✓ | STRANGE, albus severus potter

EPILOGUE ── strange

EPILOGUE

In contrast to most, Nova Potter was fortunate. While the risks associated with the blood curse held significant consequences, she had been spared from its wrath. The collective hopes and prayers, including those of her father and brother, as well as others who became aware of the curse's existence, had been answered in her favour.

Despite this, the threat of the curse loomed over Nova and Albus' plans to have children, a constant reminder of the lingering risk.

While Nova Potter had experienced a stroke of good fortune, it seemed like the odds were largely in her favour—after all, her lineage included some significant and influential male genes.

With the possibility of having sons, the family's composition was gradually taking shape. However, it was crucial to bear in mind that the road ahead remained uncertain and filled with obstacles, as the future of their children did not unfold in the manner they had envisioned.

Even though the looming threat of the blood curse had its weight on their shoulders, the determination and deep-seated desire to have a daughter still remained steadfast for the pair.

To many, this pursuit might be considered ill-advised, but others would simply go about their lives, acknowledging that sometimes, our wishes and longings can present dangers.

However, a gut feeling deep within Nova's being told her that everything would be alright.

Scorpius lowered his voice to a conspiratorial volume, his eyes widened with wonder as he whispered, "Merlin, just how many children do you and Albus plan to have?" He turned to his twin sister as they strolled through their mother's beautiful rose garden.

Nova laughed softly, playfully bopping Scorpius on the arm with her elbow. "Oh, just sod off, Scorp," she responded affectionately. "I'm telling you, once you experience parenthood, you'll find yourself craving even more."

Scorpius huffed, muttering under his breath, "Right, well, I'll need to find a someone first."

Nova, her eyes wide with disbelief, let out an exaggerated sigh. "Well, if you dropped your pride and maybe tried to convince the person you love to call off their wedding, this wouldn't be an issue," she retorted, her words ringing with sarcasm."

Scorpius abruptly quickened his pace, leaving Nova behind in a bewildered expression.

Nova shook her head in a mix of frustration and resignation. "I swear, Scorpius takes the title of stubbornness to a whole new level," she lamented, her voice tinged with a mixture of exasperation and affection as she examined the white roses.

She watched as her husband approached, flanked by their twin sons holding hands with each of his hands. "Honestly, I've tried convincing him otherwise," she sighed, her expression softening with her husband's words.

Her twin sons beamed at the sight of their mother, ready to rush towards her. However, as they took their first step, they came to an abrupt halt, their expressions turning solemn as they remembered her current condition.

Nova chuckled warmly and gestured her hands out to them, "You can still hug me, my loves, but just not too rough, okay?"

The twins giggled and eagerly encircled her, their hands clinging to her. Albus approached them, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"How did Scorpius react to our new addition?"

"To be honest, his reaction wasn't as wild as the first time, but given everything that's going on with him, it was the response I sort of anticipated. How did Father react?

Albus chuckled wearily, rubbing the back of his neck, "He was smiling and congratulating us, but there was a familiar gleam in his eye."

Nova chimed in humorously, "The good old Malfoy glint, eh?" She playfully teased, nudging him with her shoulder.

"Alright, boys, why don't you go water Grandmother's garden?" Nova suggested, her voice filled with maternal affection.

The twins hummed in agreement and swiftly retreated from their parent's presence, their playful banter audible from a distance as they immersed themselves in the task at hand.

It was undoubtedly the happiest moment for Draco whenever his grandsons were around as they spent hours listening to tales about Astoria. For Draco, it had become easier to talk about his late wife, as he no longer found it difficult to bring up memories about her.

However, for Nova and Scorpius, their own wounds remained fresh as they were still unable to retell their stories, so they relished in hearing their father's narrative about Astoria.

The parents took their seats on a bench in the garden, quietly observing their sons working in the garden. Nova rested a hand on her stomach as she mused: "I wonder how Mother managed when she discovered she was having a daughter."

Albus leaned over and placed his hand on top of hers, his voice soft. "Well, I imagine she must have been completely focused on bringing her babies into the world, that's my guess at least," he suggested, conceding the possibility that he might be mistaken.

However, just as Nova was about to respond, a gust of wind picked up around them, causing several white rose petals to whirl through the air. Both Nova and Albus glanced upward, their gazes fixed upon the sight, prompting the former Malfoy to smile appreciatively.

Nova nodded in agreement, her expression gentle. "I think that might have been exactly what Mother was thinking," she mused.

Albus gazed at his wife, gently raising her hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss upon it. "It truly is striking how life has unfolded for us, strange, isn't it?" he acknowledged, a slight smile playing upon his lips.

Nova chuckled softly, her eyes filled with laughter as she pinched his cheek gently. She spoke with a playful tone, "Love, it's not strange, it's a phenomenon!"

The Potters shared a synchronized laugh, their attention then shifting back to their sons, their smiles never faltering.

Draco eventually made his way towards his family, sharing the positive news that Scorpius was on course to right his ways.

The day had been spent basking in the warm, gentle sun, tempered by the occasional caress of the wind. Both Draco and Nova were conscious that Astoria had been with them, watching over them.