The Years After

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Part 25 – Epilogue Part 3 – The Future

It turned out that they all had been worrying for nothing. Sirius never did make a move. In fact, none of them had heard from him in a long time. After the breakup, he’d fallen off the face of the Earth. Remus was relived, to be sure, but also worried about his long-time lover. He sincerely hoped that Sirius didn’t do something drastic.

The rest of the group were equally pleased that their worries had come to nothing. Harry had been told that Sirius wouldn’t be around anymore, and at first the boy was broken up about it, but after some time, he realized that it might have been for the best. If Sirius was never going to be okay with how Harry lived, then the man was always going to be a fly in their ointment.

Voldemort was oddly glad that he didn’t have to kill Black for doing something foolhardy. Part of it was because killing Black would have hurt Harry, but the rest of it was because he was no longer as interested in killing as he once had been. Harry’s presence in his life had made lasting changes.

O_O_O_O_O_O_O_O

Remus and Severus took some time to get reacquainted before jumping into a physical relationship. It was difficult for the men to hold back, but once they finally came together, it had been well worth it.

Severus was truly happy for the first time he could remember in a very long time. He had Remus by his side, and their relationship was a thing of beauty. They rarely argued, they had stimulating discussions, they shared silences as well as time apart, and neither felt as though they had to manage the other. It was so easy for them.

The rest of the house was pleased with the harmony, and Harry and Draco were especially pleased that the two men now had each other. Draco had never seen his godfather so happy, and while Harry had just recently gotten to know Remus, he could tell the man hadn’t been this happy in a long time either.

O_O_O_O_O_O_O_O

Minerva was pleased to hear back from the group about her job offers. She was a little disappointed that Sirius would not be joining the staff, but the addition of the rest and the new relationship between her Potions Master and Care of Magical Creatures professor more than made up for the man’s absence.

The students absolutely adored their new teachers. Professor Riddle was a hit with all houses, not just Slytherin, for his competent teaching method and his fair punishments. The classes were always fun as well as informative. The OWL and NEWT level student were especially pleased. Professor Riddle made sure that all of his students were prepared to take their exams.

Since Narcissa Malfoy joined the staff, more muggleborn students began to see what many purebloods had been complaining about for some time. They were dreadfully ignorant of the traditions and expectations of the Wizarding world, and with her class, they were quickly learning how to better fit in. With the integration of the muggleborns, house rivalry died down. The blood differences were less pronounced, and tolerance ruled the day.

Lucius Malfoy had a bit of a harder time winning over his students, but when they all learned that Dark Arts does not necessarily equate to killing and maiming, he got a much warmer welcome. Parents, too, relaxed when they realized Professor Malfoy’s curriculum was actually appropriate for children.

Lily and James Potter were welcomed with open arms. They were still heroes, even if their sacrifice was mostly unnecessary. People still loved them for what they represented: parents who would do anything for their child. Lily’s spellcrafting class was very popular, and James had a boom in students who wanted to become animagi.

Remus was probably the most beloved teacher, however. He was kind, understanding, patient, and fun. His students learned more about creatures under his tutelage than they ever had under Hagrid or Grubbly-Plank. And Remus absolutely loved his job. He got to spend his days around bright young minds and challenging creatures. His nights were spent with one of the most bright and challenging creatures of them all, the elusive Potions Master.

The whole school knew of their relationship, but as both professors were discreet, no one was really bothered by it. In fact, many were very happy to see their potions teacher so content with life. Severus gave out fewer detentions and took fewer house points now that he was happily mated. Neville Longbottom would forever be a source of lost points for Gryffindor, however.

The happiest person with the new staff had to be Harry. He finally got to go to Hogwarts, but he didn’t have to say goodbye to his family to do so. He was pleased as punch that they could be there with him. And if something upset him, he had his Uncle ‘Volo and his parents there to help him get back on his feet. And Draco. Always Draco.

Fin.