Walking Dead Wizard

Chapter 131

Two Years Later

Harry peered around watching in satisfaction as yet another set of flats were built with the use of magic alone patting his two-year-old daughter on the back absently from where she was perched on his hip. He had tried to make Minerva happy and take in a wizarding family but it had not worked. Either Minerva had picked poorly, and didn't know them truly, or they hid their true nature. Truth was, in P.A they were all using muggle appliances with runes imbedded into them, allowing them to be used without the aid of electricity. The magical family weren't used to it, they didn't like having to clean up after themselves, do their washing and drying, and do the chores on rote they believed that's what House-elves for and had the audacity to say he likely used them and did nothing himself. He was The-Boy-Who-Lived, he could do as he pleased, and to leave them alone and let them use House-elves. That statement had been the end of it, he'd stunned them right there and then and took them back through the cupboard and Obliviated the location from them so they could not return even if they had a mind to.

In the end he'd disbanded the aid he was offering Minerva, he felt bad about it, but he was never going to put up with that bullshit. There was no way any magical family was going to adapt to living the muggle way, not a decade in. It had been foolish to expect otherwise. He should have known better, not everyone was him or hell, even Luna. In return he'd dug out all the books he had on magical construction and went hunting, luckily, they had the help of a few builders, it had been primarily Percy's project and Marcus Flint had joined in using both mundane builders and a magical builder.

The first 'building' they had repaired had been the Shrieking Shack. Although, it was most certainly not a shack anymore, it was a fully functional home with two bedrooms. They then began to build outwards towards Hogsmeade, a little jarring going from blocks of flats to idyllic cottages, but needs a must. It didn't take long for the surroundings to begin getting the same treatment.

"Do you have plans for any more flats to be built?" Harry asked, glancing away from the new build, seeking Percy and Marcus' answer.

The two wizards were just standing there having just put the last permanent sticking charm to the windows and finishing it off. They looked fair chuffed with themselves, and to be fair, it was definitely worthy of admiration. They'd worked really hard these past two years to ensure that everyone had homes of their own. They weren't impressed with the idiots that made it necessary (Harry hadn't been shy in revealing why they'd been returned posthaste!) it had ruffled more than a few feathers, mostly due to the fact that not everyone wanted to remain at Hogwarts or rather Hogsmeade.

"We actually decided to keep going as long as we had the products," Percy replied, glancing at Marcus with a grin, "Of course, I don't think we realized what we were getting into or how far it would come." They'd started with plans for just a few flats, at the most, and now it was a massive undertaking and the project was not yet done, they continued adding to it. Well, Harry added to it too, putting parks, swimming pools and the like for the children. Even inserted a half-pipe and raided a shop and put a shack that was filled with skates, skate boards, helmets and such. Despite them being muggle, everyone loved them, it gave them blessedly something to do.

Marcus grunted his agreement, "Expected one or two, now we've got thirty buildings," each building was flats, four in each of them and all two or three room builds. The results were astonishing, he'd expected it to be more difficult than it turned out. The books though were very thorough and it helped that Percy was very anal, and everything was marked down to the littlest detail so there would be no mistakes when they began the construction. "Where's Daryl?"

"He remained at home with Hunter," Harry replied, not surprised that Marcus and Daryl got on, they were very similar in nature. Could sit there for hours and say nothing and genuinely enjoy each other's company. Not to mention, Marcus had grown fascinated with Daryl's ability to hunt, although he still used the killing curse to hunt his prey. He was just in awe of what Muggles could do without magic, that they could remain silent, hunt, target then kill their prey. That had been the start of a real admiration for Marcus. Who would have guessed a pureblood ethnocentrism would admire a mundane? And he was an ethnocentrism, he believed pureblood's were better full stop, or had as the case may be. "Speaking of Hunter, he wants to start training them, he'll be going out hunting tomorrow and I have a funny feeling it isn't going to go anywhere remotely how he wishes, so you're welcome to join him." patting him on the back with a laugh just imagining the idea of the twins actually listening to their Da.

"What did you bring this time?" Percy asked, almost to the point of amusement.

"Oh!" Harry said perking up, "You'll not believe it! Massive chess sets! Stone base, but moveable light pieces, if you can make them magical, cool, if not, it's something that some people will like." Well, he'd say it was light, but it wasn't so light that a child would be able to move it, and it would take a very heavy storm to move the pieces (not that there would be, the weather had changed so drastically everywhere).

"How big?" Percy asked intrigued, while he was nowhere where Ron's enthusiasm had been, he did like chess, it was one of the first games you really learn growing up. He'd loved playing against his brothers and father, Ron had been unbeatable by the time he was twelve, and he rarely played him after that. Wounded pride and all that, he'd give anything to have a game with Ron now, let him know he was appreciated and loved, unfortunately, like in most things, you don't have these thoughts until its way too late.

"Exactly like McGonagall's," Harry grinned, recalling his more innocent times, "Ron killed that set." It didn't hurt to talk about him so much anymore, he wasn't sure if it was because he wasn't his brother, he was just a friend to Ron. Or had been.

"He wouldn't shut up about that all summer," Percy said, with twinkling eyes denoting his amusement. "Everyone in the surrounding area knew about that match. He recited it move to move."

"What chess set?" Marcus asked confused, they didn't have a large chess set at Hogwarts, did they? Then again, he had always been more interested in Quidditch, still was as a matter of fact, it's why he was teaching it when he wasn't at The Sanctuary. He was likely the only teacher that didn't stay on the premises, and considering he wasn't a Head Of House it was allowed.

"Come with us and I'll explain," Harry said, as he adjusted his daughter in his arms, she was getting so heavy nowadays, and independent, she liked to walk everywhere on her own. With one obvious exception, when she was tired, which she was, after exhausting herself in the pool. They liked to enjoy it while the weather was good for it. It was an outside pool which would have been rather vexing if not for magic, that kept it clean, free of germs and even a little lukewarm so it wasn't freezing cold when you step into it.

So, Harry did, explaining only a little bit of why they'd gone down there to begin with, focusing more on the chess match than anything else. The look on Marcus' face showed he was impressed, an eleven-year-old managed to beat out McGonagall's chess set? Which meant he was better than her at the game. Very impressive, it also explained Dumbledore's words, he just thought the old fool did it to make sure Gryffindor won and was just using any excuse. It was very like Dumbledore to do that, give points at the end of the year to Gryffindors, Harry appearing at Hogwarts hadn't been the first time but it certainly had been the last four years later.

"Why didn't he go in the Chess circuit?" Marcus questioned Percy, "It was madness not to given his abilities." Which he knew were likely honed over the years, he could have made millions of Gallons a year beating everyone at chess.

Harry had to concede, it was true enough, "Ron wanted to help people, to be a hero, its why it meant so much to him to become an Auror."

"You should know Minerva's health isn't what it used to be," Percy revealed, "Those stunners she took in your…sixth no…fifth year have begun to show their effects. She'll not let you know, I only know because I was there for her fainting spell. If the Aurors were still alive that, did it, she could have gotten their jobs for that." Lips pursed in sheer unmitigated rage, there was never any need for such reaction, and he'd thought that even back then, horrified as a matter of fact, but still too proud to go home to his parents and just apologise. No, it took two more years before that happened.

"Not to mention everything else," Marcus murmured, frowning tightly, how the hell would a new Head teacher be chosen? They weren't just going to be responsible for the students, which is difficult enough, but everyone within the confines of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Nobody sighed up for that, he pitied the poor fucker that got chosen.

"How bad is it?" Harry asked, swallowing thickly, paling alarmingly at the knowledge.

Percy just shook his head, "Sadly that's not information I'm privy to, I didn't want to push her, you know how she is."

One of the most stubborn witches that's left in this world.

Harry's brows furrowed, wondering whether to talk to her or not, perhaps she should step down as Headmistress, and stop teaching either that or seriously reduce her workload. She likely wouldn't listen to him, especially if she wasn't listening to those closer to her. "Has Severus or Hermione noticed?" do they know?

"Everyone knows, we're all trying to help without being too obvious about it, as I said we're not privy to any information. None of us has so much as approached Poppy, we all know how that will go." Percy stated firmly.

Harry conceded that point with a reluctant nod of affirmation, wincing when Artemis slapped him on the face, Harry took hold of her little hand and cried out in faux pain, "Don't do that, Artemis, that hurts." Her green eyes – identical to both Harry and Daryl – looked ready to cry at his declaration. In turn, Artemis reached out for Marcus, wanting to be held by him instead. Neither he or Daryl would ever lift a finger to either of their children. They knew it didn't do anything other than cause harm and fear, and they refused to allow that to be how their children remembered them.

Harry just smiled and shook his head and let her go to Marcus, adjusting his posture now that he didn't need to cock out his hip just to keep his daughter just a little bit safer. "Don't let her do it to you," children need consistency, they couldn't let it happen with someone else and expect it not to happen to them.

"I know," Marcus said, as he popped Artemis on his shoulders, her gleeful shouts heard from everyone around, she adored the height. He kept his right arm across her legs firmly, to ensure she didn't fall. He missed when his own siblings were this age, so easily pleased.

Harry laughed, of course he did, he likely saw the twins even more than the Weasleys' which was saying something. He always made a point to spent a little bit of time in P.A before going to The Sanctuary – which was what The Savior compound had been called before it became a cult – they had deviated back to its original title, and it had pleased many people which was something Susan worked hard, to buoy their spirits, to give them back positive emotions, hope, happiness, laughter and contentment if nothing else.

His gaze landed on Florence, and his smile became wistful, he could say in all honesty, he didn't recognize the girl from the image he had of her when they first met. The Oceanside children – they didn't really call them that anymore he just used that as a frame of reference – had all recovered fully, mentally and physically. They had a healthy amount of weight on their bones, and seemed happy, delighting in every new thing that made up their surroundings. They had two muggles in the group, two females who had protected those with magic – very nearly with their lives at that – they had adopted everyone except for Florence who had become attached to Lavander and Lavander had adopted her. The boy rescued by Marcus, well, it was becoming increasingly clear Marcus was where he wanted to be, regardless of where he was. It had been that way for a long time now.

"Where's Jon?" Harry enquired, the child from Oceanside wasn't quite so young anymore, when he wasn't with Marcus he was constantly asking where he was and why he wasn't there according to Hermione and Severus. It was getting to the point where Severus was bringing the boy to The Sanctuary and leaving him with Marcus. Marcus started his days at six o'clock in the morning, too early for the child to be up.

Marcus sighed, his tone resigned, "Flying," he knew where the little shit was all the time, he was occupying most of his thoughts these days. He couldn't go anywhere without someone bringing him.

"There is blood adoption, you know." Harry pointed out, it would make the child Marcus' in every possible way, most importantly his by blood, he'd continue the Flint name. It wasn't everyone's top priority he knew, but it certainly didn't hurt to know the line carries on.

Marcus grunted.

"He adores you, you like him, it works," Harry added, well versed in 'grunt' nowadays thanks to his husband. Not all people wanted to be a parent though. "If you want him, adopt him, he deserves that much." Smacking him lightly on the back, since he couldn't touch his shoulder since his daughter was presently on his shoulders. He was soon to enter his teenage phrase.

"Lavender takes good care of him," Marcus told him, she'd bonded with all the children from Oceanside.

"Is there anything you guys need here?" Harry asked them, changing the subject, there would be no point to trying to force the point, either Marcus would do it or he wouldn't.

"We're all good, but best ask Minerva before you go, just in case," Percy stated, and it was true enough.

Harry nodded, not surprised, it was always the same, Hogwarts was fully self-sufficient, they very rarely needed help, they could go out on their own – through P.A – and collect whatever they needed to – such as at this moment – bricks and windows and stuff they needed to build their flats, built the magic way.

"I will do, now excuse me, I'm going to install this chess set…. hmm…over there!" Harry said pointing in the direction he wished to place the massive chess set. It was not too close to the properties, but close enough to the rest of the amenities the children liked to indulge in.

Harry eyed the grass contemplatively, removing his wand, he set the shrunken set down, stepped on it until it was imbedded in the grass. Then with a happy grin, he let it unshrink, the grass going with it, perfect, it couldn't cause anyone to trip. Then came the longest part, unshrinking each and every piece and putting them into their correct position. The second set was also positioned before Harry put the remaining two sets (chess pieces only) into the shack built for storage. Marcus would likely attempt to make these actually magical pieces, best to have a backup just in case for whatever reason, it couldn't be fixed.

When he came out of the shack after setting them all into place, he found that the area was already a beehive of activity, as the children and teenagers all surrounded the sets with gleeful happiness. He wasn't sure why unless all the chess sets at Hogwarts had stopped working or perhaps it was just the newness?

"I've got two sets set aside for P.A and Potter Abbey," Harry said, "Axel and Bob will love it."

"Charlie and Bill will never be off it and Potter Abbey will head for ruin," Percy commented dryly, joking of course, only slightly. He could remember some of the games Bill and Charlie played, they were very competitive.

Harry laughed, grinning widely, "Hey, you want to stay with Marcus for a little bit?"

Artemis nodded decisively, watching everything with fascination, then again Artemis found her toes fascinating so there was that.

"You alright with it?" Harry asked Marcus belatedly, and Percy.

Marcus nodded; he truly didn't mind.

Harry smiled in gratitude, handing over a bottle, it had juice in it and a packet of crackers that would tide her over until they returned home. Then he handed over three Twix's, before he floated over the rest of the contents of the box to the suddenly shrieking children and teenagers. How long had it been since they had chocolate? Likely two and a half years, the chocolate supply from Honeydukes likely hadn't lasted all that long, even with them being given as a very rare treat. Even the adults that were around got one, in the end there were only three left, he just shrank the box back down. He'd give them to Hermione, Minerva and Severus. "I'll be back soon. I've got the map so don't feel the need to stay in one location alright?"

Percy and Marcus both gave their agreements.

He never did get to see Hermione and Severus but he did see Minevra, but he wouldn't have known anything was wrong if Percy hadn't told him.

Harry put two logs into the chiminea allowing the flames to lick higher, nights were getting colder now. Stepping carefully so he didn't end up stepping on Anubis, who was old and greying now and wasn't as active as he used to be. He'd still be around for a few more years, and Harry dreaded when the day came where he'd have to utter those two words to put his beautiful boy to eternal sleep. He would never let him suffer, but luckily for him, he had a Veterinarian who kept the dogs in optimal health and suggested various vitamins and herbs to go into their foods to aid them, such as turmeric and such for their old bones. The not so young pups that Anubis had sired were spread around, each comfortable on a large dog bed (there were many strewn around) or chair he thought absently noticing Osiris on the black leather seat. Osiris was Hela's (Sophia's husky) double.

"How have you been, Patrick?" Harry asked the teenager, "Are you able to see properly?" eyeing the bespectacled young man, who had found it increasingly difficult to fit in once upon a time. Almost to the point of infantilising himself. He just wanted to play all day, and made no effort to learn how to defend himself or even attend school as the others did. Patrick had been hard work to get out of his shell and into the here and now with the ability to defend himself. Patrick had been polite, respectful in every other way, but now he was pleased to say he very adjusted to this world.

"They're okay," Patrick replied, petting at Iris who was lying at his feet, "I'm just grateful that you were able to repair them that time." The murmurs of conversations others were having droning on around them. Not that there was a load of people there, most were either at the Cinema or bowling actually. They'd found so many movies in the basement that even now they weren't all the way through them yet.

Harry laughed, "It's one of the first spells I was introduced to, one that repaired my glasses, and my best friend frequently had to cast it." He told Patrick in amusement. It was true enough, Merlin, he couldn't remember just how many times she'd had to repair his glasses over the years. "How is the library coming along?"

Patrick just smirked, he'd listened to Carl and Sophia go on and on and on these past years about any and all magic they learned. He'd never had the need to pick up a book for that reason. Although, knowing they used Latin for their spells had led to him learning the language, which was not easy, but Andrea had helped him, as a Lawyer she knew the most Latin outside of Harry and Luna. It had been a long hard slog, but he could converse expertly in Latin. He was all but a certified Veterinarian now and Latin also helped him in that regard. Shaking off his thoughts, he began to speak.

"There's twenty-nine books missing, checked every house, and even asked Luna to try summoning them, no luck," Patrick replied, "I was expecting the number to be higher; we just need to find somewhere to put the computers, the library didn't have solar panels, shall I drop them off at the computer building?" and yes, they had a room filled with computers, emptied of all else, well, they had printers as well, for any information they need printed out, put into a poly pocket before putting in a folder. A few years ago, you wouldn't have been able to get children and adults off those damnable things, but there was no social media anymore, they were used for educational purposes and that was it really.

"Books were likely the last thing on people's minds," Aaron mused, "The only use for them was burning to keep warm."

"Not everyone will have thought that way," Eric stated calmly, "We've certainly had a need of them a time or two."

"They're going to be lifesavers, there are so many skills that have been abandoned that we will need one day," Harry replied, "We're fortunate that we do have books to aid us in whichever skill we desire."

"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" came a very familiar voice, and Harry automatically sought to find it, a smile spreading across his face. "Uncle 'Arry!"

Artemis was perched on Sophia's hip, squealing in delight, and Hunter was perched on his father's shoulders, and judging by the grimace on Daryl's face, clearly pulling his hair too much, his poor husband. Luna was right next to him, pushing a buggy, that contained her month-old son Mason Lovegood-Dixon, while Merle himself, carried his daughter Xena Lovegood-Dixon. Merle had been vehemently against that name, but Luna was determined to honour her father, and that was the closest one to his name that was pronounceable. In the end he'd given up, just for a peaceful life, and allowed it. He later confessed to Harry that the name had actually grown on him. Sophia relented and let the girl down, when her wiggling became dangerous enough that she might drop her. The second her feet hit the ground, she took off, straight towards her 'Daddy' Harry moved off the chair and knelt, arms out, waiting. Oh, he loved them so much, he could barely believe how much time had passed. Their first words, first tooth coming through, first time crawling, first time they took steps and not to mention the rather…ahem, dramatic use of magic.

Fire, of all things, bloody fire, set the tent, trees and grass on fire, in fact, it was still blackened and charred, the area where it happened. The magic in the tent died with it, which sucked, but they had others so it wasn't as disheartening as it could have been. Fortunate about the trees as well, they were just normal trees and nothing vital in keeping them fed and watered. What happened to just summoning your bottle like any other kid? Had been the first thing out of Severus' mouth, but ultimately, nobody was really surprised, just worried. A one-year-old kid managing to set a fire? It was little wonder they were cautious. Luckily Hunters accidental magic wasn't quite as dangerously dramatic as that.

Harry wrapped his arms around her, hoisting her up into his arms, he missed that baby smell she always had when she was younger. "Hey, baby, did you have fun with your Dad?" rubbing her back absently, he'd missed her so much, kissing her cheeks, forehead and nose, causing her to laugh and arch away, causing him to pout, the little bugger just proceeded to laugh even louder at his faux distress. Honestly, he reckoned Merle was turning his kids into vicious wee monsters. Which is exactly what he called her, as he proceeded to tickle her stomach, keeping a tight grip of her to prevent her falling.

What could not be denied was how powerful they were.

"Hey," Harry said when the others reached them, a small smile on his face.

"How was Hilltop?" Merle asked, as he sat down, grabbing a beer, handing one to Daryl and Luna, offering Harry, who accepted before taking his own.

"They're doing alright, to be honest," Harry said, he'd been surprised, "They took my advice, I didn't expect them to. They're a bit on the thin side, but they're eating twice a day at the very least." The Hilltop settlement didn't have children, they didn't even had teenagers anymore. They were all adults, and quite content in their life's, as well as one can be content in this new world they are living in. Negan beating the youngest they had in the group had left a mark that could never fade.

"Luna thin or becoming dangerous sick thin?" Patrick asked, his voice a little hesitant. He'd avoided the main group for a long time, mostly out of shame and embarrassment for how he'd acted. Especially after Harry spoke to him and he came to realize he'd been right. He did his duty (the tasks handed to him every day) then he'd return home, ever since being tasked with setting the library to rights (twenty-five minutes from home walking) it had renewed his confidence.

It was true enough, Luna could eat everything in sight – they'd seen her do it twice – and still never gain weight, you'd never have known she was pregnant until she hit the eight-month mark and she gained a baby bump. Until then, you honestly wouldn't have thought for a second, she was pregnant.

"They're getting the food they need," Harry confirmed, "The place no longer looks like a school, they've got fruit trees growing in abundance and a massive area hashed out for the vegetable patch and found a green house, it must have taken months to construct." It's the ones that cost over ten grand, real glass, he honestly was impressed with their ingenuity and ability to get it there in one piece without magic. Although, Jesus said they only have meat once or twice a week if they were fortunate.

"Good," Daryl grunted, he wasn't going to have Harry giving provisions over to them, not after them being as distant as they were constantly. Once a year Harry (usually with one of them) went to visit the settlements, make sure they were all well and had everything they needed. They were closer to some more than others, and frequently mixed due to the ability to travel with the cupboards. They could get in touch through the phone, or through the cupboard.

"So vindictive," Harry teased Daryl, but he got it, especially having kids of their own, and nieces and nephews, they came first, especially before all other groups, most importantly due to the fact that the Hilltop group very rarely communicated with them. Then again, Jesus had been severely beaten and stabbed, nearly killed if not for Harry and Luna coming to his aid. A few people he had rescued (and two that had been with him since the beginning) had turned on him, attempting a coup, a failed one, what chance did the usurpers have against wizards? None at all. Attacking for no reason other than they wanted to be in charge, disliking being the follower. He never came by, and would appear only in the mirror, they'd become insular, they never took anyone else in, the betrayal sat heavily in their hearts. Those who participated in the coup had done something not even the pandemic or Negan had done, broken them beyond all endurance.

"Where are you going tomorrow?" Aaron asked, "Could we come with you?" he was fascinated to see all the other settlements, he'd gone to see P.A with Sophia when she went to question Charlie about everything dragon, and when he said everything, he meant it. Seriously, she'd even asked him about how they went to the toilet and what they did with it. He and Eric had been terrified when they'd seen all the dragons up close and personal. It was one thing knowing they were there, but another thing to actually see them. Both Aaron and Eric had positively drooled over Charlie, he was handsome, brave and deliciously flirty, he was all for his dragons and had no other aspirations, not to have a partner, not to have a family, he truly was content to lead his people with his brothers and ensure the Dragons wellbeing. They had distracted the dragons and dispatched a few of the eggs (culling them to ensure there weren't too many with humans being too few). An agonising decision by the look on Charlie's face but a necessary one.

"I'm actually going to The Sanctuary," Harry revealed, "And anyone is welcome to come," Susan found out that it was collectively called The Sanctuary, the bulk of the people had referred to it as the Saviors Compound once it became a cult instead of a sanctuary. They'd stopped calling it the Saviors Compound and let it go back to the Sanctuary. It helped people mentally having to completely different from what they knew, painted, carpeted, with rooms of their own, families together, without all the doors getting locked. The inner gates were done away with, it truly was massively different, Susan had done so well in ensuring her people's happiness and wellbeing. Between Hershel and Lily, they managed to find the medication to help the ladies get well, and thank Merlin there had been no other cases of sexually transmitted diseases about…that he knew off anyway.

"Will Blaise be there?" Meghan asked, as she joined the group, plonking herself down next to Sophia, the best friends were so rarely apart.

Harry's lips twitched, the young girl was besotted with Blaise, not too young that Blaise would be very uncomfortable with her flirting, but still on the young side.

Tara and Lily complained under their breathes, displeased with Meghan's continued obsession over a boy, but nonetheless grateful that he lived elsewhere. Considering the ages they'd first been attracted and interested in boy's; they were grateful Meghan was older when her own interest begun. Then again, there weren't many boys Meghan's age, and life was too filled to worry about anything like boys. They couldn't deny they were intrigued about the possibility of what would happen if they got together and had a child, would that child have magic? Who wouldn't want their child to have that extra something in the world they were living in? They owed everything to Harry, he was the great man they'd ever met, the idea of their daughter having a child with those capabilities and being revered? Yes, they did desire that, but they would never interfere, nothing might come of it anyway.

Mira, Michonne and Axel laughed uproariously close enough to hear Tara and Lily's complaints.

"Very likely," Harry answered eventually, "Unless he heads back to Hogwarts for a bit." Most of the others had gone back to Hogwarts, become apprenticed to different professors to get jobs. They didn't like the idea of remaining in the muggle world, even if they all knew about magic. They just went back to the comfort of what they knew, except for Susan and Blaise and oddly enough Marcus Flint who did stay at Hogwarts but spent most of his wakening moments at The Sanctuary. Although, they did go back and forth often, they weren't stuck at one location.

"Oh," she said, her face falling into a pout at the idea of missing him.

Harry smirked, he understood her desire, Blaise was from and Italian family, and he was very handsome. Although, if Blaise swung his way, he still wouldn't have any interest in him. He preferred his men ruggedly handsome, with muscle, Blaise was completely obvious of that, slim, all neat and tidy, proper, the perfect pureblood heir and handsome, the perfect man any witch would love to marry. If the world hadn't gone to shit, Blaise's lineage would have ensured he was heavily sought after. It also helped that the family (and Blaise) had remained out of the war, so his name and family weren't marred with it.

Would it not be at the height of irony that he'd end up with a muggle? Then again, wasn't that what he had done? The only thing was he wasn't a Slytherin nor a pureblood.

"I'm not sure just how long my old bones will be able to continue this backbreaking work," Andrea said as she joined them, slumping down on the seat sighing in relief.

"Do you need something for the pain?" Harry asked, staring expectantly at her.

"No, Dale needs it far more than me," Andrea waved off his concern, "A warm bath and some rest I'll be as good as new." Dale could barely move nowadays without being overwhelmed with pain, so he usually remained close to the house, sitting outside, sometimes tinkering with the garden, and just being happy to chat to anyone that came by. He occasionally went with a group fishing, which was a perfect task for Dale.

"Getting old sucks," Harry said in agreement, there was more than a fair share of murmured agreements all around.

A/N – I did want this chapter to be the last one before the epilogue but I'm afraid that's not going to happen, I deleted like 5K a few days ago, it was dreadful! I wasn't going to let it end like that, all chunky and blocky, so deleted it all and started again and I'm very happy with the outcome! So, Hogwarts and Hilltop have been mentioned, now The Kingdom and The Sanctuary and Potter Abbey is left! Now one or two might be visited with one being merely mentioned so, which one do you want it to be? Trying to fit everyone into the story is not as easy as it looks lol so there will be two more chapters of this I believe I want to get all settlements mentioned before the epilogue *Grins* I want it to end with bang not a whimper lol Read and Review Please Guys!