Okay. Here. It. Is. The last and final chapter. I'm going to make quick of the thank you's and this A/N won't be that long. I love this chapter. I think it is some of my best writing and I (personally) believe I did a half way decent job of portraying them all as a little bit older. I loved writing Isabelle, she was so adorable. I'm really sad that this story is over but I really think I did the story justice with this Epilogue and I sincerely hope you all feel the same. I'm going to ask you a favor though. I'm quite depressed about this story being over so if you read the chapter PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave me a review. It doesn't have to be anything special or long and drawn out, just something to show that my hard work hasn't gone unappreciated. :) Now onto the thank you's. Also, shortly after I post this, I will be typing a quick author's note for Right Where I Belong and then post that one. Also, my original work will be up after I get off work at eleven tonight (I can't post it on the site until after eight but I won't be off work til eleven, so I didn't lie, you will still get it today, just not at the same time as these two new chapters. Sorry .)
Eleos: You are speshul, dear :D Yes I do love your long, rambling reviews. They make me smile and inflate my ego. :D And what do you mean that this is the last time you are reviewing this story? Are you not going to review this chapter? -pouts- Thanks once again for the long, wonderful, entertaining review! I hope to see you enjoy my next story as well!
imsuchanut: Aww thanks! I hope you feel the same about this chapter. :)
4BlOnDiE4: I'm upset it's ending (ended?) too. I really hope you like the new story. Thanks so much for your loyal reviews.
LilyHeartsJames: Thanks for the faithful reviews. Yeah, that was my plan all along was to kind of show Summer growing and you will see more of how much she has progressed in this epilogue. Haha of course I had to incorporate the motorbike. I always kind of seen it as an after school thing too, but I thought it fit well where I put it in the story. Thanks again for the review!
MaraudersLily7: I was rather proud of her for finally standing up to her parents. Thanks for the reviews :)
Lilac1286: You scared me! Haha I read the first line and was like "-bottom lip trembles- w-what did I do?" Then I kept reading and smiled. I'm terribly sorry you had the read the whole thing on your cellphone but words can't describe how awesome of a compliment that is. Thank you so much for reviewing and I'm really glad you like the story and think I'm a "fantabulous" writer :D
Wishing for a Miracle
Epilogue
Summer stood outside a door, raising her fist to knock on the wood. She glanced down at her daughter, whose face was contorted into a pout that only a three year old can perfect. Summer let out a little sigh. "Mummy's not mad, Belle," she told her daughter as stunning blue eyes looked up at her, shining with tears. Isabelle was the spitting image of her mother. The only trace of her unknown father was the coal black hair that Summer had pulled back in to a pony tail. Summer had fought with the toddler for quite some time in order to fix her hair, but in the end she was quite pleased with how the natural ringlets looked in the ponytail. "I was just frustrated, but not at you, okay, love?" she insisted. Isabelle bobbed her head, her bottom lip still jutting out.
Summer rapped on the door as a small summer breeze blew her dress around her knees. She placed her hand on Isabelle's shoulder as the door opened. Kevin stood before her in a button down white shirt and shorts. "Hey," he said, stepping aside. "Come on in."
Summer and Isabelle stepped inside as the toddler clung to her mother's leg. "Everything okay?" Kevin asked, looking down at the little girl. Isabelle tensely nodded her head. Kevin turned his attention back to Summer.
"Sorry we're late, I wanted to come by early and help Carmen but I spent a half hour searching for Belle's shoe until I discovered she'd thrown it in the toilet." Kevin let out a slight laugh, looking down at the toddler, whose face had immediately brightened at the sound of Carmen's name. She tugged at her mum's dressed slightly, beaming at her, her deep blue eyes begging. "Go on, love." Summer nodded at her.
The three-year-old took off in a run, "Auntie Carmen!" she bellowed.
"Isabelle, no running!" Summer called after her daughter sternly, shaking her head slightly.
"What am I chopped liver?" Kevin asked jokingly, he had long ago accepted that Isabelle preferred his girlfriend over him. Kevin chuckled slightly. "So the toilet, huh?" Summer only replied with a small smile. "Where's Jonathan?" he asked.
Jonathan was Summer's fiancé. She had met him in the store a couple months after Isabelle was born, it was mid-September and the two and a half month old was having a meltdown in the middle of Summer's grocery shopping. Summer was rocking the distraught child, shushing her and on the verge of tears herself. "Can I see her?" she heard over Isabelle's screaming. She glanced up to see a handsome man about her age watching her and the child. At the shocked look Summer gave him, he shook his head, embarrassed. "Stupid question, I'm sorry. Hold her to your chest, and bend at the knees." There was something about his stunning sea green eyes and kind face that made Summer want to trust him. Not to mention that at this point she was desperate enough to try just about anything.
She did as instructed and felt slightly ridiculous but after only a few seconds, the little girl's screaming had subsided and she let out a few hiccups. Summer gaped at her, shocked. It had actually worked. She stared at the man. "Thank you so much," she gushed.
He shook his head, short brown curls swaying slightly. "Don't thank me. It's just a little trick I've picked up on. I'm the oldest of seven children," He told her. "I'm Jonathan, by the way," he said, extending his hand.
Summer stated her name, shifting the infant awkwardly to shake his outstretched hand. "And who's this little beauty?" Jonathan asked, stroking Isabelle's cheek. Normally Summer would've flipped. She was very protective of her child, but there was something telling her that she could trust Jonathan. And if there was anything Summer had learned in the past few years, it had been to trust her instinct.
"Isabelle," Summer told him.
They stood there talking for a few more minutes and Jonathan asked her out on a date. Summer declined politely. She hadn't spent a night away from Isabelle since she had been born and she was more than hesitant to do so.
A few weeks later Summer had been on a lunch date with Sirius, Carmen and Kevin. Jonathan came up to the table and once again asked her out. Summer politely told him no again. Carmen, of course, had intervened, telling him that Summer would love to go out with him, and that she and Kevin would babysit the baby. Summer shot a glare at Carmen but eventually gave in. It took only a few short months for Summer to fall for Jonathan and him to fall for her and her child.
"He got called into work," Summer sighed, rolling her eyes slightly. "He's trying to get as many hours in as he can before the baby gets here," she said, patting her protruding belly. She was about five months along, "and his boss takes full advantage of that. It's starting to annoy me. It was fine at first, but now he's starting to use Jonathan."
Before either could say another word, the door opened. A man with long black hair falling into his stunning grey eyes emerged from behind the door. He immediately engulfed Summer in a hug. "Hello, Sirius," she giggled.
"Hello, love," he replied, stepping back. "How's my favorite new mummy to be?"
Summer let out a light laugh. "I heard you say that exact same thing to Lily last week."
Sirius waved his hand. "I only say that to her to make her feel special. You know you'll always be my favorite. Just don't tell her that, these pregnancy hormones make her scary."
Summer giggled, nodding. "Well in that case, my back's killing me and my feet are swollen but other than that I'm wonderful," she said.
"You should've thought of that before you and Jonathan started shagging," he chastised jokingly.
"Uncle Sirius!" a little voice interrupted.
"Ah," he said, bending down and scooping the little girl up in his arms. "There's my favorite girl!" He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "How're you, love?"
"I threw my shoe in the toilet!" she beamed proudly.
"Atta girl!" Sirius congratulated her. He ignored the small glare from Summer, a smile playing at his lips.
Isabelle looked at her mother. "Mummy, what's shagging?"
Summer choked back her shock and resisted the urge to slap Sirius on the shoulder. She recovered quickly though, smiling at her child. "It's a game that adults play, sweetie."
Isabelle nodded thoughtfully, "Will you teach it to me when I'm older?"
Sirius let out a bark-like laugh as Summer's jaw dropped. Luckily, Sirius saved Summer from having to answer, as it was his entire fault, after all. "C'mon, love, let's go see if Aunt Carmen has any chocolate chip cookies for you." He set down the small child and she took off in a run for the kitchen. Normally, Summer would protest snacks before dinner, but she was willing to let it slide this time if it meant ending the previous conversation.
Once the child was out of sight, Summer did push against Sirius' shoulder lightly. "You're going to corrupt my child yet, Black," she said, shaking her head.
"All part of being the fun uncle, dear," he told her before being summoned by the toddler. "I'm coming, Belle," he called before heading off in the same direction.
"Shall we?" Kevin asked, extending his arm.
Summer nodded and the two took off towards the kitchen. Carmen, who had sworn she would never step foot in the kitchen, was standing over the stove. After James' parents had passed, she had offered to take over the Sunday dinners. It was a huge shock to everyone that she had actually found she liked being domestic. Unfortunately, with the group's hectic lives, it had turned into a monthly event instead of a weekly one. Isabelle and Sirius had taken a seat at the table where Isabelle was happily chewing on a cookie and telling Sirius about her day. Carmen immediately abandoned her cooking and turned to Summer, embracing her in a hug.
"Sorry we are so late," Summer apologized.
Carmen shook her head, her dark curls bouncing. "Isabelle told me what happened," she said, a proud glint in her chocolate brown eyes.
Summer sighed. "You two are going to ruin my child," she joked.
"Nah, she'll be fine," Carmen insisted. Her hands dropped to Summer's belly. "And how's my little Mason."
Summer shook her head, laughing. "I told you, Car, I am not naming my child after a jar. Can you imagine how much he will be teased?"
Carmen shrugged, unabashed, as a voice interrupted the conversation. "Have you still not decided on a name?"
Everyone in the room turned to see a heavily pregnant woman walk into the room, a man with messy jet black hair following closely behind. Lily's vibrant red hair was flowing down her back. She was dressed in a pale blue sundress. Pregnancy suited her very well. She was absolutely glowing. She was due any day, and it showed. With each day, she grew happier at the anticipation of her son, Harry.
Summer let out a small sigh, "Jonathan wants to name him after himself, naturally, and I want to name him Ryder. It's a very strong name. So we are still butting heads on the name, but eventually I'll make him see things my way. I'm quite in love with the name Ryder Jonathan."
Everyone greeted the new couple and bit back their laughter, mainly out of fear, as the two heavily pregnant women tried hugging but found themselves quite unsuccessful as their bellies got in the way. Once they managed a side hug, James tugged on Lily's arm. "C'mon, dear, why don't you sit down?"
Lily's emerald green eyes threw a glare at her husband. "I'm pregnant, not dying, James," she growled slightly.
"Please, just humor me, honey," he insisted. Lily rolled her eyes but didn't protest any more as she allowed James to lead her to a seat next to Sirius and Isabelle. She crossed her arms over her considerable pregnancy breasts, huffing.
"I threw my shoe in the toilet," Isabelle announced once again to James and Lily.
"Good girl!" James approved, patting her head.
Summer rolled her eyes. "I think I'm just going to let you all deal with her when she gets expelled from Hogwarts from one prank or another."
James laughed as Sirius stood from his chair, embracing his best friend in a guy hug. "They won't expel her, Sum," James insisted. "At the most she'll get detention. Sirius and I lived in detention and look how well we turned out."
"That's a comforting thought," said a voice. Remus Lupin walked into the large kitchen. Once again, the room was filled with greetings and hugs.
Lily tried to push herself to her feet to hug Remus but James' hand on her shoulder halted her slow progress. She glared at him as Remus made his way over to her, bending to embrace her. "Where's Faith and Dean?" he asked.
"Running late, as usual," Carmen answered. "No doubt, it's Faith holding them up."
"I resent that," Faith said, stepping into the room, holding a pumpkin seat, a diaper bag draped over her other arm. Dean followed behind her, his hand on her back. "You try getting a six month old ready."
Dean chuckled lightly. "We were walking out of the door three separate times before Faith remembered something she had forgotten." Faith set down the baby carrier as she turned to shoot her husband a look.
"I didn't see you trying to help, dear."
"You insisted you had it under control," he answered easily.
"Oh, right," Faith said, shrugging.
"How's Hope?" Isabelle asked, standing over the small seat. Ironically enough, it had been Dean who had suggested the name Hope, not Faith. He had stated that Faith and Hope were the only two things he needed in his life. It had taken his wife a while to come around to the name, thinking it too cliché but she herself couldn't decide on a name and finally caved. Before Faith could answer the little girl's question, she was looking up at her mother. "Can I hold her, Mummy?"
"Sweetie, I don't think that's—"
Faith interrupted. "It's fine, Summer."
Summer hesitated slightly. "Okay, but you have to sit down in the den," she answered finally, picking the baby up out of her seat. Light brown eyes opened to greet the woman. Hope had her father's eyes, something Faith thanked the Gods for every day.
"The rest of you go have a seat in the den as well," Carmen instructed. "Dinner's not quite done." Nobody protested, as they rarely did when Carmen gave them a demand, and followed Summer and Isabelle into the sitting room.
Isabelle immediately hopped onto the love seat, bouncing slightly with excitement. Summer carefully placed baby Hope into her daughter's waiting arms. "Be careful of her head," Summer instructed. The baby was almost as big as the small girl. Summer nervously sat next to her daughter, keeping an eye on her and the baby.
"I know, Mummy," Isabelle said, rolling her eyes slightly.
Summer giggled at the movement. "You've been hanging out with Aunt Carmen too much." The little girl didn't hear her though; she was much too absorbed in watching the baby in her arms coo. Summer glanced down at her daughter proudly.
Light conversation about the Order and their jobs filled the room for fifteen minutes or so until Carmen announced that dinner was ready. Everyone made their way back into the kitchen. Hope had fallen asleep in Isabelle's arms and Faith carefully picked her up, placing her back in her carriage when they reached the kitchen. Everyone commented on how wonderful Carmen's cooking was and the conversations flowed easily around the table as it always did with this particular group. After dinner, everyone began helping Carmen clean up, except for Lily who pouted as James insisted she stay seated. Once the table was cleared of dinner plates and everyone had gathered back around the table for tea, Carmen cleared her throat lightly.
"Everyone," she said, gaining the attention of the room. "Tonight's dinner is a little different from all the others. I have special announcement to make."
"Oh, Merlin, please tell me you're not pregnant too," Sirius joked, earning a glare from Summer, Faith and Lily.
"Oh Gods no," Carmen said, letting out a nervous laugh. "I'm not quite ready for that yet," she added as Kevin gave her an odd look. Her smile returned quickly as she remembered her actual news. She stood from her seat and bent on one knee in front of Kevin. He gave her a confused look but suddenly beamed, as did everyone else in the room. "I wanted to do this in front of you all," she began. "You are the most important people in my life, with one of you meaning more to me than the rest."
"Aww, Carmen, I never knew you felt that way," Sirius joked. "I love you too."
Everyone laughed and Carmen shook her head, smiling. "Not you, Sirius, you dolt." She turned her attention back to Kevin. "Kevin, we have been together for six years, and it's not been an easy time, mainly because I'm too damn stubborn for my own good sometimes, but you held in there with me. Three years ago, you gave me a ring and I made a promise to marry you when I was ready. Well, that day has finally come. I want to become Mrs. Kevin Echols," she announced, pulling out a box. She opened it to reveal a beautiful sapphire ring. Sapphire was Kevin's birthstone. Carmen had been inspired by Kevin's gift of her promise ring with her own birthstone, ruby. She handed him the box, removing her old ring. She held his eyes with her own. "Will you marry me, Kevin?" she asked, holding out her hand.
"Of course, I'll marry you, Carmen," he exclaimed, pushing the ring onto her finger and pulling her up to him for a kiss. The kiss lasted a little longer than it probably should have and Summer coughed slightly.
"There are children in the room, you two," she said as Isabelle giggled beside her.
Carmen and Kevin pulled away slightly, passion flaming in their eyes. Many things had changed for Carmen since she graduated Hogwarts, but loving sex wasn't one of them. Remus raised his wine glass.
"A toast," he said, "to Carmen and Kevin."
"To Carmen and Kevin," everyone recited, raising their own cups.
OooOooO
"Thanks for having us," Summer said. Sirius stood next to her, a sleeping Isabelle in his arms.
Everyone was gathered around the door, saying their goodbyes and thanking and congratulating Carmen and Kevin.
"It was no problem," Carmen said. "We'll have to figure out when we can all get together next month."
"Oh!" Lily said, clutching her stomach. James immediately glanced at her, putting his hand on her back. Everyone else had also turned their attention to the redhead. She was leaning forward slightly, grimacing. Before anyone could say anything, there was a splash as her water broke and spilled out onto the floor. She looked up, her eyes wide. "The baby's coming."
"We need to get her to a bed," Faith said. She was training to become a Healer.
"Down the hall," Carmen instructed. "She can use the guest bedroom."
"I should get going," Summer said, reaching to take Isabelle from Sirius' arms.
"You all are more than welcome to stay," Carmen said, "You can just wait in the den."
"I need to get Isabelle home to bed," Summer insisted, though it was evident that she didn't want to leave her friend.
"You can put her in mine and Kevin's bed," Carmen offered. Summer shook her head and tried to take Isabelle from Sirius' arms.
"I can carry her," he said.
"Sirius, go be with Lily and James. Harry is your Godson after all," she insisted. Sirius hesitantly handed her the sleeping child.
"Sirius, go get me a wet rag," Faith instructed as he walked into the room. The man dutifully did as he was told. He grimaced as she saw Lily laying in the bed, sweat across her forehead and her face contorted into pain. She was gripping James' hand as if her life depended on it.
OooOooO
A few hours later, Baby Harry still hadn't arrived and everyone minus Lily, James and Faith were gathered in the den. Remus, Kevin, and Carmen were talking quietly in the corner. Summer was lying against Sirius while he ran his fingers through her hair. He glanced up as Faith walked into the room.
"Sirius, Lily's about to have the baby. They told me that they want you in there." She laughed slightly. "Well, James said he wants you in here and Lily argued before agreeing."
Sirius nodded, laying Summer down on the couch before following Faith into the room. He stopped outside the door as he heard Lily scream. He had been there when Summer had given birth to Isabelle, but that scream was still something that could make his skin crawl. Faith opened the door and the two walked in.
Lily's knees were bent up and she had a sheet draped over her. Tears were streaming down her face and James was leaned in close to her, whispering to her.
"James Potter, if you don't stop whispering in my ear, I swear this is the only child you will ever have."
Sirius was amused and terrified at the same time. Lily giving birth was even scarier than pregnant hormonal Lily. "Sirius, go stand by Lily's head," Faith instructed as she positioned herself by Lily's feet, lifting the sheet. "Oops." Faith said. The blonde was notorious for being clumsy, though she had gotten a lot better in the past few years and was actually quite graceful when it came to Healing.
"What the fuck is oops, Faith?" Lily demanded.
Her best friend lifted her head from between her legs, a smile playing at her lips. "Just playing."
Lily sighed, leaning her head against the pillow.
Sirius chuckled slightly at Faith's joke as Lily let out another blood curdling scream. He saw James wince in pain. He looked so helpless. His wife was in so much pain and there was nothing he could do but stand there and hold her hand, and even that wasn't helping much.
"Okay, Lily," Faith instructed, as her best friend's breathing evened out a bit and her body relaxed. "When the next contraction comes, I need you to push."
Lily nodded, shifting her body slightly and squaring her shoulders. A look of determination that Sirius had never seen filled her emerald green eyes. She let out another scream.
"Push, Lily! Push!" Faith instructed over her screams.
Lily squeezed her eyes shut and looked like she was concentrating hard. "Good girl, Lily! Good girl! I see the head," Faith said, ecstatic.
Sirius got a smile on his face as he started walking towards Lily's feet. "What are you—Sirius, don't you look at my wife's vagina!" James yelled.
"I just wanna see the head," Sirius replied innocently. He took one look and blanched. "Bloody hell, that's disgusting!"
"Thanks, Sirius," Lily breathed as the contraction slowed down.
"I'm sorry, Lils, but Merlin." He glanced up at James, looking traumatized. "Whatever you do, mate, don't look down there!"
"That's what you get for thinking you're sly," James said, glaring at him.
"Another one's coming," Lily huffed, bracing herself and tightening her grip on James' hand.
"Just remember, breathe and push," Faith instructed, "This next part is going to be the hardest as it's the shoulders."
Lily pushed with everything she had in her. She just wanted this to be over. She wanted to meet her son. She barely heard the words of encouragement that the others were giving her. She leaned forward, focusing all of her energy on getting the baby out of her. The sound of screaming filled the room but it wasn't her own. It was a baby crying. She flopped back against the pillow, tears streaming down her face.
"You did it," James told her. "You are so brave and so wonderful, and you did it, Lily!" he said, pressing a kiss to her sweat covered forehead.
Faith made quick work of cleaning the baby up and wrapping him in a blanket. "Do you want him, James?" she asked, holding out the baby. "Lily's got to pass the afterbirth now and then she's all done."
James nodded, taking the bundle from Faith. He held him down for Lily to see. "Hello, Harry," she said, stroking his cheek.
OooOooO
Everyone was gathered around the room, greeting Harry and complimenting James and Lily. Lily had Baby Harry bundled up in her arms as James stood next to them, looking down lovingly at his family.
Faith, who was standing next to Sirius, saw Sirius' mouth perk up. He opened his mouth when he felt a hand over his parted lips. Faith stood on her tippy toes. "If you ruin this moment with one of your smart arse replies, I swear I will castrate you," she threatened.
Sirius immediately closed his mouth and nodded his head. Everyone left the room, letting the new family be alone.
"Welcome to the world, Harry James Potter," Lily said, smiling down lovingly at her sleeping son. She scooted over on the bed so James could join her. He wrapped his arms around his wife.
"You were amazing. Thank so much for this gift, Lily."
Lily smiled up at him. "Well, you had a little to do with it, too," she told him, resting her head against his chest. "I love you, James."
James pressed a kiss to his wife's forehead. "I love you, Lily Potter."