Home.

(5.6) Harry

Six Years Later

I shuffled my way past men in trench coats and simple hats. One block more and I'd arrive. The people-filled sidewalks of a London Saturday couldn't move fast enough. But it was a nice day with a light breeze, so I couldn't complain too much.

'Harry! Over here!'

I looked to my left and spotted the trio. A man with kind eyes and a warm smile stood tall next to a striking woman, posture set in confidence. And between them was an adorable little girl, the perfect blend of her parents.

'Good to see you, Percy!' We hugged briefly, but fiercely. 'You too, Annabeth.' We embraced just as warmly. 'And how could I forget my most favourite person? Miss Alexandra Jackson!'

'Harry!' she squealed in excitement as I bent down to lift her up.

Alexandra, or Lexa as they called her, had just turned three. They thought it a good age to bring her abroad. An easy first step to expose her to different cultures around the world. So even if I'd met her in America plenty of times before (thanks to magical transportation), it was the first time she'd ever been outside the USA.

'Did you see Big Ben, Lexa?'

'Yeah!' She smiled her biggest smile for me.

'Isn't it so cool?'

'Uh-huh!' Lexa nodded her head so vigorously I thought it'd pop off for a second.

'Come here, little dolphin.' Percy went to take her from me. 'Daddy's hungry, so it's time for us to find a table.'

Annabeth and I shared a look saying, 'what can you do?' Percy always led with his stomach.

The restaurant was quaint but very nice. It had a cottage theme that Lexa was enthralled by. We chatted about places to visit and activities Lexa would enjoy here. Ginny (my amazing wife) would have joined, but she was at home resting since she couldn't play quidditch at the moment—pregnancy was hard work. I had taken off a few days from my job as an auror to show them around, but then I'd be busy again.

'Not the best of news', I told them over a pastry dessert. 'I'm going on a long mission next week to infiltrate an illegal cursed object smuggling ring. Standard stuff, really. But it'll take a while.'

'Why would anyone want a cursed object?' asked Percy

I shrugged. 'People have enemies.'

Annabeth said, 'I'm also guessing it's harder to trace it back to the culprit if someone uses a sold cursed object than one they cursed themselves.'

I pointed my fork at her with a wink. 'Correct. As always.'

Percy pecked her on the cheek and Lexa giggled.

'Gross, daddy!'

Percy just laughed and tickled her. 'Your mommy loves it. Promise.'

'I think we,' Annabeth took Lexa's hand, 'should get cleaned up in the lady's room. You've got icing all over your face.' Annabeth kissed her face when she said it making Lexa burst into giggles once more.

'Ok!' Lexa said when the barrage of kisses ended. She bounced off her chair and all but dragged her mother behind.

Percy took this time to comment on my newest assignment. 'You just get back to us in one piece, ok?

I nodded solemnly. 'I'll be all right', I murmured.

As Percy looked at me, he absentmindedly smiled and slung his arm around my shoulders.

'I know you will. Doesn't mean I won't worry.'

'You always do.' I said it in jest, but I was truly grateful. It was his way of showing how much he cared. Still, I had faith things would work out as they usually did.

My scar hadn't hurt in six years. Everyone was in good health. And my family only grew in its numbers since I left America to make a home in London. Percy was right when he said home was with family. Based on that, I would never again be without a home.

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A/N: This is the end of part 5, and it's the end of this story! I am so thankful for the loving reception of this book. The comments were fun to go through and made me smile every time. I'd like to thank you one last time for reading and voting and commenting!