𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 [h. potter]

𝐢𝐯. 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

┌──── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ────┐

❝ the ones that love us

never truly leave us. ❞

- sirius black

└──── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ────┘

LONDON, SEPTEMBER 23, 1989

AS CHRISTOPHER SHARPE WALKED HOME from work on the evening of September 23, it would be a significant lie to say he wasn't exhausted. Even though the Wizarding War was over, hordes of You-Know-Who's supporters still remained loyal to his legacy, wreaking havoc at every opportunity. Some tried to avenge his death, others tried to kill those who had helped defeat him. Either way, his supporters had a way of keeping the Auror Office--and Christopher Sharpe--perpetually busy.

The past few months had been even more taxing than usual. Mission after mission meant Christopher had less and less time with his beautiful wife, Camille, and their young daughter, Elizabeth. The idea of not being there for her childhood or to watch her grow up made his chest pang with pain each time he thought of it. Every time he would come home, he would swear she had grown even taller as she jumped into his arms for a bone-crushing hug.

So, as Christopher walked home on September 23, he was filled joyfully with the hope that he might finally be able to stay home with his family. His last mission had been incredibly successful--the brave Auror had led his team to capture 6 werewolves known to be involved with You-Know-Who. The head of the Auror office was so impressed by his leadership, intelligence, and bravery, that he offered Christopher a new job. It was far more administrative, and the pay was far better, but it would mean he would most likely be working at a desk. However, this also meant regular hours, and most importantly, more time with Camille and Lizzie.

Christopher smiled softly at the idea of finally being able to be home with them: to wake up early and make breakfast together, to help his daughter with her homework (although he wouldn't have been much help given his daughter still attended a Muggle school, three years too young to attend Hogwarts), to read his little girl bedtime stories every night and make her smile the way that made his heart swell with love and pride. For the first time in months, he was truly excited for the future.

A soft drizzle of rain fell from above, making the black streets glisten in the gentle moonlight. The rain was expected to pick up later that evening, which prompted Christopher to begin walking slightly faster, trying to beat the impending rainstorm. He could have apparated, but chose not to upon the realization that his wife and daughter would most likely be asleep, and the loud crack of apparition would surely wake them up, which he wanted to avoid. Additionally, Christopher Sharpe happened to enjoy the time to himself, peacefully walking home. It provided an opportunity to clear his head of the swarming stressors that plagued him day in and day out.