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Seven years had passed since Y/N L/N had walked away from James Potter, each year feeling like a lifetime. The war had changed everyone, leaving scars both visible and invisible. Now, the wizarding world was slowly beginning to rebuild, to find hope and healing in the aftermath.
James Potter stood at the edge of a serene park in Godric's Hollow, watching his son, Harry, chase after a fluttering butterfly. The boy's laughter was a balm to James's weary soul, a reminder of the love and joy that still existed despite the pain and loss.
Lily had disappeared during the war, leaving James to raise Harry on his own. It had been the hardest years of his life, but Harry's bright eyes and infectious smile gave him the strength to carry on.
As James watched Harry play, he sensed someone approaching. Turning, his breath caught in his throat. There, standing just a few feet away, was Y/N. She looked older, her eyes carrying the weight of years and battles fought, but she was as beautiful as ever.
"Y/N," James whispered, his voice filled with a mix of shock and emotion. "Is it really you?"
Y/N nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "It's me, James. I heard about Lily... I'm so sorry."
James swallowed hard, nodding in acknowledgment. "Thank you. It's been... difficult."
Y/N glanced at Harry, her heart clenching as she saw the resemblance to James. "Is that... your son?"
James smiled, pride and love evident in his eyes. "Yes, that's Harry. He's my whole world now."
Harry, noticing his father's attention diverted, ran over to them. "Dad, who's this?"
James crouched down, placing a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry, this is Y/N. She's an old friend of mine."
Y/N smiled warmly at the boy, crouching to his level. "Hello, Harry. It's very nice to meet you."
Harry grinned, his curiosity piqued. "Hi, Y/N! Do you like butterflies?"
She laughed softly, nodding. "I do, Harry."
Harry beamed before running off to chase the butterfly again. James stood, his eyes never leaving Y/N's face. "I never thought I'd see you again."
She stepped closer, her voice trembling. "I never stopped thinking about you, James. I had to leave, but it broke my heart. When I heard about Lily, I wanted to come back, but I didn't know if you'd want to see me."
James reached out, gently taking her hand. "Y/N, I never stopped loving you. The war took so much from us, but seeing you here now... it's like a part of my heart is finally healing."
Tears streamed down her face as she squeezed his hand. "I love you too, James. I always have."
They stood there for a moment, the weight of the past lifting slightly as they held each other. Harry's laughter echoed in the background, a reminder that despite everything, life went on and hope remained.
As they watched Harry play, James and Y/N knew that they had a chance to rebuild, to find joy and love once more. Together, they could face whatever the future held, stronger for having survived the darkness and found each other again.
