Trials and Tribulations

Summary: Harry Potter knew he was going to get shocked when he visited his parents graves. He knew that'd he'd see family he never met; like grandparents, uncles, and aunts. But one thing he didn't know was that he was going to meet his sister.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I am not making any profit off of this fanfic.

Epilogue

Harry sat back, his tea forgotten. Remus looked like he was going to cry, and he was hastily wiping at his eyes. For a long time neither person said anything, Harry's voice caught in his throat and Remus trying to compose himself. Remus ran a hand through his hair and then cleared his throat. "Like I said, your mother was a very peculiar person."

"Calm," Harry said. "Very calm."

Remus nodded his head. He pushed away his mug of tea and leaned back in his chair, staring at Harry. Harry looked down into his mug, staring at the dark liquid. It was cold by now, not even warm enough to drink. Harry sucked in a breath and then looked back at Remus. "I'm sorry about barging in here earlier."

"I don't blame you. I know I or Sirius should have told you the story, but it's always been hard to talk about. It was a very difficult time in your parents life, and it affected all of us."

It was quiet for several minutes between them. Remus picked up his mug of tea and took Harry's tea. He put the mugs away in the sink and began milling around for something to eat. He asked Harry if he was hungry, but Harry declined. He didn't have an appetite at the moment. To make conversation Remus asked, "How're Ron and Hermione?"

"Good," Harry said, looking up at his hands, glad that he had something to talk about. "Ron woke up yesterday, and Hermione's being Hermione, fussing over him."

"Kind of like Molly?"

"Almost exactly like her, but Ginny's just as bad," Harry said, laughing a bit. "Probably worse, she's been influenced more by Mrs. Weasley than Hermione."

"It's easy to be influenced by Molly," Remus said, walking back into the dining room. He had a small plate of crisps. He offered Harry some until he took a few for himself. They ate in silence, allowing their small conversation to turn over in their minds. Harry began forming questions in his mind, knowing that Remus wouldn't mind answering them. He wiped his hands on his trousers and looked back at Remus. He seemed to be studying Harry's face.

"Where's Elizabeth?" Harry asked, knowing that the was probably the most unpleasant question. He realized it was when Remus grimaced.

"She died before Lily and James did, right before they went into hiding actually. Voldemort found her, and she refused to say anything about your parents. He left her for the Death Eaters, the bloody-"

"Remus, are you hungry?"

Harry jumped. Tonks walked in, dusting her hands off on her clothes. She noticed the half eaten crisps on his plate and shook her head. "That is not a meal, and I'm starving, so you better be hungry. Harry, are you hungry?"

"Not really Tonks," Harry said, looking up at Remus's very pregnant wife. She smiled at him.

"I'll make you something anyway."

"Actually Tonks, I was getting ready to leave. I have some business to attend to."

"You sound so grown up," Tonks said, patting Harry's head. "I still think you could use a bit of food. You're all skin and bones!" Tonks walked into the kitchen. Remus lifted an eyebrow at Harry, as if he were saying, I told you so.

Harry stood up. "I'll see you later Remus." He walked around the table and embraced Remus in a hug. It was a bit strange to hug him, but it felt good at the same time. Remus patted his back and smiled at him.

"If you have any questions, stop by any time."

"I will." Harry walked to the front door. "Bye Tonks!"

"Bye Harry! Take care, and keep an eye on Ron and Hermione!"

"Will do," Harry repeated. He waved at Remus halfheartedly and then left the house. He stood on the porch for a moment, just taking a deep breath. Then he looked up. The sky was clear, no signs of the earlier rain. Harry patted his clothes. They weren't that damp anymore. He walked off the porch, pulling his wand out in the process. He disapparated with a flick of his wand.

He landed lightly on his feet in the middle of Hogsmeade. It was the late afternoon and there were no witches or wizards milling about this time. It looked like Madame Rosmerta left, there were no lights on and no cleaning. Harry shoved his hands in his pockets and walked through Hogsmeade. It was a bit strange walking through here two times in one day, but he knew he had things to do. Again he was making his way to Williams Shop of Flowers. This time the older man wasn't sweeping. He was inside his shop and it looked like he was getting ready to close up for the day. Harry started out at a jog and ran to the store. The man looked at Harry, smiling.

"Sir, can I have some more flowers? I'll pay this time," Harry said, skidding to a halt in front of the counter. The wizard smiled at Harry, nodding his head.

"Anything for you Mr. Potter." He went back to the back room, returning with a dozen and a half red roses. Harry didn't even need to ask for how many he needed. He shoved his hand in his pocket, pulling out a few galleons. He checked the price of the flowers, relieved that the price wasn't going to be over a few galleons. When he had the roses safely in his hand he gave the wizard the money and backed out of the store, not asking for the change.

He pivoted at the doorway and ran to the dirt path. His heart was beating quickly and he knew that the day wasn't even over and he was ready for bed. A long day with a long story could do that to a person.

He slowed down once he got on the dirt path. He held the roses in one hand and kept his wand at the ready with the other. He read the Potter's Cemetery sign as he entered and walked through the headstones. He sat down in front of the smallest headstone and just thought for several minutes. 'Just think, if you would've made it, I'd have a sister. I'd really have a sister.' He dusted off the headstone, there was ivy growing on it. Then he put twelve roses on her grave.

For the first time in years, Harry thought, no he knew, he was relieved. He felt…okay. It was okay to him that his parents were gone…not okay, but he was at peace. Sirius's grave should have been there, and Harry knew for sure if Remus died the next day, 'Merlin forbid', then the last Marauder would be buried there too.

Harry dropped his head into his hands and sat still for a while. His mind drifted to his mother and father, his sister, his grandparents, and everyone in between. He had no idea that his mother had a baby in Hogwarts, he was surprised that none of the Professor's mentioned it to him. 'McGonagall especially.'

When Harry noticed that it was getting dark out, he stood up. Dusting off his pants again, he gave one last look at his family's graves before leaving the cemetery. He apparated by the sign back to St. Mungo's.

He still had six roses and he traveled through St. Mungo's with a bit of a bounce in his step. He went directly to Ron's room, not dillydallying a bit. He reached Ron's room in record time and was proud when he threw open the door. Ron was sitting up in his bed for the first time. He looked a bit uncomfortable, but Hermione was rubbing his arm. Harry grinned at them and saw Ginny sitting in a chair, the Daily Prophet in her lap, forgotten. They all had been startled at the door being opened like that.

Harry presented Ginny with four roses. He kissed her and then gave Ron and Hermione one.

"I guess everything went well," Hermione said, eyebrow arched but a smile on her face.

"I have some news," Harry said, going to the door and shutting it.

"You're a poof?" Ron asked, examining the rose. His voice was a bit weak, but other than that he seemed fine. "I'm not that way Harry, but I'll keep the flower."

Harry laughed and pulled a chair up to Ron's bed. He pulled Ginny along with him and she dragged her chair behind her. With his best friends and girlfriend around him, he retold the story of his parents and sister.

xoXoXoXox

BB/N: So it's finished. This has been a long process, and I would like to thank all my friends, reviewers and family (Naomi), for keeping up with me this long! It's been fun writing this, and I can't wait to start writing a fanfic to post...again! It's my favorite part of the day.

Thanks again!

Have a GREAT Day!

Love,
Bob Bennit