed, even with all of the magic in the world. Ron and Hermione were huddled under a tree, his long arms dangling comfortably around her shoulders, staring at her with so much love as she tickled baby Rose.
I've always been at a loss to describe exactly how much they've meant to me. Despite their own ups and downs, they were always there for me, their belief and friendship as solid as the earth I'm standing on. They gave me that strength and support that I needed to not only survive, but to grow into a man capable of raising a family.
Harry Potter, family man. It was truly remarkable. In my short time as a father, I've already learned many valuable lessons about how to raise children, the patience and flexibility needed for such a task. Yet, the one which will serve me best, that life flows like a turbulent river and it's best to enjoy the scenery, was learned years ago on a dark forest path.
I thought that was the close.
It was just the start of more than I could imagine.