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CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED - 🍂 ୧ death . . .
is a fickle thing ও🦌

IT WAS A CRISP LATE October day, the leaves on the trees aflame with a medley of red and yellow. Tomorrow, October 31st, was Autumn's birthday.

Despite their plans for meeting Elliot in late November, they had not been idle. With Voldemort largely absent from the scene, they had been working alongside the Order, repairing the damage and preparing for the inevitable confrontation.

James, Sirius, and Remus were busy assisting wizarding villages to their former glory, which kept James away from home. But he would be back home on Autumn's birthday.

And like the trio, all other Order members had been assigned to various tasks. However, Autumn had strategically remained unassigned, following her meticulously laid out plan.

While in captivity with Regulus, Autumn's confinement had afforded her an unexpected advantage – time to delve deeper into her powers, to understand them more intimately. During these long, lonely days, she discovered a unique ability: dream manipulation, although its potency was limited, bound to those with whom she shared familiarity.

Hidden within the confines of Regulus's dreams, Autumn initiated her first deception, using her newfound abilities to shape his thoughts and actions. Though Regulus attempted to deceive her, keeping details about Harry's whereabouts and Lily's death ambiguous, Autumn easily unravelled the truth by probing deeper into his dreams.

However, during her journey within Regulus's mind, Autumn stumbled upon revelations far greater than she had expected. Understanding the origin of Tom turned out to be a valuable advantage, for it unveiled the very chinks in his mental armour.

Armed with her newfound understanding of Tom Riddle and his quest for the Deathly Hallows, Autumn had hit the ground running. Back at her home, she had tirelessly toiled over the Polyjuice Potion, aided by the frequent presence of Severus, who also took on the task of training her in Legilimency.

With the Elder Wand secured, and the Cloak assumed to be in her possession, thanks to a well-laid deception, Autumn's preparations were complete. On the morning of October 30th, while her friends and allies were preoccupied with the Order's tasks, she quietly slipped away under the cover of the early hours.

Autumn had meticulously plotted and planned her every move, confident in her abilities. Her mission to infiltrate Tom's mind and locate Elliot was going smoothly, or so she had thought.

Her meticulous plans began to unravel in a way she had not anticipated.

The last thing Autumn witnessed before the end was the emerald hue of death itself, the killing curse striking her with a force that stole both her breath and her life.

In the realm where the souls danced, a realm where death held no power over the inhabitants, Autumn found herself amongst it all. Her eyes fell onto the sight of an endless night sky, a blanket of darkness stretching to infinity above.

The once vibrant woman named Autumn Willow Potter had now departed the realm of the living, her soul now residing amongst the countless stars above.

Yet, at this moment, her tranquillity was shattered. Instead of being enveloped in the peace of death, Autumn found herself back on earth, her spiritual form standing beside her lifeless body. Her gaze fell upon James, his anguished cries and curses for the world echoing through the air as he held her unresponsive body.

Their friends had gathered, preparing to face Tom, but it appeared too late. As she turned, Autumn witnessed Tom's body slowly turning to ashes, his earlier expression of smug victory transforming into one of disbelief.

"No!" Tom's scream echoed in the air, fading away as he continued to vent his rage and frustration.

Autumn's spirit watched the scene unfold, tears welling up in her eyes as she saw James holding her lifeless body.

James clutched Autumn's lifeless body tightly, the pain in his voice and eyes evident as he spoke through his tears. "You promised me," he repeated, his voice filled with despair and anguish. "You promised me!" His body shook with emotion, his grief and despair palpable in the air as he held onto her. The weight of her departure seemed too much for him to bear.

The promise he mentioned hung in the air, a reminder of the vow they had made to each other. But in this moment, that promise was shattered, replaced by a gaping hole of grief and loss.

Autumn's spirit could feel his pain, her own heart breaking as she witnessed his sorrow. She longed to reach out and comfort him, but her ghostly hands could only pass through him.

"Death is a fickle thing, really." Autumn's attention shifted to the new arrivals, her eyes widening at the sight of Elliot and Lily appearing before her, their forms now reduced to spirits like hers.

She couldn't believe her eyes as she saw the two familiar figures, their transparent forms standing in front of her, their features just as they had been in life, except for the undeniable transparency of their forms.

"Elliot... Lily..." Autumn's voice was barely a whisper, the names of her two late friends falling from her lips in a mixture of surprise and disbelief.

Elliot chuckled and looked at his ghostly hands, his voice tinged with a hint of irony as he spoke. "Honestly, Autumn," he said wryly, "You were supposed to erase my existence, and yet here I am, dead, but undeniably still existing."

Autumn let out a pained chuckle in response, her voice filled with a mix of regret and resignation. "I was so sure that was the only way," she confessed, "but then I remembered something."

"The first time we met, in the first timeline," Autumn continued, her gaze fixed on Elliot, "I realized it could be possible to end Tom without having to erase your existence."

Elliot's eyes widened at her words, a baffled expression crossing his face. "What?" he asked, his voice filled with surprise. Lily, standing beside him, squeezed his arm gently, silently pleading for her to continue.

"It's true," Autumn explained earnestly, "Tom is technically you, but you were Elliot first. We realized that we didn't need to erase all of you; we just needed to erase the parts that made up Tom. But it wasn't that straightforward, because we did come up with the solution, but rejected it at first."

She paused, her gaze shifting between Lily and Elliot, her voice taking on a more reflective tone, "It's rather cheesy, I know, but your love for Lily and Harry was powerful enough to separate you from Tom."

"It's just like how my love for James allowed me to create this timeline," Autumn mused, shaking her head slowly. "It's ironic, really—the answer was so simple, and yet we were so blinded by its simplicity that we missed it completely."

She glanced back at Elliot and Lily, her voice tinged with a mix of regret and reflection. "Love, huh? Who would've thought that such a simple emotion could hold the key to defeating a formidable enemy like Tom?"

Elliot, standing beside Lily, nodded in agreement, his ghostly form now looking more thoughtful than stunned. "It seems so obvious now," he mused, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Love...it's so powerful, yet it's the one thing that's always been underestimated."

Lily, her ghostly hand still holding Elliot's, chuckled softly, her eyes reflecting a hint of wisdom. "Love is the one force that can overcome anything," she said softly, her voice laced with a sense of calm understanding.

Elliot and Lily exchanged a knowing glance, their gazes turning to Autumn. Lily stepped away momentarily to kneel beside Autumn, her ghostly form offering a comforting presence.

"Autumn," Lily said gently, her voice filled with empathy, "It doesn't have to end like this. You have a choice."

Autumn looked up at Lily, surprise evident on her face. "What do you mean?" she asked quietly.

Elliot rolled his eyes playfully, "Autumn, you hold the status as The Master of the Deathly Hallows. You know the power they possess."

Autumn's gaze darted towards Elliot, scepticism evident in her eyes. "I don't have the Stone," she protested.

Elliot crossed his arms, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Really?" he said, gesturing toward her physical form, specifically focusing on her clutched hand. "Then why do you think we're here? The Stone summoned us."

Autumn's gaze dropped down to her hand resting on the ground, her body being tightly embraced by a desolate James. Her confusion grew as she muttered, "I...have it?"

Elliot's calm voice floated through the air as he explained, "That's right. It was when you were inside our minds. That's why it took a while for me to guide you, as I had possessed your body temporarily to slip the Stone out of Tom's grasp while you had him under your control."

Autumn chuckled softly, a flicker of hope returning to her expression. "So...I can go back..." she murmured, feeling the Stone's pull, ready to bring her back to the world of the living. Yet, her gaze shifted to Lily and Elliot, and her smile faded into a frown.

"But what about you?" she asked, her eyes welling up with concern.

Lily shook her head with a mix of resignation and contentment. "It's far too late for me," she said gently. "I've come to terms with my death. Besides...I want to stay with Eli."

Autumn's eyes fell away, her worry growing for Harry. "But what about Harry?" she asked, her voice filled with worry. "He needs you."

Lily softly shook her head. "Harry will be fine," she assured, her voice full of a mixture of regret and acceptance. "As his mother, I know I should go back for him, but he has you all."

She looked into Autumn's eyes, her ghostly hand resting on her ghostly cheek. "Please take care of Harry for us."

Autumn felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She wanted to argue, to press them to go back with her for Harry's sake, but the peace and resolve on Lily's face made it clear that this was their choice. And then there was Elliot. The truth weighed heavily on her – his body, no longer existing, made a return impossible.

Autumn closed her eyes momentarily, her heart heavy. "I will," she finally whispered, her voice thick with emotion, "I promise I will."

The Stone's pull was strong now, calling her back to the land of the living. She knew it was time to go, yet she felt a pang of sorrow leaving her friends behind.

"Goodbye," Autumn managed, her voice cracking," I love you two so much."

Lily and Elliot smiled, their ghostly forms radiating with love. "We love you too," they echoed, their voices soft and bittersweet.

Autumn felt a tear slide down her cheek as she let the Stone's magic take hold. The world around her started to blur, the sounds of James' mournful cries fading into the background. She closed her eyes and allowed the magic of the Stone to pull her back, back to the world of the living.

She opened her eyes to find herself back in her body, a gasp escaping her throat as she took in a sudden breath.

James' head shot up, his tear-streaked face filled with a mixture of disbelief and relief. He clutched her closer, his voice choked with emotion as he whispered, "Autumn?"

Autumn could only nod, her own eyes filling with fresh tears as she felt his warm embrace. She tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat, her emotions too overpowering.

James let out a stifled sob, his tears falling freely once again. He held her tightly, as if afraid she'd disappear if he let go. "You're back," he whispered, his voice a mix of shock and relief. "I thought I'd lost you forever...but you're back."

"I'm here," Autumn managed, her voice a mere whisper, her own tears falling silently.  She reached up to touch his face, her fingers tracing the wet trails on his cheek. "I'm here, James."

The rest of the group, having quietly observed the scene unfolding between James and Autumn, soon moved in to greet her as well. They held back, giving James the first chance to express his relief and love.

But as soon as they saw her open her eyes and smiling, they knew the magic of the Stone had worked. One by one, they came forward, each of them echoing the same sentiment – "Autumn was back."

Her friends surrounded her, their faces a mixture of joy and disbelief. They took their turns to hug her, their voices filled with a chorus of "You're back" and "We thought we'd lost you."

Autumn was overcome with emotion, tears blurring her vision as she hugged each one of them. "I'm here," she whispered, her voice hoarse with gratitude. "I'm back."

The air buzzed with a mixture of whispers, tears and laughter as the group welcomed her back. James remained by her side, his arm protectively around her as if to ensure she wouldn't vanish again.

As she looked around at her friends, Autumn's heart was overwhelmed with love and gratitude. She couldn't believe she was back, alive and real, after having been dead just moments ago. She let herself bask in this moment, surrounded by her friends, feeling the weight of their love and relief pour over her.

Peter and Mary moved around Autumn, their eyes sharp and focused as they checked her for any signs of damage or leftover effects from her resurrection. James sat right behind her, his presence a constant and protective force.

As the others sat nearby, watching the proceedings, Raven voiced the question that was on everyone's mind, "So...you didn't erase Elliot," she said, her eyes fixed on Autumn.

Autumn turned towards her and nodded. "Yeah," she answered simply. "Found a loophole."

Sirius let out a frustrated sigh, "And you couldn't have told us beforehand?" he grumbled. "We planned everything, you know?"

"Well, I wasn't going to take any chances," Autumn explained, her voice steady. She looked at each one of them, her gaze firm. "And besides, it worked out, didn't it?"

James reached out and gently pinched her cheek, his eyes narrowing as he scolded her. "You better not do something like that again, do you hear me?" His voice was firm, filled with a mixture of worry and exasperation. "I thought we'd lost you, and I can't go through that again. I swear, if you ever do anything stupid like that again, I will never stop nagging you."

Sirius let out a snort of amusement, "Right," he chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You'll nag her even if she wasn't doing anything."

Raven elbowed him, silently telling him to shut up.

Remus chimed in, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "We're just glad you're back," he said with sincerity. "But please, for the sake of everyone's sanity, don't pull any more stupid stunts like that again."

Autumn rolled her eyes dramatically, but there was a hint of amusement in her expression. "I'll try to be less reckless next time, I promise," she said, her voice slightly teasing. "No more near-death experiences for me, unless absolutely necessary, of course."

Everyone around her burst out in unison, their voices filled with playful yet firm disapproval.

"No," they repeated, their voices blending together with a mix of mock frustration and gentle insistence.

"Absolutely no more near-death experiences, ever!" Sirius proclaimed, his voice full of mock anger.

Remus nodded in agreement, "We don't need any more scares like that," he chimed in, his expression serious.

James huffed jokingly, "Not a single life-threatening moment from now on, please and thank you."

Autumn's gaze wandered, her mind briefly lost in thought before coming back to reality. "Technically, I did die," she mumbled.

Raven's expression darkened as her eyes narrowed, "Do you really want us to lecture you for the next several hours? And on your birthday of all days?"

Autumn's face scrunched up in confusion as she muttered to herself. "It's my birthday?"

James gently shifted Autumn so that she was facing him. Peter and Mary had finished their check-up, and now everyone's attention was on the birthday girl.

"How do you think I felt when I came home and found you missing?" James asked, his voice stern but filled with affection. "I just knew, right there and then, that you were coming here alone."

James let out a frustrated sigh, his gaze firm as he scolded her gently. "Honestly, I should have known that everything going smoothly with the Order was just a bit too coincidental," he remarked, his voice filled with a mixture of irritation and concern.

He reached out and pinched her nose, causing her to wince slightly. "Why can't you ever listen to us, Autumn?" he groaned.

Autumn winced as James pinched her nose, her face scrunching up in a mix of pain and annoyance. "Ow!" she protested, trying to swat his hand away. "I was just trying to protect-"

James cut her off before she could finish, his voice firm. "I know what you were trying to do," he interrupted, his eyes narrowing. "But that doesn't mean you had to go alone. We're supposed to be a team, you know."

Autumn let out a huff, her irritation clear in her voice. "I was trying to keep you all safe," she retorted, trying to defend herself.

James gave her a stern look, his voice laced with worry. "I know that, but that's not the point," he replied. "We're a team, remember? We work together, and that means we don't go off alone and get ourselves killed."

Autumn's frustration began to bubble up within her, her voice growing slightly defensive. "I just wanted to protect you all," she repeated adamantly.

James didn't waver, his expression serious. "And I appreciate that," he said sincerely, his tone gentle but firm. "But there are better ways to protect us than charging into danger alone."

Mary couldn't hold back a chuckle, a small smile playing on her lips as she placed her hand on Autumn's shoulder.

"Just a heads up," she said, her voice a mix of amusement and reprimand, "You can expect a rather lengthy lecture from everyone. Dorcas, Fabian, Gideon, even Moody." She paused, her smile growing slightly dangerous.

"And don't forget me either."

Sirius huffed in agreement, nodding his head as he motioned to himself, Raven, Peter, and Remus. "And us, of course."

Autumn looked around at the faces of her friends, realization setting in as she deflated slightly.

James couldn't resist adding, a touch of sarcasm to his voice. "Oh, and don't forget Regulus and Severus," he chimed in, a small grin on his lips. "You're in for quite the verbal onslaught, love."

Autumn's shoulders sagged as she groaned dramatically, her previous bravado replaced by resigned acceptance. "Great! I can't wait," she said sarcastically, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. "An army of lecturers just waiting to lay into me. It's going to be a real party."

James let out a low chuckle at her dramatic response, his hand reaching out to squeeze her shoulder. "Cheer up," he teased. "It's all out of love. We just want to make sure you don't end up in the grave before your next birthday."

Autumn rolled her eyes at his remark, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "I'm touched," she replied sarcastically, though there was a hint of appreciation in her tone. "Nothing says 'happy birthday' like a lecture barrage and a death experience."

James chuckled again, his hand moving from her shoulder to ruffle her hair gently. "Well, we do aim to please," he replied, his voice dripping with mock chivalry. "What better way to celebrate a birthday than being reminded of your own recklessness, watching you die and then come back to life?"

Autumn couldn't help but grin at his sarcasm, swatting lightly at his hand as he rumpled her hair. "You're loving this, aren't you?" she accused, but her voice lacked any real irritation.

James simply shrugged, a mischievous smirk on his lips. "What can I say? I live for these moments," he replied, his voice oozing fake innocence. "Besides, you do give us a lot of material to work with. A hero complex, a death wish... What more could we ask for?"

Autumn rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small laugh from escaping her lips. "Oh, ha ha," she retorted, faking a sense of annoyance. "You're just enjoying the opportunity to lecture me without mercy, aren't you?"

As James stood up, he quickly scooped Autumn into his arms with a chuckle. "Of course, my love," he said, his voice affectionate yet teasing. "By the way you really do need a wash, you smell awful."

Autumn playfully smacked his arm in response, a mix of feigned annoyance and amusement in her expression. "Gee, thanks," she retorted sarcastically.

As everyone began to make their preparations to leave, James cradled Autumn closer, a soft smile on his face.

"Come on," he said, adjusting his hold on her, "Let's get you clean and presentable for your birthday celebration. Can't have you smelling like a dungbomb during your party."

"Oh, very amusing," she retorted sarcastically. "Remind me of that traumatic time in our fifth year when you caused a hallway to fill with a noxious odour. How considerate of you."

James chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hey, that's hardly my fault," he protested with a sly grin. "You were the one messing with time travel and enchanted corridors. Who's to say I didn't get a sense of poetic justice from it?"

Autumn rolled her eyes at his retort, trying to maintain her faux-annoyed expression. "You're insufferable," she grumbled, though the corners of her lips twitched in a smile.

James laughed again, his arms still tight around her. "You love it," he teased, his voice filled with affection. "But I'll forgive you for your lack of appreciation for my brilliant prank."

"You mean traumatizing experience," Autumn muttered, her tone mock-exasperated.

James responded with a low chuckle and leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You're such a drama queen," he teased, his voice affectionate. With a familiar sensation of being squeezed through a tight tube, James apparated them away to their home.

...

Later that evening, after the birthday celebrations had began, Autumn found herself outside in the backyard, draped in a blanket that James had thoughtfully placed over her shoulders before retreating indoors to give her some solitude.

She sat on a chair, her eyes fixed on the star-filled sky above, lost in thought. The night breeze gently rustled the leaves, providing a calming melody in the background.

Her mind was filled with the events of the day - the fear, the joy, the lecture from her friends, and the lingering feeling of having cheated death. But amid all the chaos, a quiet sense of peace settled over her as she gazed at the expansive canvas of the night sky.

She found herself lost in the endless sea of stars, their twinkles like tiny beacons of light in the darkened firmament. The moon's glow cast a soft, silvery light over everything, and the gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of summer blooms.

Autumn wasn't sure how long she sat there, quietly musing under the starry sky, but the tranquillity of the moment was soothing to her weary soul.

As she sat contemplating the night sky, her ears suddenly picked up the sound of footsteps. Turning her head, she caught sight of Severus emerging from inside her home.

It was evident that he, too, had escaped the noise and festivities, his presence a surprise in the solitude of the backyard.

For a moment, she wondered if he had intentionally sought her out or if it was mere coincidence. Nevertheless, his presence brought her thoughts back to the present moment.

Autumn silently observed him, her expression calm and unreadable in the dim light. She waited for him to acknowledge her presence.

Seeing her pat the chair next to her, Severus hesitated for a moment, but he eventually obligingly sat down beside her. The chair creaked softly under his weight, and for a few moments, they sat in silence.

The only sound that filled the air was the distant noise of the party still going on in the background and the soft rustling of the leaves.

Autumn's voice was soft and sincere as she finally broke the silence. She looked downward, her gaze fixed on the ground for a few seconds before slowly lifting her head to look at him.

"I'm sorry... for not convincing Lily to come back," she began, her voice tinged with genuine regret. "I wanted to, but..."

Silence hung in the air for a moment, her unfinished sentence hanging as if she was searching for the right words.

"I tried," Autumn continued, her voice now filled with a mixture of guilt and determination. "But she was so adamant about her decision, and it felt like no matter what I said, she wouldn't budge."

She let out a soft sigh, her gaze flitting from the ground to his face. "I don't want you to think that I didn't try," she reiterated, her voice tinged with a hint of earnest pleading. "It's just that-"

She cut herself short, her voice trailing off as if unsure of what else to say. The silence returned for a moment, the only sound being the distant murmur of the guests inside the house. Autumn fidgeted slightly, her fingers worrying the fabric of her blanket as if searching for the right words to say to him.

"I didn't give up on her," she assured, her voice firmer this time, her eyes firmly back on him. "I just...didn't know what else to say."

She looked away for a moment, her gaze returning to the ground as another wave of guilt washed over her. "Maybe if I said something different, or explained things better..." she continued, her voice filled with self-blame. "Maybe then she would have stayed."

As Severus reached for her trembling hand, holding it firmly in his own, a wave of comfort washed over Autumn. His words were soft but sincere, and she could hear the pain and acceptance in his voice.

"I know," he said quietly in agreement, his gaze fixated on the night sky above.

He paused for a moment before speaking again, his voice filled with a mixture of melancholy and resignation, "I always had a feeling that she'd made up her mind... that there was no convincing her to stay."

His shoulders slumped slightly, and a single tear rolled down his face, "But I wish I had more time with her."

The raw emotion in his voice was evident as he tried to compose himself. The air was thick with unspoken regret and sorrow, but amidst the grief, there was also an understanding and acceptance of the choice Lily had made.

Autumn tightened her grip on his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze in a silent show of comfort and shared sorrow. She knew that nothing she could say would erase his pain, but she hoped that her presence alone could provide some solace.

Autumn bit her lip as she spoke, her voice filled with a mixture of doubt and guilt. "I created this timeline... to ensure a better ending for everyone," she began, her words filled with the weight of her decisions.

However, before she could continue, Severus interrupted her, his voice firm but understanding.

"But you did," he said, cutting her off. "You saved more than you could."

He turned to her, a faint smile on his lips as a wave of relief washed over him. "I mean it, Autumn. You gave all of us a second chance, a life to live and not regret."

Autumn looked at him, her eyes wide in surprise. The magnitude of his words hit her, and a complex mix of emotions washed over her. Her guilt and doubt began to subside, replaced by a warm, unfamiliar feeling of recognition.

For the first time, she saw that her actions had truly made a difference, and the weight on her shoulders seemed to lighten just a little bit.

She squeezed his hand in silent acknowledgement of his words, her heart feeling a little lighter. The silence fell once more, and they sat together in the dimly lit backyard, the night stars witnessing their shared understanding and silent support.

The air was no longer filled with tension and uncertainty. Instead, a sense of peace and acceptance hung between them. It was a feeling of connection, a shared understanding that despite the pain and loss, there was still hope and gratitude for a second chance.

Severus squeezed her hand once more, gently breaking the comfortable silence that had enveloped them. He then stood up, his coat falling into place.

"We should head back inside," he said, his voice soft but firm. "The night is still young, and your husband," he added, gesturing to the house with his thumb, "has been peeking through the kitchen window for the past few minutes."

Autumn's eyes widened in surprise, and she turned her head to see James, attempting to be sneaky but failing miserably.

The moment their eyes met, James smiled sheepishly, caught blatantly spying on them. He quickly tried to act casual, leaning against the kitchen counter and feigning an innocent look, despite his evident guilt.

Autumn couldn't help but roll her eyes at her husband's terrible attempt at subtlety. But there was a hint of affection in her expression, a mixture of amusement and slight irritation at his antics.

As the backdoor opened, Severus walked ahead, and Autumn followed close behind, their moment of solemn contemplation replaced by the sounds of laughter and chatter from inside the house.

James's smiling face greeted them, and he announced cheerfully, "It's time for the cake!"

The aroma of homemade cake and the sounds of the ongoing celebration filled the air. James chuckled and placed a hand on Autumn's back, gently guiding her into the living room where a large, beautifully decorated cake sat waiting.

Autumn's friends and family gathered around the room, their faces filled with anticipation and excitement. The cake was an elaborate masterpiece, adorned with colourful frosting and candles, symbolizing her birthday and the love and joy shared among them.

As Autumn surveyed the room, her eyes fell upon her parents, and her breath caught in her chest. Her mother held the giggling Aspen in her arms, and the moment the little girl caught sight of her mother, she squealed in delight, crying out the most cherished word a parent could hope to hear.

"Mama!" Autumn's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her daughter's voice, a mix of surprise and overwhelming love crashing over her like a tidal wave.

James moved closer to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as he leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Fabian and Gideon made sure to help them travel safely."

He then kissed her cheek, his voice playfully teasing as he continued, "Also because it's your birthday, I won't complain that Aspen's first words were 'Mama' and not 'Papa'."

Autumn snickered softly, her heart swelling with love at his words, and she quickly moved across the room to reach her daughter, who was now eagerly reaching out for her with wide, curious eyes.

The room was filled with admiring murmurs from Autumn's friends and family at the touching moment between mother and daughter. James chuckled softly and, catching her silence "Thank you," he replied with a wink and a nod.

The party continued, the laughter and joyous atmosphere mingling together, as they celebrated Autumn's birthday and the unexpected but treasured reunion of family.

Aspen, now happily in her mother's arms, seemed fascinated by the colourful decorations and the lively chatter. She reached out, her tiny fingers grasping at the ribbons and balloons, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Autumn, holding her daughter close, tried to keep her safe from accidentally popping any of the balloons and also tried to not let her messy fingers touch the cake. Both tasks proved to be quite the challenge.

Soon enough, Regulus arrived at the party, carrying baby Harry in his arms. As soon as the two babies saw each other, their faces lightened up in instant recognition and familiarity. It was as if they had known each other for a lifetime.

Autumn's friends and family let out collective "awws" and chuckles at the sight of the two babies, who immediately began to gurgle and coo at each other.

As the toddlers playfully interacted with each other, James and Autumn stepped aside, seizing a moment to themselves.

Autumn recounted earlier that morning, when they had returned home after her resurrection and she had mentioned Elliot's and Lily's request for them to take care of Harry. James, without hesitation, had immediately agreed to the responsibility.

"Thank you," Autumn murmured, the words not feeling adequate enough to fully express her emotions.

James smiled, his hand moving from her shoulder to cup her chin gently. "Always," he whispered, his gaze holding hers. "We're in this together."

James then turned his attention to the toddlers, who were now entertaining each other with their magical abilities. The adults present chuckled and watched with amusement, reassured that the use of magic was innocent and under supervision.

James continued, "Looks like Aspen and Harry are already inseparable," he said, a hint of humour in his voice.

Autumn chuckled in agreement, her gaze fixed on the two infants who seemed to have formed an instant bond. She nodded in response, a hopeful, yet weary, expression on her face. "Yes, just one more enemy to defeat, and we shall finally put an end to this war."

James wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. Autumn leaned into him, drawing strength and hope from his presence.

"We've come this far," he said, his voice filled with reassurance and determination. "We'll face the final enemy together, and then we'll finally have peace. For us, for Aspen, for Harry, for all of us."

Autumn closed her eyes for a moment, allowing his words to wash over her. She nodded, her resolve strengthening with each second.

"You're right," she murmured, opening her eyes and looking up at him. "We'll face this challenge head-on. And when it's all over, we'll finally get the chance to rebuild and live in a world where our children can grow up without the shadow of war hanging over their heads. That's the world we're fighting for."

James smiled down at her, his eyes reflecting the unwavering determination they shared.

"Exactly," he agreed, his grip around her tightening slightly. "We're fighting for a brighter future. For Aspen and Harry, and for all the children who will come after them. And we'll see it through, every step of the way, together."

Autumn hummed in agreement and then turned to him with a smile. "Alright, let's go have some cake. I still can't believe you made it, and it looks lovely."

James, feigning offence, responded, "Love, I shall have you know I put a lot of effort into it, just like the Pumpkin tart I made for you on your birthday years ago."

Autumn laughed softly as James dramatically posed, mimicking his offended expression. "Oh, I remember that tart," she said, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "It was a culinary masterpiece. I'm surprised you didn't call it 'James Potter's Great Pumpkin Tart of Legend'."

James chuckled, his mock offence now replaced by a grin. "Oh, please. That 'Great Pumpkin Tart of Legend' deserves recognition. I should have copyrighted it."

Autumn playfully smacked his arm, rolling her eyes, but there was a hint of affectionate amusement in her expression. "Oh, shut up. Let's just eat some cake before your ego gets even bigger than it already is."

James feigned hurt, placing a hand over his heart in dramatic fashion. "My ego, bigger than it already is? Now that's an impossible feat, my dear."

He smirked, the jesting tone in his voice making it clear that he was teasing her. "But alright, let's go devour my masterpiece and celebrate your birthday in true style."

As they walked towards the cake, James smirked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Alright, alright, let's not forget the most important part," he said, his voice dripping with playful suggestiveness.

He leaned in closer, his mouth hovering near her ear. "And maybe, just maybe, I can get a flavoured kiss after you take a bite."

Autumn tried to maintain her composure but couldn't help but roll her eyes at his antics. She pushed him gently towards the cake, playing along with his banter. "Oh, you're impossible."

James chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction. "You love me for it," he said, his arm snaking around her waist as they reached the cake.

The cake stood majestically on the table, the candles flickering softly and casting a warm glow on their faces. James gestured for Autumn to take the first slice, a proud smile on his face.

"First slice, for the birthday girl," he said, his voice filled with affection. "Come on, try it. I promise it's as good as I am handsome."

Autumn shook her head at his ego but couldn't help but smile at his infectious excitement. "You've been hanging around Sirius too much," she teased, playing along with his lighthearted banter.

She took a slice of the cake, her gaze flickering between the dessert and James's expectant face. She took a bite, closing her eyes for a moment as the sweetness danced on her tongue. It was indeed deliciously rich, and the frosting was perfectly creamy.

James watched her intently, eagerly awaiting her verdict. "Well, how is it?" he asked, his tone filled with anticipation.

Autumn opened her eyes, a satisfied smile on her face. "It's delicious," she admitted, licking a bit of frosting off her lips. "You've outdone yourself, James. As usual."

As James shot her a wink and puckered his lips, Autumn couldn't help but let out a soft snicker. She closed the distance between them, leaning forward to kiss him gently.

The moment their lips touched, the room felt a little warmer, and the noise of the party faded into the background as they took a moment for themselves.

As their lips met, James's arm instinctively pulled her closer, pulling her body against his. He deepened the kiss, his other hand coming up to cup her cheek. The cake and the party, the war, and the world, all faded into the background as all he could focus on was the feel of her lips against his.

Months passed in a whirlwind of events and emotions. The members of the Order spent each passing day preparing, strategising, and doing their part to bring the war to an end.

Eventually, the day arrived when their collective efforts paid off. The defeat of Voldemort was a quieter affair than expected, with no grand battles or dramatic confrontations. But the collective sigh of relief was almost deafening, and the realisation that the war was finally overwashed over them all like a cold shower.

There were no grand celebrations or parties; the mood was sombre. They had won, but the cost had been high. Losses had been suffered, and the healing would take time.

Yet, in the quiet moments that followed the end, there was a sense of hope. A chance to rebuild and to live in a world without the threat of darkness hanging over their heads.

James looked around the room, his gaze taking in the faces of his friends and fellow Order members. There was a mix of joy, exhaustion, and lingering worry in their eyes. He turned to Autumn, who stood next to him, their hands intertwined.

"We did it," he said, his voice filled with both relief and disbelief. "We actually did it."

Autumn, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions, nodded slowly. "We did," she echoed, her voice soft yet steady. "But the work doesn't end here."

She looked up at him, her expression determined. "We still have to rebuild, to heal. This is only the beginning."

James smiled faintly, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "I know," he agreed, his tone now solemn. "The road ahead won't be easy. But we've always been stronger when we're together."

As Autumn's gaze roamed over the faces of their fellow Order members, her thoughts drifted to the past. The memories of their previous lives, filled with betrayal, loss, and pain, still haunted her. It was a strange feeling, remembering lives that were not technically theirs, but nonetheless felt like a part of them.

She sighed deeply, the weight of their shared past - or alternate past - weighing heavily on her heart.

James noticed the shift in her expression and the faraway look in her eyes. He gently squeezed her hand, bringing her back to the present. "What are you thinking about?" he asked quietly, his tone filled with concern.

Autumn looked at him, her eyes meeting his gaze. Her thoughts were a mix of the past and the present, the line between them blurring. "Just... reminiscing," she admitted quietly, the word carrying a weight that went beyond the simple act of remembering. "About... everything."

James was silent for a moment, his expression turning a bit serious. He knew what she was referring to without her having to explain further.

"We're in a different timeline now," he reminded her, his voice firm but gentle. "What happened in the past... it won't happen again. We won't let it."

Autumn nodded slowly, his words a comfort in their determination. "I know," she said quietly. "It's just... It's hard to shake off those memories, even though they're not technically ours."

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "But you're right. We're rewriting our own story now. And we're doing it together."

James smiled, his eyes filled with understanding and affection. "Together," he assured her, his grip on her hand never wavering.

"No matter what challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together. We always have, and we always will."

The room, filled with tension and lingering uncertainty, seemed to hold its breath as Dumbledore made a subtle gesture to Autumn, indicating for her to follow him.

Autumn, noticing the silent signal, quickly excused herself from James and the others. She moved away from the group and followed Dumbledore out of the room, her heart slightly quickening in anticipation.

The door to the room closed quietly as Dumbledore and Autumn stepped outside. The hallway was silent and dimly lit, save for the few flickering torches lining the walls.

Dumbledore glanced at Autumn, his eyes holding a mix of wisdom and compassion. "Walk with me," he said quietly.

Autumn matched the older wizard's stride as they began to walk down the hallway. They moved silently, the soft sound of their footsteps the only noise between them. Autumn's mind raced with a thousand questions, but she waited for Dumbledore to speak first.

The silence between them lasted for a few moments before Dumbledore finally spoke, his voice soft but firm. "You have had a unique journey," he began, his gaze now fixed ahead of them. "And your past, while technically not 'yours', still feels like a part of you. Am I correct?"

Autumn was a bit taken aback by the directness of his question. She glanced at Dumbledore, her eyes wide for a moment before she nodded slowly. "Yes," she admitted, her voice quiet. "It's... hard to explain. The memories, the feelings... they're not mine, but they feel like they are. Like they're a part of me."

Dumbledore nodded, his demeanour still calm. "Memories and emotions are tricky like that," he said thoughtfully. "They can linger, even when the circumstances have changed."

He looked at her then, his gaze sharp and knowing," You no longer see them."

Autumn chuckled softly, a sense of relief in her voice. "Yeah, it's gone," she agreed. "When I died and came back, it's like my powers decided they weren't needed anymore."

Dumbledore looked at her, his expression thoughtful as he asked, "And how do you feel about it being gone?"

Autumn smiled, her gaze turning to the sky. "Happy and free," she replied. "Those powers... they were dangerous to begin with."

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed slightly as if he was trying to gauge the truth behind her words. He studied her for a moment before he spoke again, his voice calm yet stern. "It's not unusual for one to feel relief after being released from a heavy burden," he noted. "But tell me, do you really feel happy and free, or are you simply telling me what you think I want to hear?"

Autumn's expression turned serious at Dumbledore's question. She paused for a moment, considering his words. The truth was, the relief she felt was real, but was it complete freedom or just a feeling of escape from a heavy burden? She finally gave a reply.

"I'm not only saying what I think you want to hear," she said, her voice steady if not sincere. "I do feel happy and free now. But you're right, it's complicated. I'm still... sorting through my feelings."

As Autumn spoke, Dumbledore listened attentively. Despite her sincere response, he couldn't help but sense that there was something more beneath her words. He wasn't entirely convinced that she had truly made her peace with the loss of her powers, but he decided not to press further.

"I understand," he said kindly. "Sorting through one's feelings, especially after such an ordeal, can take time and introspection."

Dumbledore let out a chuckle as he produced the Elder Wand. "When you brought this back to me," he said, his voice soft yet amused, "I thought perhaps it was for the best, not having it anymore."

Autumn smiled faintly, her eyes fixated on the wand for a moment before she spoke. "I didn't need it anymore," she admitted, "and in the end, I would never have been able to reach its full potential."

She looked at the wand again, her tone tinged with resignation, "And I've had enough of power I couldn't control."

Dumbledore studied her for a moment, his gaze sharp and perceptive. He could sense a wealth of emotions behind her words, and he nodded slowly.

"It's a wise decision," he said quietly, his voice filled with understanding. "Sometimes, the power we possess can be a burden as much as it is a tool. And it's better to let go rather than allow it to consume us."

Autumn nodded, the weight of his words echoing her own feelings. "You're right," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's... liberating, in a way. Letting go of a power that's too great, too uncontrollable."

Dumbledore's eyes stayed on the Elder Wand for a moment, as if he felt a subtle shift in its power. Yet, he pushed the thought aside as he turned to Autumn.

Seeing her calm and at peace, he couldn't help but wonder how she had obtained the Deathly Hallows so effortlessly. He realized that her intention with the Hallows wasn't about claiming mastery over death, but rather, they had come to her willingly. He noted to himself that he never asked about the fate of the resurrection stone, and he decided it should remain a mystery.

After a moment of silence, Dumbledore's demeanour changed, becoming more sombre as he brought up the topic of Harry, "The boy," he reiterated, his gaze fixed on Autumn. "Harry."

Autumn looked at him with curiosity, not sure where the conversation was heading. "Yes, what about him?" she questioned.

Dumbledore paused for a moment, the weight of the past and the knowledge of a previous life evident in his eyes. He thought about Harry, not as the tormented boy he had known before, but as someone who would now have the chance to live a life free of the suffering Dumbledore had inadvertently put upon him.

His expression softened as he looked at Autumn. "He will be safe," he assured her. "And he will have a chance at a far happier life without the burdens of our past timelines."

Autumn nodded, a mixture of sadness and relief in her eyes. "He deserves it after everything he's been through." She whispered, her voice filled with empathy for the boy who had once been destined for death at such a young age.

Dumbledore placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his gaze understanding. "And he shall have it," he assured her, his voice firm yet gentle. "Along with a normal, happy childhood and a chance at a life filled with love, not a prophecy and sacrifice."

They walked in silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts. The weight of the past and the hope for the future hung in the air like a bittersweet fragrance.

Finally, Dumbledore broke the silence, his voice soft yet resolved. "We have a chance to repair the past's broken threads." He said, his eyes fixed ahead. "And I intend to seize that chance."

Autumn looked at him, her gaze filled with a mixture of hope and determination. She nodded, her expression mirroring his determination. "Together," she said, the word both a promise and a statement.

Dumbledore gave a slight smile, touched by her words. "Together," he echoed, his voice filled with the promise of a new beginning.

an: don't you worry, epilogue and side stories will be on it's way! i hope you enjoyed autumn and her journey with everyone. thank you for taking the time to read her story.