Ch 39

A/N: Ok, so I know I told a few of you that this would be the last chapter, but I changed my mind. I feel like I didn't answer all of the questions that need to be answered yet. So yes, this answers the big ones, but I hope you all forgive me but there will be one final chapter. I guess you could call it more of an epilogue than a real chapter, but anyway it is whatever you want to call it. Again I want to give a shout out to slenderpanda597 for being a great beta and reading through this for me. I would also like to give yet another Major Fluff Warning. I mean it this time. If you don't like fluff you may just want to skip this chapter entirely. It almost made me sick. Lol, ok so I actually loved it, but that's just me. Please tell me what you think. Enjoy!

...

Once they arrived back in the Great Hall Victoria made a beeline for Poppy begging her to take a look at Severus. Seeing the look in Victoria's eyes she nodded and followed quickly. Casting a thorough diagnostic spell she determined him to be fine, just in need of some rest. Hearing the good news Victoria couldn't wipe the smile from her face clutching his hand tightly in both of her's. Looking at the two of them Poppy said, "I see you two have finally seen sense."

Victoria nodded laughing lightly, "Yeah, it only took 18 years."

"And two near death experiences," He added.

"Well," Poppy smiled, "it is good to see some happiness after all we've been through."

Victoria nodded placing a hand on Poppy's shoulder, "I only wish yours hadn't been taken from you."

Poppy gave a sad smile, "It was wonderful while it lasted. I just wish we could have been together sooner. We wasted so much time. Just don't let that happen to you."

"I assure you, that will not happen," Severus answered leaning up to cup Victoria's cheek.

Victoria smiled, leaning into his touch. Tearing her gaze away she noticed that Poppy had returned to her work.

"Victoria," Severus said gently, pulling her attention to him once more, "it still works."

She looked down at him like he'd gone crazy, "What still works?"

Pulling a small glass vial with red powder from his breast pocket he smiled, "Do you remember this?"

Her jaw dropped upon seeing it. "You… you kept it… all this time?" she asked slightly breathlessly.

"Always," he answered. "It has kept me safe all these years. I think it is time to return it to it's rightful owner."

"No," she stopped him as he tried to hand it back to her. "My father may have given it to me, but I gave it to you. You never know, you may need it again someday."

"Perhaps," he conceded, "or perhaps you are the only good luck charm I need."

She blushed slightly, "Who are you and what have you done with Severus? The man I know would never say something so… sappy."

A low chuckle resonated from him, "Nearly dying can change your perspective on life, as you know."

She shook her head, "No, I loved you long before you saw me there."

"That was merely when I realized it," he said simply pulling her to him and capturing her lips in a tender kiss.

When they broke apart, slightly breathless, Victoria heard someone clear their throat behind her. Turning she saw one of the most welcome sights she could ever have asked for. In front of her was Remus and Tonks, both covered in dust and blood, hand in hand, smiling like fools.

"Tonks! Remus! You're okay!" Victoria exclaimed throwing her arms around the pair.

"Yes, it seems luck was on our side," Remus laughed returning the hug fully.

Pulling back a thought struck Victoria, "Tonks, what are you even doing here?"

"Once you two had left I stayed at home for about an hour, but I couldn't take it anymore. I had to be in on the action." Tonks shrugged.

"But you could have been killed!" Victoria said, thinking about what could have happened and little Teddy being left alone.

"Vicky," Tonks said seriously, "you really think anything would have happened to me? I'm an Auror, where's the challenge?" she winked, throwing Victoria's own words back at her.

Victoria couldn't help the laugh that escaped her. "Well I'm just glad to see nothing did happen to you."

Remus's face fell at her words, "However the same cannot be said for everyone."

Victoria nodded sadly, "I'm sure there were many casualties."

"Unfortunately some we know well," he said solemnly.

"Who?" Victoria asked quickly, although she didn't really want the answer.

"Fred Weasley and… Hestia…" he trailed off, unable to keep eye contact.

Her hand flew to her mouth, "No," she breathed.

Tonks nodded, "We arrived at the Hog's Head at the same time. Kingsley had asked her to come back when the kids broke into Gringotts. The Order had a pretty good idea what was going to happen."

"Looks like they were right," Victoria answered sadly.

Tonks nodded, "When we got here the battle had already started. We didn't even make it all the way to the Great Hall before it happened. It was out of nowhere. Suddenly Greyback was on her. He'd already sunk his teeth into her neck before I saw him."

Tears trailed down Victoria's cheeks as she listened to Tonks's story. Hestia had become a good friend to her. The thought that she'd lost yet another one hit her harder than she'd imagined. Finally she managed to squeak out, "Poor Carina. Now she's lost both of her parents."

Remus put a gentle hand on her shoulder, "She will know why they died. They were trying to make a world in which she could live a happier life."

Victoria nodded, swallowing down the lump in her throat, "I just hope someday she'll understand."

After giving a moment's silence to their fallen warrior, Tonks was the first to speak up, "Um Vicky, I know it's a bit late to be asking this, but would you care to explain why we saw you snogging a murderer a few minutes ago?"

Victoria smiled taking Severus's hand in her's, "He isn't a murderer."

"He killed Dumbledore," Tonks stated matter-of-factly giving Victoria a confused look.

"No he didn't. Look for yourself," she said pointing over Tonks's shoulder.

Through the chaos that was the Great Hall, Albus and Minerva calmly picked their way through the crowd. They looked happier than anyone had ever seen them. Although her hair was falling out of it's customary bun, her robes were torn and filthy, a genuine smile covered her smudged face. Albus's robes were covered in what looked like green slime, his hair and beard matted as if he hadn't brushed it in some time, but his blue eyes twinkled more merrily than anytime previous. The couple was hand in hand as they stepped up to the small group.

"Dumbledore?!" Tonks exclaimed incredulously.

"Miss Tonks," he smiled pulling her into a gentle hug. "I hear congratulations are in order."

"Uh… yeah. Remus and I had a baby. A boy," she said pulling back from his embrace still in shock.

"That is a blessing." He smiled down at her, "What is his name."

"Teddy… uh I mean Edward Remus Lupin." She stuttered.

"Marvelous," he then turned to Remus, "congratulation Remus. It is good to see a little more love in the world."

Remus smiled at him knowingly, "I could say the same to you."

"Indeed," Albus took Minerva's hand in his once more pulling her to him and gently putting his arm around her. "It is true; Minerva and I have been together for some time. I wish now for everyone to know."

Minerva blushed, but couldn't contain the brilliant smile that flashed over her face. "Albus," she chastised embarrassedly.

"We are among friends Minerva, as well as family; they have the right to know," he stated looking into her eyes.

A serious look crossed between them, finally she nodded, "I believe you are right. However there is some explanation necessary before that."

He nodded solemnly, "You are right."

Tonks, finally over her shock, looked at them curiously, "Ok, I have to ask. How is it that you're alive?"

"Severus did not kill me, he saved me." Albus said looking down at Severus seriously, "And for that I am truly grateful."

Severus closed his eyes and gave a single nod.

"How exactly did he save you?" Tonks asked, looking between the two men.

"He did many things to help me on the night I was supposed to die. Suffice it to say, I truly owe my life to him." Albus answered in his usual cryptic way.

"But…" Tonks started, still not happy with this insufficient answer.

"I'll tell you about it later Tonks," Victoria said quietly.

"Speaking of telling things," Minerva said looking at Albus pointedly.

"Indeed Minerva, it is time," he said releasing her hand. He looked at Victoria seriously, "Victoria there is something that Minerva and I must tell you. Can you come with us?"

She looked down at Severus quickly, not wanting to leave him yet. Shaking her head she looked back up to Albus, "Whatever it is you need to say, you can say it. We're all friends here."

Albus nodded, but was uncharacteristically uncomfortable saying what needed to be said in front of everyone.

Minerva placed a calming hand on his arm and spoke for him, "Victoria, we all know that you've been trying to locate your parents for some time."

"Yeah," she answered confusedly.

"We want to tell you, you don't have to look any longer," Minerva beamed down at Victoria.

"What do you mean?"

"She means your family is here," Albus answered.

Victoria shook her head, "Yes I know we've been through so much you are all family to me. But it's not the same."

Realizing she still didn't understand Albus took her hand in his, "It is true that we've all been through atrocities no one should have to face and have pulled together to become a family in spite of it all, however that is not the kind of family we mean."

Victoria's brow knit in confusion, "Then what kind of family do you mean?"

"We mean," he said slowly pulling Minerva to him, "we are your parents."

Astonished she took a step back, landing heavily on the bench Severus was sitting on. Putting his hand on her back to steady her, she continued to stare up at Albus and Minerva in shock. She wasn't sure what she felt at that moment. Emotions seemed to bubble up in her from everywhere. She was elated to find them after all this time and find that they were truly wonderful people, but she was angry at them for not telling her. She wanted to simultaneously hug them and scream at them. There were so many emotions going through her that she couldn't seem to get a handle on.

They all watched silently as the emotions flitted across her face. Finally after a few minutes time a smile crossed her lips while tears began to spring in her eyes. Her voice was thick as she started, "I have waited so long to know who I am, and I thought that came from knowing who your parents are."

"That is an important part of it," Minerva nodded, gently putting a hand on her shoulder.

She shook her head, "I have learned that was only part of it. There are many ways to know who you are. The most important is to know who you are inside. Without knowing that, nothing else really matters." They all remained quiet as she thought, unsure of what to do. She finally smiled up at them, "Although I now know who I am without a family, I can't tell you how much it means to me to know who you are," she stood and pulled both of them into a fierce hug, "I wanted it to be you," she whispered to them.

Tears sprang to Minerva's eyes and she hugged her daughter tighter to her. Albus merely beamed, never happier than having his two girls with him.

Pulling back from them Victoria saw the tears in Minerva's eyes as she spoke, "I should never have let you go."

Victoria took her hands, "I understand why you did."

Minerva shook her head, "I will never forgive myself. It was a horrible thing to do to you."

"No," Victoria stopped her from beating herself anymore, "you did what was necessary for all of us at the time."

"I am sorry we missed so much time with you," Albus said, the hint of a tear in his eye.

She smiled, "It doesn't matter. I'm just glad we can be together now."

"Indeed, we are family. That is the most important thing," he said smiling down at her.

A moment later, the happy bubble that had been surrounding them seemed to burst as Poppy stepped up to them. "Victoria, I regret having to break up this little family reunion, but I really need some help."

Victoria nodded turning back to her parents, "We'll talk later."

They hugged her once more and watched as she walked over to Severus. "Are you sure you'll be okay if I go?"

"Go," he said softly. "The others will look after me. There are many worse off than I."

She nodded, giving him a quick peck and walking off in pursuit of Poppy.

Albus took a seat next to Severus, "It is good to see her happy."

"It is," Severus nodded, his gaze still on her retreating form.

"I must warn you of something in spite of this," Albus said sternly.

Hearing the change of tone in the older man Severus looked over at him, "Which is?"

"Although you did save my life, should you ever hurt her, there will be consequences." Albus stated, his blue eyes turning steely as his gaze bore into Severus.

"I understand," Severus drawled.

"Very well," Albus smiled, putting a hand on the younger man's shoulder. The small group sat in a peaceful bliss, letting everything that had happened wash over them. Even though there had been many bad things to happen to them in the last few years, they could tell it was going to be a happy future for all of them.

…

After all the wounded had been healed to the best of their ability Poppy and Victoria slumped down on the bench next to Severus, utterly exhausted. Poppy's white head covering had slipped down to her shoulders, revealing her white hair. Her burgundy robes were covered in dark patches and splatters indicating the amount of blood she'd come into contact with that night. She slumped back against the table behind them, closing her eyes and holding her back, "Thank you Victoria, for all your help."

Victoria rubbed her neck sighing as she closed her eyes, "I didn't do much."

"Nonsense, any help was appreciated. Besides, you did your most important work before you got back here," Poppy said looking over at Victoria who was holding Severus's hand.

"I do have to agree with that." Victoria smiled at him tiredly.

He stood pulling her up with him, "Come, you need some sleep."

Victoria looked at him like he was crazy, "Severus, the castle is in ruins. Where do you propose we sleep?"

"Not all the castle is in ruin," he answered cryptically.

Victoria stole a curious look at Poppy who merely shrugged and waved as Severus pulled her out of the Hall. Following him down the corridor towards the dungeons she looked at him curiously, "Severus, where are you taking me?"

"The dungeon, being below the castle, was not affected by the war. My chambers were not touched," he answered leading her to the door to his chamber.

She looked at him, a bit of trepidation in her eyes, "Are… are you sure?"

"Victoria," he said softly pulling her to him, "what other option do you propose?"

"I… I mean… what if, you know… Albus or Minerva found out or something. I mean it wouldn't exactly look proper would it?" she faltered.

"Very well, perhaps you go and rest on my bed for the time being, and I will make you a bed in my office," he answered kindly sensing her fear.

She nodded finally, "I guess that could work. I am really tired."

He led her into his chambers, which unsurprisingly looked a lot like his office. It was dark with books piled up along the walls. There were no windows to be seen, but the room was lit by multiple torches along the walls. The bed was a plain dark wood with black bedclothes. Looking around the dark room she laughed lightly, "No wonder you're so pale. You need some light."

He smiled wrapping his arms around her, "You're all the light I need."

She shook her head, "That's it, where did my Severus go? You are certainly not him."

"This is simply a side you have failed to see before. I do not show it around others," he answered with a gentle kiss. "Come, you need some sleep."

He pulled back the covers for her and she curled up underneath them breathing in a scent that was completely him. However, even in that perfect moment a thought started to tug at her.

He saw tears start to form in her eyes as she climbed in, "What is it Victoria?"

She sighed, "What do I do now Severus? So much of my life I've been looking for my family. What do I do now that I've found them? I don't know where to go from here."

He smiled down at her, cupping her cheek, "You will keep living. That is all that is necessary for now." He leant down kissing her temple, "Now I suggest you get some sleep."

Nodding, she snuggled down further into his bed and fell asleep almost immediately.

…

Later she awoke to the feeling of another presence in the bed with her. She opened her eyes to find Severus lying on top of the covers next to her. "Good morning," she smiled.

"I could not call it morning yet. You have only been asleep for an hour," he answered pushing a stray piece of hair out of her face.

"Have I? It feels like longer," she said nuzzling into his pillow.

"Your bed is ready in my office," he said gently.

She thought about this for a second, trying to hide the smile from her face as she answered in a serious tone, "I'm sorry Severus, but I don't think I can make it."

"Why would that be?" he asked with a slight smirk.

"Well, you see, it's like this. I've now had a taste of what it's like to wake up with you next to me in your bed and I don't think I can go back," she answered with a beaming smile.

"Is that so?" he asked in a mock serious tone. "What happens if Minerva or Albus should find us together?"

She shrugged, "We're adults."

He laughed at her nonchalant answer, "That was not you opinion an hour ago."

"An hour ago I didn't know what this was like. I just don't think I can leave now."

"Very well, may I join you then?" he asked.

"Certainly," she smiled watching him as he pulled the covers back and pulled her to him. She sighed contentedly feeling his arms wrap around her, "Now I know I can't go anywhere."

"Why is that?" he asked, his voice taking on a deeper tone.

Looking up at him seriously she replied, "Severus, you almost died on me. The only thing I want is to wake up and feel your arms wrapped around me, to hear your heart beating next to my ear, and see you breathing. I never want to lose you again."

He kissed her softly after her declaration, "As long as it is within my power, you will never lose me."

She smiled resting her head on his chest and closing her eyes, "I will hold you to that."

With that they fell asleep, feeling that nothing else in the world mattered outside of their little room.

…