The Sunset

He had not been at Hogwarts since his final day of school, and Cedric had forgotten how serene it could be by simply taking a stroll around the lake. He'd done so countless times with Cho, never thinking that he'd be doing so without her.

Their breakup had been amicable enough, and Cedric had moved past the relationship they'd once had, but being here, it was impossible not to reminisce on those times.

"I'm sure you didn't ask me to walk withy you because you're scared that the Giant Squid will snatch you from the bank," Harry commented dryly.

Cedric chuckled.

Harry had always had a way of making him laugh, even when he was terrified.

The first task of the tournament was a prime example of that, and maybe that was partly why Cedric had sought him out.

Yes, Harry was his friend and had been since they'd first competed against each other on the Quidditch pitch, but he possessed the innate ability to make everything feel so much easier.

"Not exactly, no," Cedric sighed as he came to a halt. "Tonks is pregnant."

"Bloody hell," Harry muttered, shaking his head. "I suppose it wasn't intentional?"

"No," Cedric confirmed.

"But you're going to be a father," Harry pointed out with a smile.

Cedric nodded and offered him a weak smile in return.

"I'm shit scared," he admitted.

"You'd be an idiot if you weren't, and I'd question whether or not you cared about Tonks or the baby at all."

Cedric frowned, and Harry held his hand up to silence him.

"I know you well enough to know you wouldn't sleep with her if you didn't care about her," he placated. "And now that she's carrying your child and heir, you care about her even more."

"I do."

"Then that is all that matters," Harry said reassuringly. "Having a baby, especially now, won't be easy. You'll make mistakes, but you will learn along the way. That's a part of being a parent."

Cedric looked at him bemusedly.

"You seem confident for someone who's not a father."

Harry looked almost wistfully, perhaps longingly, across the lake.

"It's common sense, isn't it? You're not going to know everything, and it's one of those things that you can only learn a certain amount about from books. Every baby is different, and for what it's worth, I think you'll be a great father."

His sincerity was as comforting as Cedric hoped to feel, and it brought a smile to his lips.

"Thanks, Harry," he said gratefully. "I think I needed to hear that."

"I'm only telling you the truth, Cedric," Harry replied. "I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it."

"I know," Cedric chuckled. "You'd tell me if you thought I'd be shit at it."

"You might be, to begin with, but you'll get better, both of you," he reiterated. "How is Tonks?"

Cedric shrugged.

"She's getting used to it," he sighed. "She's not happy she has to be signed off from active work."

"She should have thought of that before she let you stick a bun in her oven."

Cedric snorted.

"There is that," he agreed. "Still, we have to make the best of it."

"And you will," Harry assured him. "Have you thought of names yet?"

"I'm still trying to come to terms with it myself."

"But it's as terrifying as it is exciting."

"It is."

Oddly, Harry seemed to know exactly what it was Cedric was experiencing.

"Are you sure there's not something you want to tell me?" he pressed. "You haven't got someone pregnant, have you?"

"No," Harry laughed. "Nothing of the sort."

"But there is someone."

Harry frowned at him.

"No, not really."

"Harry," Cedric prodded.

He shook his head.

"It's complicated, well it's not, that what makes it so strange."

"Go on."

His frown deepened, but he deflated.

"There is someone," he admitted quietly. "There are others that are interested in me for their own reasons…"

"But it feels different with her."

Harry nodded.

"Listen, I know it will always be different because of who you are, but I get it," Cedric said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I come from a prominent family, and there are those who would pursue me just to better their social standing. It's worse for you because of the influence you already have, what you've done, and what some already expect from you in the future."

"I know," Harry grumbled.

"But it feels different with her," Cedric echoed. "Tell me about her."

"Bugger off."

"See, that's your problem," Cedric chuckled. "You have too many secrets. Sometimes, it does help to talk. You can trust me. Go on, what's she like?"

He folded his arms stubbornly and waited.

Seeing Cedric wouldn't let it go, Harry's nostrils flared in irritation before he seemed to relax.

"Honestly, she's amazing," he said sincerely. "We met during the summer before my fifth year, just after, well, you know."

"Katie."

Harry swallowed deeply and nodded.

"It was never like that," he defended. "She patched me up after I'd been duelling in one of the clubs in Knockturn Alley. I was under Polyjuice Potion."

"Still a stupid thing to do."

"I know," Harry murmured. "Anyway, we stayed in touch, and we've helped each other out a few times."

"And?"

"And I hadn't really thought much of it. I knew she was beautiful and smart, but I couldn't see her in that way, not until I killed Crouch."

"Wait, you got him?"

"The same night you got Malfoy," Harry informed him. "I think I wasn't able to move on from Katie, not properly, until I got him. When he was dead, I was able to finally let go of all the anger and guilt I'd been holding onto."

"That's understandable, Harry," Cedric comforted. "I know how much she meant to you."

"She did and still does," Harry admitted, "but she wouldn't want me to dwell on it. She'd want me to live, and her parents have said the same. We still write to each other, and I visit her grave with them sometimes."

Cedric offered him a sympathetic smile.

"But you like this girl."

"I do."

"Does she like you?"

Harry nodded.

"She cares about me," he murmured. "Not because of what I've done or what I'll be. She just cares about me. She told me I could run away from all of this, and she wouldn't think any less of me."

"She definitely likes you," Cedric chuckled. "So, what's stopping you?"

Harry simply hand his hands out and Cedric shook his head.

"Bollocks to that," he huffed. "I almost died, Harry. I can accept that might still happen, but the one regret I would have is that I didn't take the opportunities I've taken."

"Tonks."

"And now a baby," Cedric said fondly. "If I'd have died that night, so be it, but now if it was to happen, I would go knowing I went for it and I got to experience that kind of happiness. That's not something you should miss out on."

Harry didn't seem convinced, so Cedric placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Look at your parents," he urged. "They were caught up in the same war you are now and had to go into hiding because of it. They still got married, and they had you. Do you think either of them ever regretted that for a moment?"

"No," Harry whispered.

"So, why should you deprive yourself of that? She knows that there's a chance you might die, but it sounds as though she thinks the same as me. Do you regret being with Katie?"

"Of course not."

"Then why is it so hard for you to even consider that this girl likes you enough not to regret it if the worst were to happen?"

"When do you become such a pushy prick?"

"When I almost died," Cedric answered flatly. "You know even better than I do how much that can change you. I get that you needed to heal after Katie and that it has taken you a long time to come to terms with that, but from what you have told me, you have a chance at being with someone who likes you, Harry. Not because you're the handsome and brave Harry Potter, but because she has gotten to know you away from that perception we all have of you."

"You know, I could punch you in the face right now," Harry muttered.

"That wouldn't change the fact that you know I'm right," Cedric pointed out with a grin.

"No, but it would make me feel better."

Cedric laughed heartily.

"How do you plan on telling your godchild you punched me in the face for being right? That's not being a responsible role model, Harry."

The other man turned to look at him sharply, and Cedric offered him a sincere nod at the questioning look he received.

"If anything happens to me, Harry, there's not anyone I would trust more to keep them both safe. Bloody hell, you can't be that surprised."

"I'm still deciding whether or not I'm going to thump you before I accept."

"So, you'll do it?"

"Of course, I'll do it," Harry huffed. "Someone's got to teach the poor kid how to play Quidditch properly."

Cedric beamed as he wrapped his arms around him.

"Get off me, Diggory," Harry huffed. "You're making a show of yourself."

"Oh, shut up and be happy," Cedric replied.

When he released Harry, the man was smiling proudly, the sentiment of what he'd been asked to do not having been lost on him.

"I mean it," Cedric urged. "Be happy, Harry."

He said nothing but did nod, and Cedric took that as a good sign.

Whether or not he would take his advice was another matter entirely, but Cedric hoped he would.

Any who had the chance to experience the happiness he was should grasp it with both hands and not let go, just as he intended to do.

(Break)

"Come in," Sirius bade as the knock sounded to the door of his office.

It opened, and in stepped a seemingly nervous Tonks, her demeanour eliciting a frown from the man. Immediately, he knew that something was bothering his cousin. She had never been one for reticence or shyness.

"I need to speak to you," she sighed.

She looked exhausted, and Sirius gestured for the woman to take the seat opposite him.

With an appreciative smile, she did so and appeared as though she was struggling to find the words she wanted to say.

"I'm pregnant," she declared.

Sirius hadn't known what to expect, but such an announcement had not crossed his mind. Although she was a woman grown, perhaps he still saw her as the little toddler he'd known before he'd been incarcerated.

"Congratulations?" he offered tentatively. "This is a good thing, isn't it?"

"I think so," Tonks murmured.

"You think so?"

She released a deep breath and shook her head.

"The timing isn't good."

"Is there ever a perfect timing?"

Sirius remembered having the very same conversation with James and Lily when they'd announced they were expecting Harry. The timing had been far from advantageous, but they'd made it work.

"Diggory?"

Tonks nodded.

"Are you going to marry him?"

Despite not being one for some of the less pleasant traditions that plagued wizarding Britain and having shunned the very thing he was preaching, perhaps hypocritically, he was still a believer in the sanctity of raising a child in a family setting.

"I don't know, maybe," Tonks answered.

"Do you want to?"

She shrugged, and Sirius leaned back in his chair.

"Well, that is for the two of you to decide," he murmured. "You do know what this means. I'm going to have to restrict you to administrative work from now on."

"Really?" Tonks groaned.

"Yes, and I wouldn't change it if I could," he said firmly. "I know this is all new to you, but you are carrying a baby. Being on patrol or in any physical altercation is not something I will allow. That also means taking a step back from the Order. Don't argue with me, Tonks," he added as she opened her mouth to do just that.

"When did you become so responsible?" she snorted.

"I don't know," Sirius sighed, "but I am, for every single person employed by the Ministry and who calls this country home. Why isn't Diggory here?"

"He's visiting Harry at Hogwarts," Tonks explained. "He wants him to be the first that knows other than our parents."

Sirius grimaced.

"How did your mother take it?"

"Well enough," Tonks answered amusedly. "I made sure Cedric was there when I told them."

Sirius chuckled.

"Was he a wreck?"

"He suggested we flee to Japan before."

"Japan is nice," Sirius mused aloud. "Well, as imperfect as the timing is, I am happy for you both," he offered sincerely.

Tonks nodded as she stood.

"Thank you. I suppose I should get to my desk. I'd better get used to it."

"For now," Sirius returned with a grin.

She glared at him before taking her leave of the office, and Sirius could only shake his head.

To him, Tonks's pregnancy was good news, and as far as he was concerned, there had been a lack of that for some time now.

It was nice to have something positive to look forward to, and he hoped beyond hope that in the coming weeks, months, and beyond, there would be more to come.

(Break)

As far as stupid ideas went, Harry couldn't deny this was up there with what could prove to be the very worst of them. Nonetheless, he'd done all he could to deter the giants from siding with Voldemort, going as far as to kill one when his method of poisoning them proved to be rather ineffective.

Whatever hold Voldemort had over them needed to be loosened, and Harry hoped that the Gurg was open to negotiation. If he wasn't and he was feeling particularly bloodthirsty, the demise of his entire clan would be inevitable.

Harry didn't expect that they would simply allow him to walk amongst them and leave if the negotiations were not ended on amicable terms, so, success truly was his only option.

Ensuring he had his contingencies in place, he approached the clearing the giants had made by tearing away the trees that had once been here, his presence being noticed almost immediately by a particularly brutal male.

He roared his warning, and before he knew it, Harry found himself surrounded on all sides by the behemoths.

"I am here to speak with the Gurg," he declared loudly. "I do not wish to harm you, only to speak."

His words seemingly fell on deaf ears until another emerged from within the trees. He was flanked on both sides by two others, but he towered over them by at least a couple of feet.

He truly was a monster in every sense of the word, the trophies that adorned his neck, wrists, and even ankles, made primarily of what Harry believed was human bones.

"Speak now," the Gurg demanded.

"I want you to leave," Harry replied. "I will offer you safe passage back to where you came from."

The giants laughed, the sound rumbling through the ground beneath Harry's feet.

"We stay."

Harry nodded.

"What is Voldemort offering you?"

"Meat and new home, here."

"Well, you cannot stay here," Harry returned. "Voldemort will die, and then you and your clan will follow. It's not a threat, just the truth. If you hadn't attacked the people here and came in peace, maybe something could have been done for you to stay. You chose the wrong side."

The Gurg looked at him almost vacantly before shaking his head.

"We stay!" he growled.

Harry cursed under his breath.

How anyone had ever managed to negotiate with them before, he didn't know. It was frustrating at best, and already, he knew it would not end well.

"Come Death, come," he murmured.

With nary a thought, the coldness swept through surrounding trees, and as Harry looked towards the sky, he saw dozens of shadowy figures converging on them.

Holding up a hand, he halted the Dementor's approach, noticing the discomfort of the giants from their presence.

"If you choose to stay, they will stay too," he warned. "They will follow wherever you will go. If you try to leave without my assistance, you will die," he added as he drew the Sword of Gryffindor.

One of the giants seemingly acting as a guard for the Gurg lunged forward, only to stiffen as the metal projectile Harry banished towards him stuck fast into his knee.

He unleashed a roar as he staggered backwards, collapsing to the ground.

The basilisk had only been too happy to provide him with more venom for this endeavour, and Harry was glad he had not come here without considering all possibilities.

As the fallen giant began to convulse, the rest of the clan seemed to be in two minds on whether to attack or look on as their companion was sapped of his life.

Unsure on what they would do, Harry produced the dozens of other projectiles, three for every single giant here, and arranged them so they pointed away from him in every direction, ensuring his safety.

The Gurg glared at him but recognised the threat he posed.

"I tried to be nice," Harry sighed. "I didn't want to harm any of you, but you left me no choice. If you want to save the rest of them, you will accept my offer. I will even gift you enough meat to last five years and find a home for you away from England. Or, you can all die here. It is your choice."

He'd attempted to be diplomatic, but without any opportunity to offer them the ability of satiating their bloodlust, it seemed such an approach was never going to be possible.

The giants understood only violence, and though Harry was indeed outnumbered, he had outwitted them.

The Gurg knew it, but it remained to be seen if he would allow his stubbornness to prevail and be responsible for his entire clan being wiped out.

Harry would do just that if necessary, though he preferred the option of a somewhat peaceful conclusion.

"We leave," the Gurg growled reluctantly.

Harry nodded.

"I will wait whilst you gather your belongings. You will be escorted to the coast by the Dementors and my Thestral."

Mallory appeared and began pawing the ground impatiently, snorting in a menacing manner.

Harry smirked at the creature who stood so proudly, and followed the giants with his gaze as they vanished within the trees once more.

He couldn't help but think that he should have approached them long ago, but without a clear understanding, nor any leverage, he'd been reticent to do so. Now, however, he saw that this was the only way to get them to see sense.

Maybe they would have fought until the last of them stood, a revelation Harry was pleased to avoid. To kill them all in battle would incur considerable loss to human life, but here, the only risk was to himself, and Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew that this could have gone badly, that something could have gone awry.

For once, all had seemingly gone to plan, and as the giants began following Mallory away from what had become their temporary home, he was satisfied with the outcome.

(Break)

It was not lost on him that he'd been asked to meet in the very same place he'd overheard the prophecy being spoken by Sybil Trelawney. Perhaps Albus wished to remind him of where it was his subterfuge had begun, remind him just why he was currently doing his utmost to kill the most valuable asset the Dark Lord possessed.

Maybe it was simply because it was one of the few places they were likely to be overheard now. At the time, Severus had been unaware that the surly barman of The Hog's Head was in fact, the brother of the headmaster he'd been eavesdropping on.

He'd been so careless back then, so cocksure that the man he'd pledged himself to would emerge victorious.

That had all changed the night he'd failed to kill Harry Potter.

It was the first time Severus had seen him for what he was; just another man hungry for power.

The Dark Lord had all but sealed his fate that night and had lost Severus's loyalty for his inability to spare Lily's life.

He was pulled from his thoughts as the door to the private room he'd been received in opened, and Aberforth showed his brother in, gracing neither with even a word of greeting before leaving them.

"I suppose it would be too much to expect that you've been fortunate in your endeavour, Severus."

"It would."

Dumbledore offered him an encouraging smile.

"Worry not, I have every faith in your success."

Severus could only shake his head.

"I have seen no sign of either the snake or the Dark Lord. Both seem to have vanished."

"Do you think the contraption I fashioned is not allowing you to see the house?"

"No, I took it off and still could not find it," Severus informed him. "I will remain at my post and keep you informed of any progress I make."

"Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore offered sincerely. "Your efforts are most appreciated."

Severus merely nodded before he took his leave of the pub, ensuring his disguise was in place once more before he appeared in Little Hangelton.

Although he could not see the house, he could feel the uneasy magic in their air, and he wondered if the Dark Lord was aware of his presence, that the leather band around his arm truly hid him from his former master.

No, Albus would not have tasked him with such a thing if the risk was so prevalent.

He was a manipulative old fool at times, but he would not purposely place him in danger.

Still, Severus could not see how he was to be successful.

If the Dark Lord had any suspicion that his snake was in danger, he would not allow Nagini to leave his sign.

Nonetheless, if he wasn't here, then where had he gone?

(Break)

"Now, imagine you are surrounded by dozens of these," Harry urged, nodding towards the menacing Grindylow in the tank.

He'd taken inspiration from Remus for this lesson.

"Are they dangerous?" one of the third-year Hufflepuffs asked.

"In larger groups, they are very difficult to fend off," Harry warned. "They have sharp claws, but it is the fingers you must watch out for. See how long they are? Perfect for strangulation. Their grip is strong, and they move faster through the water than you will believe. Now, how do you avoid being ambushed by a group of them?"

"By avoiding overgrown plant life," one of the Ravenclaws answered. "They lurk in the deeper parts of freshwater and lie in wait for an opportunity to strike."

"Good," Harry praised, checking the clock. "Next time, we will be looking at Hinkypunks. So read up on them for your homework. I will be testing you. Off you go."

The students bade him farewell as they left, seemingly having enjoyed the lesson. Whether it was because they'd been fascinated by the Grindylow or by him, Harry didn't know.

"I still have nightmares about them," a voice broke into his thoughts.

He turned to find Fleur had entered the room and was staring at the tank that occupied the corner, her expression much darker than usual.

"I dream that I'm drowning in the lake, and I don't have my wand."

"Well, I think it is safe to say you don't plan on going back in there," Harry replied.

"No," Fleur murmured. "I won't go back into a water that isn't hot and full of bubbles."

Harry chuckled amusedly.

Her fear was well-founded.

He'd not exaggerated how dangerous Grindylows could be to his class. Fleur was the perfect example of that. She was a gifted witch and had been caught out by the vicious creatures.

"You seem happy," she commented thoughtfully.

"As opposed to always being miserable?"

Fleur rolled her eyes at him.

"No, as opposed to always looking as though everything is weighing you down. It suits you. A girl?"

"A girl?"

"You know, soft skin, delicate, just like me?" Fleur returned with a grin.

"I certainly wouldn't call you delicate."

"You're avoiding the question, Harry."

He shrugged in response, and Fleur beamed at him knowingly.

"It is," she declared triumphantly.

"Bugger off."

"Well, how very rude," Fleur giggled. "Maybe I should write to Gabrielle and tell her. I know it isn't her. I saw her yesterday, and she hasn't seen you. I am happy for you, Harry, and I'm sure Gabrielle will be when she gets over the disappointment."

"I haven't said anything," he protested.

"You didn't have to," Fleur returned with a smirk before entering the office and closing the door behind her.

Harry could only shake his head.

Somehow, this was all Diggory's fault.

Harry knew it wasn't, not really, but he was going to blame Cedric anyway.

Cursing the other man for the perceived slight, Harry entered his own office to mark the work the students had just completed, only to be interrupted a moment later by a knock at the door.

"Come in," he called with a frown.

It was a distinctly unhappy Daphne who entered, the scowl she wore tearful and full of anger.

"Is something wrong?" Harry asked, not knowing what else to say.

"My father has arranged a marriage between me and Ernie Macmillan."

"Ernie's not bad," Harry defended. "Could have been Malfoy."

"He's not," Daphne agreed, "but he lacks any kind of ambition."

"He's seventeen," Harry pointed out.

"So are you."

Harry shook his head.

"Most of my ambition comes from wanting just to survive," he explained. "When the war is over, I have no idea what I'll do."

"They'll want you to be Minister of Magic."

"I have no intention of taking any kind of job. I don't even plan on staying here."

"What are you going to do?" Daphne asked almost disappointedly.

"Whatever the hell I want for once," Harry answered simply. "I'll do my bit in the Wizengamot, but I'm tired of politics, war, and all the other bullshit that comes with it. I just want to live my life in whatever way I choose to."

Daphne nodded her understanding and looked at him appraisingly.

"I should have known you wouldn't do what everyone else would want," she said amusedly. "You've always had that rebellious side to you. I think that's what I really like, Harry. You're different."

"Not by choice," Harry sighed. "I'd trade places with someone with a normal life in a heartbeat. Being me isn't what the papers make it out to be. I got tired of it the moment I found out the truth about what happened to my parents."

"I suppose it is different for anyone else who wants the fame and attention you have," Daphne replied thoughtfully. "To them, your life is everything they want, but I bet they'd think differently if they lived just a day of it."

"Probably," Harry agreed. "Sorry, I've got my next class coming in a few minutes."

Daphne nodded as she made her way to the door, pausing briefly.

"You know, I'll always wonder what it would have been like if things worked out differently between us," she said quietly. "I asked my father if he'd made any offer to you, but he hadn't. He considered it, but then Macmillan came along. I expect he just wanted to ensure my future. Maybe if he had met you, he would have believed in you like I do."

She left, and oddly, Harry too wondered what he'd have done if Lord Greengrass had approached.

Would he have considered such an offer?

Perhaps, but as things were, that was no longer a possibility.

He liked Daphne, truly, but he couldn't imagine being married to her.

As kind and as caring as she could be, she would want more from him than he was willing to give when it came to his prospects when the war was concluded, and to Harry, living by his own choices was something he was not willing to negotiate.

(Break)

He needed men.

Whilst he'd been focused on killing Potter, the man had been busy depleting the numbers of the Dark lord. As such, they'd dwindled significantly, much to his chagrin.

None of those remained from the first war, and now, Lord Voldemort found himself without any who were truly capable.

That, however, would change.

He'd carefully pondered where he could receive the support he needed: strong, powerful followers who would be an asset to his efforts, but he equally needed them to be loyal.

Prisons.

Were he to free those who found themselves incarcerated, they would be indebted to him, and with a few choice vows of service, he would grant them such a favour.

In essence, it was a good plan, but he first needed to identify and liberate these individuals.

Since his visit to France and coming upon the eerie scene of Barty's murder, the Dark Lord had been busy.

With a little subterfuge, he'd managed to place one of the French ministry clerks under the Imperius Curse and had instructed the woman to gather information pertaining to the current prisoners of France on his behalf.

Armed with that, his resurgence could begin once more, with competent men to follow his lead.

Those who refused his offer would be killed, but the Dark Lord could only imagine what those who had been imprisoned for so long would be willing to do for but a taste of freedom.

He smiled triumphantly to himself.

France was just the beginning.

From here, he would cross the borders into neighbouring countries until he was satisfied with his new gathering.

When he returned to Britain, Potter and those who dared oppose him would be in for a rude awakening indeed.

(Break)

The last time he'd been here was to see the sunrise, and perhaps subconsciously he'd arrived shortly before the sun was to set. Harry could not deny that it was a sight to behold, and one he hoped to become fond of in the coming years.

"You know, you'll eventually turn into a fossil if you keep standing there so still."

Harry grinned as he nodded and turned towards the approaching Isabella.

She was wearing a white sundress, her hair falling loosely around her shoulders, and her own smile crinkling her eyes slightly.

"It wouldn't be a bad place to be a fossil," he replied.

Isabella hummed as she stood next to him.

"No, it wouldn't," she agreed. "Are you here to bring bad news?"

Harry shook his head.

"I've seen the sunrise here, I thought I'd like to see it set too."

Isabella nodded and they fell into a comfortable silence.

Harry had never experienced nervousness with the opposite sex, but he could feel it gnawing at the pit of his stomach. It prevented him from finding the words he wished to speak, blanking his mind.

Isabella seemed to sense what he was feeling, and she shifted on her feet, though she did not press him.

Still, Harry did his utmost to find the words that eluded him, with little success.

After a moment, he cleared his throat, not wanting the silence to drag on any longer.

"The offer that you made, do you still mean it?" he asked tentatively.

Isabella frowned in confusion, her cheeks reddening as she realised what he was referring to.

"I'd still do it for you, Harry," she said sincerely.

Harry nodded.

"I'd like to," he murmured. "I'd like you to have my child, but I have one condition."

"Name it," Isabella sighed as she looked almost sadly across the rolling waves.

"I'll only agree to it if it's done properly."

Her cheeks reddened deeper, and Harry cursed himself internally for his poor choice of words.

"You mean…well, you know?" Isabella asked.

"Would that be a problem?"

Isabella shook her head.

"No, of course not."

He felt his chest tighten, her willingness to go through with it warming him as he realised just how much she cared for him.

"You really would, wouldn't you?"

Isabella turned to meet his gaze, her own one of resignation.

"If you can't see that I'd do just about anything for you by now, Harry, I don't know what to say."

It was strange for him to see her so vulnerable, and Harry found he didn't care for it. He'd been all but blind to how she felt for him and him for her. When they'd met, he'd been in perhaps the worst place of his life, and yet, Isabella had been there for him through it all.

When his own feelings had become what they were, Harry didn't know. Perhaps they had grown over the past couple of years he'd known her, or it had happened without him realising.

He knew it now.

He knew that Isabella had been holding onto some kind of hope that maybe he would one day see it. Maybe she knew how he felt but could see Harry didn't know it yet.

He could ponder it indefinitely and likely never be close to a definitive answer.

It didn't matter now.

Isabella had been who he'd turned to when he needed someone. She'd healed his wounds, hadn't left his side in his most vulnerable moments, and he'd confided things in her he'd never tell another.

Somewhere, somehow, Harry had grown so deeply fond of her, so much so that it hurt to see her willing to give so much and receive so little in return.

"I know you would," he murmured softly. "I'd do the same for you."

Isabella looked at him confusedly, and Harry took her hands in his own, allowing himself to enjoy the softness of them.

He didn't know it, not until Crouch was dead and he'd spoken with Cedric, but it had always been different with her. With the others, he'd distanced himself emotionally, but with Isabella, he hadn't even tried.

"You've already done more than enough for us, Harry," she whispered, offering him a watery smile.

"I'm not talking about anyone else, just you," he replied. "I know things aren't so good right now, but I'd like them to be for both of us. I'd like you to have our child, and when I said I want it to be done properly, I meant with us together, as a family."

Isabella frowned again.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what you're saying," she sighed.

She knew.

She was either wanting him to say it aloud, or she dared not hope, just in case she was wrong.

Once more, Harry felt a pang in his chest at the thought it was the latter.

Putting them both out of their misery, he squeezed her hands and met her gaze, allowing her apparent nervousness to bolster his confidence.

"If you agree, I'd like to speak with your brother about arranging a marriage between us."

Isabella said nothing for a moment and turned away.

"Do you mean that?" she asked emotionally. "This isn't just for the baby, is it? Because if it is…"

She was cut off.

Turning back towards him, Harry pressed his lips to hers. Without any hesitation, Isabella returned the kiss, and Harry allowed himself to melt into it without any remorse and with all he felt for her in this moment.

When they broke apart, their foreheads came to rest on one another's, and Isabella nodded.

"I'd like that," she whispered, her lips turning upwards into a smile that Harry would never tire of seeing. "What changed?"

"Nothing," Harry answered honestly. "I think I just needed to hear that all of this is okay. It made me realise what I could have if I'd just let it, even if the world has gone to shit."

"It won't be that way forever," Isabella assured him. "Maybe this could be the start of things going right. It feels that way for me."

It was Harry's turn to smile, and he did so, uninhibited and free of the misery that had plagued him.

Even if it was only for a moment, he wanted to enjoy it for all it was worth.