Epilogue: Amazing Grace

A/N: Well, after finishing this Epilogue, I lost every bit of it with a computer crash, so I had to re-write it. It's a lot shorter than the original, but my muse changed course. Here is the finished product. I hope you enjoy it. I only own Grace and the other people that you don't recognize from the Harry Potter phenomenon. Thank you, RobisonRocket!! You're the bestest!!!

Epilogue

Amazing Grace

Grace sat on the bench, facing her parents, with the light breeze blowing her graying hair into her eyes. It was an unusually warm day for late October, and the freshly fallen leaves scattered the ground around her. She smiled as she brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.

Sighing contentedly, she began to speak. “Hello. How are my favorite people today? I know it’s been a while since I’ve sat down with you and shared the latest gossip, so here I am.”

“You would be so proud of little Ava, Mum. She was sorted into Gryffindor yesterday. Oh, stop groaning, Dad. You were ever so happy when Cissa was sorted into Slytherin. I still don’t know how that happened. I’ve always thought you’d had a hand in it, somehow. She turned out to be a wonderful asset to that house, though, I dare say. She has just been appointed as the Head of Slytherin House. Not bad for a woman who happens to have Muggle blood, eh?”

“I’m not sure if Brian has been by to see you or not, but he has some news. I shouldn’t tell you, because it’s his story to tell, but I’ll tell you anyway. Adrianna is getting married. Can you believe it? It’s about time I’d say. My niece is the only one of your grandchildren that hasn’t gotten hitched, yet. She’s marrying that bloke she works with – an Irish Muggle from Dublin.”

“The kids are all doing alright, of course. Ronald is Head Boy, now. I’m so proud of my grandson, I can’t stop smiling. Constance is a Prefect, and she just started her sixth year. All of my grandchildren are finally at school, so I get to see them every day now. Oh, did I forget to tell you? I am the newly appointed Potions mistress. You should have seen Uncle Harry’s face when I told him that I turned in my resignation at the Auror Department last winter. Aunt Ginny said that he could finally die in peace, knowing that he didn’t have to worry about me any longer and that his godfather duties had finally been sorted out. Bless him. Being an Auror was nothing compared to teaching Healer Longbottom’s great-grandson. He’s a nightmare.”

“But, alas, Uncle Harry did finally pass on. He died peacefully in his sleep the day after his ninety-ninth birthday. Remember how he used to joke that he would never live to be one hundred? He was right, wasn’t he? Aunt Gin is getting on alright, though. She has nine great-grandchildren to keep her busy. There is finally a boy in the Potter family, by the way. He’s Jasmine’s grandson, and they named him James. I can hear you groaning again, Dad. Stop that. Poor Uncle Harry had always wanted a boy to name after his own father, and he finally got one just a few months before he died.”

“Devon is going into his fifth year as the headmaster, and he’s doing a lovely job. Luna passed on last year, but she went in style. She said that she had much to do on the other side of the veil, and she couldn’t wait to get there. Draco had a difficult time of it. He’d said that living without her wasn’t any fun, and he, too, passed on just three months later. Devon misses them, but he’s happy knowing they’re together.”

Grace allowed a silent tear to slide down her cheek and wiped it away quickly when she heard footsteps behind her.

“Mum, is everything alright?” Her youngest daughter, Cissa, approached her.

Grace motioned for her to sit with her on the bench.

Cissa sat with her and repeated her question, taking her mother’s hand.

“I’m alright,” Grace finally answered. “I’m just catching them up on some of the latest news. I didn’t mean to worry you, darling.”

“I wasn’t worried,” Cissa said. “Dad just wanted to make sure that you got back in time for the Halloween Feast. He was going to come himself, but I told him that I’d get you and make sure you made it back alright. He doesn’t like for you to Apparate by yourself. I tried to tell him that you were more than capable, but you know how he can be.”

“Yes,” Grace chuckled. “Your father has always been a little suffocating.”

“His heart’s in the right place, though. He just worries, you know,” her daughter chided.

“I know, darling, I know. I’m just going to sit here for a few more minutes, if you don’t mind. They might have something to tell me, and it may take them a little while to form the words,” Grace said gently.

“Do you mind if I stay here with you?” Cissa asked.

“Of course not, darling,” Grace said.

They relaxed on the bench and let the silence stretch between them. The day was coming to a close, and it was getting darker in the open field where they sat. The only sound that could be heard was the sporadic breeze rustling the trees. Neither of them had any inclination to leave, even with the anticipation of the Halloween Feast scheduled for that evening.

The minutes ticked by when suddenly, they both sat upright when the wind picked up, blowing the leaves furiously over the ground. Grace met her daughter’s eyes and laughed out loud when a raindrop landed on Cissa’s nose.

“Was it supposed to rain?” Cissa asked, wiping the raindrop away with the tip of her finger.

“No, I don’t think so,” Grace said, grinning. “Are you ready to go now? We have a feast waiting for us.”

Cissa smiled at her mother. “Yes, I’m ready.”

They stood and Grace said her farewells to her parents. They walked in silence until they reached the end of the gravel road leading to Hogsmeade. Cissa knew her mother liked this walk and never complained that she wouldn’t just Apparate to the gates of the castle.

Cissa finally broke the silence. “So, do you think they’re happy?”

Grace smiled. “Of course they are, Cissa, didn’t you hear them? My father was the wind that moved the leaves. Dad, of course, was the rain. My mother was the whisper of the raindrops as they landed on the leaves and your nose. I wonder what they’ll say next time.”

Cissa hugged her mother close to her. “Will you let me come with you next time, so I can hear them again?”

“Of course you can,” Grace said.

“I’m glad they’re together,” Cissa said pensively.

“Why wouldn’t they be? It’s what my dad wanted after my mother passed away. My father told me once that there were no more debts to be paid, but I think, in his own funny way, my dad wanted to be one up on my father. He was such a sneaky Slytherin,” Grace said as the rain started to pick up.

Per tradition, they both turned to look at back at the row of headstones standing together at the edge of the open field.

Hermione had been laid to rest between the two men who loved her the most.

If you’re reading this

There’s gonna come a day

When you move on and find someone else

And that’s okay

Just remember this

I’m in a better place

Where soldiers live in peace

And angels sing Amazing Grace

So lay me down

In that open field out on the edge of town

And know my soul

Is where my momma always prayed that it would go

And if you’re reading this

I’m already home

A/N: Once again, I want to thank all of you who stuck with me and Grace.