The Matchmaker

Chapter Thirty Two: Hazel Eyes

Chapter Thirty Two: Hazel Eyes
"The eyes are the window to the soul," William Shakespeare
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"James," a 35-year-old Holly breathed out, her eyes widening as she slowly walked over to him and reached out a hand, her soft fingers trailing down the side of his face before she pulled him into a hug. James was losing the ability to speak and think as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.

He had a sister that was right in front of him this whole time. Lily watched through teary eyes as he held her tightly, not daring to let go, breathing in her scent and trying to hold in in his heart like she would disappear when he let go. Ava leaned into her father's side and watched the pair with tears in her eyes.

"I wish I could've known you my entire life," James said and Holly let out a laugh and shook her head.

"I needed to be let go so that I could do the job I was born to do. I would have loved growing up with you, James, but there are certain things that are unavoidable. This was one of them. I may have never forgiven your parents for what happened, but I know that it needed to happen for the sake of the world."

"To be honest, I don't really understand what you do," James admitted and the older Remus let out a laugh, calling attention to himself.

"I wouldn't ask, James. I've been married to her for 17 years and still don't understand what she does half the time." Holly sent a playful glare in his direction.

"Why does this feel so familiar?" James mumbled and Holly sent him a sad look.

"Because it's already happened. When I told you the truth when you were thirteen, you cut yourself off from everyone. You were mad at your parents, you were mad at your friends who had grown close to me- particularly Remus- your grades started to slip, and I couldn't watch anymore."

"Why did you wait until now to reveal yourself?"

"You're ready. You've already mentally come to terms with it- something you had not done as a child yet."

"Even as a thirteen-year-old, I thought you were hot," older Remus laughed and Holly rolled her eyes.

"Who else do we end up with? Do Lily and I get married?" James asked and Lily nodded.

"We have a son named Harry-"

"I would appreciate if you didn't tell them any more information than they needed to know," she scolded.

"I hate to break it to you, mum, but the twins got to them first," Ava admitted and Holly let out a sigh.

"I thought as much, but let's get you home before you discover anything else. It will be easier for my younger self to explain it." Taking the time turner from Lily, she glanced at each of them before nodding for them to grab a hold of her.

It didn't take long for them to reappear in the same place they left. Holly was pacing around the office and immediately let out a sigh of relief when they appeared. She launched herself into Lily's arms, muttering how happy she was that they were safe.

"Need I remind you," the older Holly scolded the Marauders, "that touching the time turners could result in changing something you can never fix. Don't touch them, the group nodded before the two Holly's turned to look at each other, "best of luck, Miss Renée."

She turned toward the door for a moment before turning back to Holly.

"Harry destroyed the diary with basilisk venom," she said. The group had no clue what was going on, but Holly seemed to understand.