Grindelwald's Burden (Books 1-7)

148. The Future

The Burrow was a place of warmth and comfort, even amidst the memories of the recent past. The Battle of Hogwarts still weighed heavily on everyone's hearts, but today, the air was lighter, filled with anticipation, love, and something that hadn't been felt in a long time, hope. It was July 16th, the evening before Y/n and Hermione's wedding, a day many had been looking forward to, a moment of peace and joy after the turmoil of the war.

Harry and Ginny were back together, as if nothing had ever come between them. The pair sat near the fireplace, quietly talking, their hands entwined. The others were scattered across the living room, Ron was helping Mr and Mrs. Weasley with some last-minute arrangements, and Bill, Fleur, and George were laughing at some story Fred had been telling.

But Y/n was absent from the laughter.

Upstairs in the quiet of a room, Y/n sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the Resurrection Stone. Harry had given it to him after the battle. Y/n had kept it hidden these past few months, unsure of its power, unsure if he even wanted to use it. But tonight, on the eve of his wedding to Hermione, he felt the need to speak to those he had lost. Those whose sacrifices allowed him to be here.

He turned the stone in his hand, feeling its cold weight. Then, with a deep breath, he closed his eyes and hands.

The air around him shifted. A strange, comforting warmth enveloped the room, and when Y/n opened his eyes, he saw her first.

His grandmother, Frieda Grindelwald, stood before him. Her eyes, soft and wise, glimmered with a knowing smile. She was as he remembered her from childhood, regal yet kind, her silver hair flowing loosely down her back.

"Grandmother..." Y/n's voice cracked with emotion.

"Y/n." she said, stepping forward, her form ghostly but solid enough for him to feel the warmth of her presence. "You were just a child when they came for me. Now you are a man..."

He looked down, a lump forming in his throat. "I am sorry grandmother, that I could not hold off my parents for longer." 

"You did more than anyone could have asked of you." Frieda said, her hand reaching out as if to brush his cheek, though her touch never quite made contact. "I knew I was going to my death that night. I could feel it in my bones, and though I'm sorry for the grief it caused you, I want you to know... I am proud. Proud of the man you've grown into."

Y/n's heart swelled, and he felt tears stinging the corners of his eyes. He had carried that weight for so long...the guilt of not saving her, of not being strong enough. But hearing her words now, it lifted some of that burden from his soul.

"I'll be watching over you tomorrow." she said softly. "And every day after."

Y/n blinked away his tears, offering a small, sad smile. "Thank you."

Another figure stepped forward, one that Y/n had never seen in person but recognized instantly from old photos and stories, his grandfather.

Lively, energetic, with a mischievous grin that reminded Y/n of both Fred and George, his grandfather had an air of light-heartedness that was infectious. He radiated joy, his eyes twinkling with a brightness that seemed out of place for a ghostly figure.

"You've done cracking, son!" his grandfather exclaimed, throwing his arms wide. "Look at you! Getting married tomorrow, defeating dark wizards...you've been busy!"

Y/n couldn't help but smile. His grandfather's energy was so different from the solemnity of the war. "I wish I could have known you." Y/n admitted, his voice soft but full of emotion.

"Well, I'm here now." his grandfather replied, his grin widening. "And let me tell you, seeing what you've accomplished, it makes the sacrifice to save you worth it. I may not have been able to see you grow up, but I'm also damn proud of you, son."