Getting Older

"Well, this is certainly lovely. Wish we did this more often," Angelina said as the various Weasleys, Potters and the Woods sat around the dining room table in the Woods' country house. The twins were still out tracking while Tessa was in the city with Toby. After the wedding, Iris thought it might be good for everyone to get together like they used to back in the day.

"And, as usual, Iris has done a marvelous job with the food," George said, grinning, whisky glass in hand.

"I helped," Oliver said, frowning slightly.

"Sure you did," George replied with a chuckle. Before Oliver could say anything else, Iris gave him a look that silenced him.

"So, now that the wedding's out of the way," she said, turning her attention to Audrey and Percy across the table. "How are things settling?"

"This one still refuses to accept that Ryan is his son-in-law," Audrey said, casting an annoyed glance Percy's way.

"I am not being ridiculous," he said, frowning at his wife who just rolled her eyes.

"Yes, you are. They are married. End of story. Deal with it," she replied. "Besides, the rest of the family loves him."

"Audrey's right, Perce. He is in the family now, whether you like it or not," George said. "I, for one, welcome him to the fold."

"Like you've just accepted Christos dating Roxanne?" Percy asked sternly, still frowning.

"I've accepted him," George said. "I rather like him."

"You didn't always," Angelina muttered.

"What was that?" Iris asked, leaning down the table, a smile starting to break out across her face.

"That is not true," George said, frowning at his wife. "I've always liked him! From the day he started working at the shop!"

"Yes, it is. I got an earful when you first found out they were dating," Bill said, chuckling. "That night Fleur and I came round for dinner. You wouldn't shut up about it."

"I, for one, don't blame you. There's something about finding out your daughter is dating someone so much older," Oliver said.

"I don't have a problem with Christos!" George nearly shouted.

"So what was that hissy fit you threw after we found out about their first date?" Angelina asked, a smile tugging at her lips.

"That was… a moment of slight hysteria. I got over it," George said.

"His face went all red," Angelina said to the table.

"It did not!" George said.

"He said something along the lines of… 'He is NOT snogging my daughter!'" Bill added.

"Think there was an 'over my dead body' in there somewhere," Fleur added.

"It's fine! I like Christos!" George interjected again.

"Now you do," Angelina said. George huffed and shook his head.

"Look, at least I'm not holding out like those two," he said, pointing at Percy and Oliver. "Now I see why you two were best mates in school." Oliver and Percy silently regarded each other, neither seeming to be too upset by the assessment.

"What about you, Marcus? How did you take it the first time Lila told you she was dating Jamie?" George asked. The quiet man blinked slightly and cleared his throat.

"I was surprised. Had no idea she had even crossed paths with the Woods. Or that they had kids," he said. "But found nothing wrong with it."

"Seriously? You find out that your daughter is dating your arch nemesis' son, and you're okay with it?" George asked incredulously. Marcus shrugged.

"I had just found out that she was my daughter. Not like I could get angry over her dating choices," he said. George seemed to consider this for a moment and then nodded.

"Fair enough," he said.

"Well, Rose and Scorpio want to find a flat together," Hermione said with a heavy sigh. "We just found out."

"Now that'll happen over my dead body," Ron grumbled.

"She is 18," Hermione said, glancing at him.

"Precisely! She's way too young to be living with her boyfriend!" Ron exclaimed.

"See what you've got to look forward to, Harry?" Oliver asked. The man in question just chuckled.

"We just have to worry about quidditch," he said. "Lily's already made captain this year. She's focused on training so she can make first string when she graduates."

"We'd blame it on Daisy, but let's face it, I played professionally too, and then James. Harry was the best seeker until Daisy. It just runs in the family," Ginny said. "At least it's quidditch and not boys." Harry frowned.

"I'm still regarded as one of the best seekers for Gryffindor," he said, causing Ginny to chuckle.

"Please, Daisy surpassed you and Lily likely will as well," she said, reaching for her wine. Harry just stared at her. "As I said, all we have to worry about with Lily is quidditch."

"We thought the same thing," Oliver said. "And now I've got the bloody most annoying chaser in the league as a future son-in-law." Harry laughed and shook his head.

"Fairly certain between James, the triplets and Daisy, no man will come anywhere close to Lily once she joins the league," he said.

"You're forgetting something else," Iris said.

"What's that?" Harry asked, confused.

"Her father is bloody Harry Potter," she replied with a smile.

"I'm not that overbearing," he said with a frown.

"Doesn't matter. They'll still be terrified of you. You did kill Voldemort," Hermione said.

"Am I really that scary?" Harry asked, looking around the table.

"Embrace it," Oliver said. "Live up to your reputation."

"Didn't stop Wills," Iris muttered loud enough for most to hear. Oliver frowned at her a moment, before turning back to face Harry.

"I'm serious. If they are terrified of you, run with it," Oliver said seriously, which only caused everyone to laugh harder, save Percy, who seemed to be in agreement.

"Any other advice?" Harry asked, smiling.

"Yes, do not, under any circumstances, act like Oliver," Iris said.

"I second that," Audrey said. "Or Percy."

"I resent that," Percy said.

"Not to mention, it seems like neither approach worked," Ginny said, grinning at her older brother and then Oliver.

"Are you lot just going to sit there and insult us all night?" Percy asked.

"No. Actually, Fleur and I have news," Bill said, grabbing everyone's attention.

"YES! YOU'RE HAVING ANOTHER BABY!" George shouted as he jumped with glee. Bill frowned at him as Fleur laughed.

"No, we are not," she said. "But someone is." Iris' eyes widened as she grinned.

"Victoire and Teddy?" she asked. Fleur nodded. "Oh, congratulations!" She leaned over and hugged the blonde woman as congratulations went around.

"How does it feel knowing you're about to be a grandfather?" George asked.

"Odd. I still don't feel old enough," Bill admitted.

"But it is exciting, no?" Fleur asked. "Our first grandchild. The first grandchild in the family."

"Mum is going to love this," Ron said. He glanced down the table. "Suppose Lucy and Ryan will be next."

"Don't even go there, Ronald," Percy said, glaring at him.

"But it's true!" he replied.

"Unless Daisy and Wills beat them to it," George said, grinning. Oliver frowned.

"No. They aren't getting married until Pix is 25 and there certainly will be no children until then either," Oliver said.

"Oliver when are you going to learn that we cannot control Daisy?" Iris asked with a sigh. "She's going to do what she wants, when she wants. Though I do believe she's on board with waiting for children. She's too focused on her career to think about children at the moment."

"Then she can wait to marry as well," Oliver said. Iris just rolled her eyes.

"By the way, was that Neville and Hannah Longbottom I saw at the wedding?" George asked, deciding it was time to change the subject, even if he was enjoying teasing Oliver and Percy.

"Yes, I think both Lucy and Ryan wanted to invite them. Both enjoyed his class," Percy replied.

"It was good to catch up with him outside of the usual notes about whichever of our children got detention," Iris said, sipping at her wine.

"They show up at our annual New Year's party every year," Harry said. "Still waiting on most of you to show." Iris looked at Oliver.

"Blame it on quidditch, I usually do," she said.

"As sports minister I have to be at the ball," Angelina said. "He goes where I go, though I suspect he uses it to talk up the coaches and decide who to place bets on with Charlie." George just shrugged.

"Guilty as charged," he said, grinning. "Though why do you always go, Perce? You hate quidditch."

"I don't hate it," Percy said.

"But you always go to the quidditch ball," George replied.

"Because as a high level ministry official - both of us are, if you don't remember - we always get invitations," he said reasonably. "Always good to make appearances."

"That was it at first," Audrey said. "Then it was to spy on Lucy and Ryan. Don't worry. We'll be at your party this year."

"I do not spy!" Percy said, frowning at his wife, who just laughed at him.

"Perce, we love you. But enough is enough," Iris said with a laugh. "It's bad enough we have to deal with Oliver."

"I resent that," Oliver said, staring at his wife. Iris just rolled her eyes.

"Darling, I'll love you until the end of time, but you are being ridiculous," she said in response. "There are bigger things to worry about than Wills." The entire table went quiet.

"Way to bring the mood down," George muttered.

"But it's the elephant in the room, isn't it?" Bill said. "The Network." They all looked at Hermione and Harry.

"Again, we're stuck," Harry admitted. "And the twins are still out, looking. I know it's not easy for you." He looked at Iris and Oliver. "But we'll figure this out."

"We know," Iris said. "We trust that this will all end and we won't lose anyone." She looked over at Oliver and took his hand. "Besides… not the first time we've faced tough times. At least this time I don't have to drop off the map or hide who I am."

The others looked at each and then back at the couple. Iris looked around at the table and smiled.

"Don't look so glum, you lot. I did this so we can stay normal," she said, reaching for her wine glass. "It's not like before." Oliver looked over at her and the look in his eyes conveyed enough for everyone at the table to see that he was afraid, besides all his bluster.

"We'll find them," Harry said, the resolution evident in his voice. Iris looked over at him. "We won't stop until we do. I won't let it be like last time. We won't lose anyone else." Iris nodded at him and glanced around the table. Bill, Percy and George already were looking a bit downfallen, Angelina reaching over and taking George's hand, squeezing it.

"We've got Pix this time," Oliver said, breaking the silence. "Even if we should lose someone… she'll bring them back." They all looked at him. "And you'll… you'll protect her." His sight settled on Harry. "You promise me, Harry. Your lot is keepin' her safe."

"We're doing the best we can," Harry said. "We're watching her as much as we can. They won't get her." Oliver nodded.

"Good," he said, reaching for his glass. "I'm trustin' you to keep my family safe."

"They're my family too, Oliver," Harry said. "I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure they are safe."

"I trust your word. Maybe you'll fare better than I did," he said. "Merlin knows she never listens to me."


After dessert, Iris moved to stand on the back porch, feeling she needed air. While they had moved on to happier topics, there was still a bit of melancholy hanging over the group. They had moved into the living room for drinks, but Iris - she needed to get away. She knew everyone harbored their own memories of the last war, but this was different. Not only was she involved, her children would likely be at the center of it. She did her best to cover it up during the rest of dinner, but the way Oliver and Harry kept glancing at her, told her that they were sensing it.

"Thought I'd find you here," Harry said as he stepped out. Iris looked over at him and smiled slightly. She took a drink from the glass of whisky in her hand.

"I just… I can't stop thinking about Daisy, Remus, Alan and Jamie," she said. "They're in danger… because of me."

"It's not your fault, Iris," he said, stepping towards her.

"Because I have these gifts…" she stopped speaking, taking a deep breath instead.

"It's not your fault. This is something beyond any of us, Iris. You were given your gifts for a reason. Jamie and Daisy got them for a reason," Harry said.

"But the last thing I wanted was for my children-" she stopped, her tears starting to overwhelm her. "I never wanted my children to go through this. I never wanted them to be in danger."

"We're doing everything we can, Iris. We're searching and we will find them," Harry urged.

"But what if it's too late!" Iris nearly shouted, turning to face her nephew. "What if they're taken? Any of them?! I know everyone believes Daisy can bring people back, but what if, what if they take her and something happens? What if they take any of them? What if-"

"Iris… I know this is hard-"

"Bullshit, Harry. Your children aren't at stake here," Iris spat. Just as soon as the words left her lips, she covered her mouth with her hand. "I'm so sorry."

"Iris… it's okay. I get it… I know that it's not the same. But… I worry for them just as much as you do," he said. "And I'm going to do everything that I can. You must believe me. Hermione as well. All of us." Iris nodded and looked away.

"I had just hoped our children would be spared the horrors and fear we faced," she said, looking out over the distant mountains.

"For what it's worth, Daisy seems to be rather fearless," Harry said.

"That's what worries me," Iris said. "I don't want her doing something that would put her at risk."

"You're starting to sound like Oliver," Harry joked. Iris looked over at him.

"Can you blame me?" she asked. Harry sighed and closed the difference, hugging his aunt.

"We're going to get through this, Iris. We got through it before, we'll do it again. We'll win this," he said.

"God, I hope you're right," Iris whispered.


Later that night, Iris stood in her bedroom, pulling off her robe. But her mind was elsewhere.

"Red, what are you thinking?" Oliver asked, looking at her from the bed. She looked over at him and smiled.

"I'm fine," she said, starting to crawl into bed.

"I know I can't read your mind, but I know you. No secrets, remember?" he said. Iris sighed as she sat back against the pillows.

"I'm just worried. About the triplets and Daisy," she said, her brow furrowed.

"Me as well. And no, it's not Wills," he said with a heavy sigh. Iris looked over at him.

"I just, after they took us… and then Alan died… and… I just can't help but think they won't stop. Not until they are taken down," she said.

"And Harry and Teddy are doing their best. As are the Prostatis," Oliver said. Iris shot him a look.

"Do not tell me you're not worried, Oliver," she said.

"I am… but… you're supposed to be the rational one. When you get worried, that just makes me more worried," he said. "But figured it's about time I was the one to talk you down." Iris smiled slightly.

"This isn't going to end well," she said.

"We don't know that," Oliver said. "You have control of yourself. What's more, Jamie and Daisy have control. And we had an entire island of folks wanting to step in and help." Iris nodded.

"I know. It's different, but it doesn't stop me from worrying," she said. She looked over at him. "This may come down to another battle… and… I know I said you'd never have to worry about losing me again… but-"

"Red, it's okay," Oliver said, cutting Iris off. "This is who you are. I've always known that." Iris took a deep breath and looked at him. They had been together close to 30 years. And still she was just as much in love with him as she was that day at Hogwarts when she confessed everything. After the war, she never thought they would face anything like that again. And yet, here they were. Their entire family at risk because of her gifts.

"I always thought we'd be old and gray with dozens of grandchildren before we had to think about death again," she said softly, tears forming in her eyes.

"I'd rather be optimistic, but should the worse come… Iris Rose Evans-Wood, you have made me the happiest man alive. If I'm going to die soon because of this, I'll go out knowing that I've been more happier than I ever imagined possible," he said solemnly. Iris smiled sadly and put her hand to his cheek.

"Let's hope we don't have to worry about that. Our daughter can bring you back, you know," she said. Oliver chuckled softly. "But… should the worst happen… I don't know if there are enough words… you brought me out of the darkness, Oliver."

"And you did the same for me," he said softly. "We'll get through this, Red."

"Merlin, I pray we do."


So this chapter includes a bit I wrote a long time ago, which was that last bit between Iris and Oliver. I cried writing it. I teared up editing it.

AleenaBean - It was actually just Daisy's eyes playing tricks on her. But more is coming...

Thanks for reading, following and reviewing!