'Had I known it would have been the last time, I would have held you tighter and longer.'
October 31st, 1989, West Country, Godric Hollow, 9:20 PM
The three of them appeared in a rather secluded area near Church Lane. The wind blowing in this village was far more intense than that in London, truly elevating the coldness of October.
The place was a small community that was centred on a village square with only a church, a post office, a pub, and a few retail shops. The residential streets were lined with quaint cottages, and among all of that, Church Lane was the street that led up to St. Jerome's Church.
At this time of day, there were not many pedestrians present; even inside the church, there was solemn tranquilly, with only a priest sitting in the front row, piously praying.
The three took their time walking in an unhurried manner as they took in the view of the whole village. Along the way, only Ethan and Remus engaged in sporadic conversation, mostly regarding the company's business. Remus vigorously noted Ethan's suggestions for all the impediments concerning employee management, marketing the next product after the first two had done their introduction, matters related to free-entry exhibitions for elevating trial products, and worthy corresponding reviews.
Following closely beside them, Harry could only make out a few things they said, and soon the boy drifted into thinking out the first house as their first stop before moving on to the Graveyard was none other than the Potter's cottage.
It wasn't long before the cottage or what's left of it, Harry's eyes widened at the state of the house.
Partly destroyed after Voldemort's attack in 1981, it had been left in its ruined state and made invisible to Muggles as a monument to the Potters and to Voldemort's first downfall. All that was left was a rusty, broken-down iron gate. The hedge had grown wild in the eight years since Hagrid had taken Harry from the rubble that lay scattered amongst the waist-high grass. Most of the cottage was still standing, though entirely covered in the dark ivy, and the right side of the top floor had been blown apart; that, Remus was sure, was where the curse had backfired.
His face turned slightly bitter at the scene, no matter how many times he had witnessed it, for this place held precious memories that had supported him till this day. Those short yet cheerful gatherings, Harry's first time flying on his toy broom...
Silence rose as they were all taking a moment to pay tribute to Harry's birthplace.
Harry's eyes fluctuated as he looked at the ruins; despite remembering almost nothing of his time here, his heart exuded the truest feeling of nostalgia. The two adults let Harry explore the ruin as he wished, albeit worrying it might trigger some horrid uneasiness.
Amid the cold, billowing winds, the boy strolled mildly around the ruins, trying to recall those pleasant memories with his birth parents, hidden beneath these crumbles, but to no avail.
It was a little disappointing, but it wouldn't defy the fact that this cottage once truly held those fleeting precious moments of the Potters. Harry could picture the cosy scene of the small, happy family.
With a self-deprecating smile, the boy bade farewell to the place as he marched forward with his two uncles, who had been waiting patiently by the iron gate.
Shortly after, they were in front of the centre of the village square.
From a distance, it appeared as an obelisk, carved with the names of people who died in a war, presumably Muggle casualties of one or more previous conflicts.
As they came closer, it transformed. Instead of an obelisk covered in names, there was a statue of three people: a man with untidy hair and glasses, a woman with long hair and a kind, pretty face, and a baby boy sitting in his mother's arms. Snow lay upon all their heads, like fluffy white caps. Harry drew closer, gazing up into his parents' faces. He had never imagined that there would be a statue…
Having imagined how this would play out a hundred times, he tried to steady his emotions. Still, Harry's pupils dilated as he watched the memorial unfold with bated breath; his view turned blurry as those tears silently streamed down his cheeks, washed away by the chilly wind.
How strange it was to see himself represented in stone, a happy baby without a scar on his forehead, looking contently in his mother's arm. His parents both looked so happy and so caring; there was no fear or lifeless stare in those stone eyes, not like how they were in his memory of the darkest Halloween night.
Remus tried to uphold his posture, not daring to make a sound, for his throat still felt like choking, and his eyes turned red. Clearing his throat had never been more difficult, though he did manage it in the end. His voice was undoubtedly hoarse.
"Hello, James, Lily. Look who's here... It's Harry; the boy has grown up so much now...
"Sigh, I'm sorry, James, Lily. I let you both, and even Harry, down again. However, not this time, not anymore. I solemnly swear I would be by his side whenever needed." Remus gazed towards the ever-blue sky, as his eyes were now also filled with tears, yet he felt relief for the longest time. For his visit this time, he didn't end up drowning himself in guilt.
Rather, this was a sign of something new, something brighter.
Taking a step back, Remus signalled for Harry's turn.
Harry only collected his thoughts as Ethan's warm hands caressed his shoulder, wearing a gentle smile. Ethan just nodded reassuringly as he pointed at the boy's satchel, which had been enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm for convenience.
Harry nodded in return as he slowly marched forward, passing by the emotional Remus. From the satchel, the boy quickly pulled out a bouquet comprised of lustrous White Lilies—humility, devotion, restoration, innocence after death; Marigold—bliss, gratitude, farewell; and finished with Daffodil – Rebirth, new beginnings.
Those flowers were all planted and raised in the basement of 221 B. They first served as subjects in Ethan's Herbology class; Harry had been caring for them in a wizard way, aided by Ethan's magic.
The boy was reaching out to place the bouquet on the top of the statue's pedestal.
Taking a step back Harry looked into lively stone eyes as he spoke in a small tone. "Hello, mother, father. It's me, Harry, I'm 9 years old now…You should know that I used to live with the Dursleys, Aunt Petunia, uhm, your sister…
"It was hash; they despite my, my 'magic', especially Uncle Vernon... Aunt Petunia, were... indifferent." Harry shook his head as he refused to recall those miseries.
Shortly, the boy's visage turned cheerful, albeit still somewhat awkward. "It's all right now. Now I had Uncle Remus and..." Harry turned to the two men, one clad in a dark brown suit, while the other leaning against his black cane adorned with silverly raven handles as the boy gave them an assuring smile.
The gentleman, clad in an exquisite dark blue color-theme three-piece suit, replied with a cheerful wave as he still bore that caring complexion.
"Uncle Ethan… He's like the coolest, most caring Dad ever. I've meant to call him so but I'm afraid that he'd be uncomfortable, but I got a feeling that day will come soon, Hehe." Harry smiled contently, thinking about the way Ethan had been caring for him.
Ever since that faithful meeting, they had made a connection even deeper than blood; it was a contract of the heart. Ethan's genuinely caring words echoed. Let's go home holding hands, shall we?... What should we eat tonight?... That's what happened today… Do you know that… Morning! Harry… Goodnight Harry…No matter what, I'll always be here…You're not alone, Harry…
"Oh, by the way..." Long gone was the aching emotion looming in his mind. Harry went on to tell all those he had studied with Ethan during the last month cheerfully.
Seeing such a heartfelt scene was such a relief for the two men, as Harry would be just fine.
Time flew as noon drew near. The three gathered themselves and said goodbye to James and Lily.
"Bye, mother, father. I'll see you again." Harry adjusted his satchel's strap as he paced back to Remus.
Just before they departed. Ethan tipped his hat and bowed with utmost respect towards the Potter Memorial. Soon the bouquet busted open, and those colourful flowers spread their lustrous vine, warping the pedestal and blooming gracefully.
…
Having had a lofty lunch at one of those Asia restaurants, the three decide to have a small tour around London, mostly to watch the Halloween spirits looming within the bustling city as well as shop for some ingredients for tonight's Halloween feast.
Ethan decided to make the well-known Beef Wellington amid the astonishment coming from the other two. Aside from that, he was also meaning to make some pumpkin delicacies.
Just hearing about it made both Remus and Harry gulp instinctively because, having tasted Ethan so many times, they knew what an excellent cook he was.
Upon returning to 221B Baker Street, they spent almost the entire afternoon doing some 'simple decorations' by hand and helping Ethan prepare for dinner.
It was near twilight as Ethan left them to finish preparing the table as he excused himself to go out in order to complete some private matters. He'd be back shortly.
Harry exchanged knowing glances before they nodded towards Ethan.
The gentle smiled back as he walked to the door and disappeared into thin air.
…
October 31st, 1989, London, Chingford Mount Cemetery, 6:35 PM
It was a green and airy area of the cemetery, with scattered rows of zelkovas spread out, lacking the presence of visitors for only a few tombstones laid here.
Under one of the lust trees, there stood a gentleman. he was straightening out his suit, adjusting his tie, combing his slightly messy hair, donning his stylist silk hat, and picking up his trusty cane in one hand, while another was holding an exquisite bouquet of Sunflowers – Adoration, loyalty, and longevity—and blue Hydrangeas – Gratitude, honesty, and deep understanding.
Wearing a bright smile, Ethan slowly paced towards the tombstone situated right beneath the tree canopy. There was also another small bouquet placed near it. It was certainly coming from Sam, albeit with his tight schedule; at no time would he miss one of his dearest sister's memorial days.
The epitaph on the tombstone was carved.
Aelia Silvie Evolet
20/7/1961
18/4/1981
From the beginning, you've been a guardian. You mimicked others until you were mimicked by others.
Rest in peace, our beloved Sunflower.
Ethan's smile tinged with the ever-familiar sorrow. "Good evening, Aelia, my love." The gentleman began carefully brushing off the layer of dust, clearing away the dry leaves that fell on the tombstone as he wholeheartedly told stories about what he had done during those times. Amidst the one-sided conversation, he'd sporadically laugh at his jokes; it was an exaggerated laugh, a sorrowful laugh.
"You won't believe who I adopted. It's the Boy Who Lived, Harry James Potter! Yet, being the hero of the Wizarding World, he had been treated with such cruelty.
"Sigh, I somehow saw myself in Harry, so I decided to adopt him. The boy was shy yet full of curiosity, a warm, sensible person. He's adorable, Aelia. You should have seen him; I know you two would get along well…You had always been fond of children; after all, always yearned to make their life better…"
Ethan's eyes fluctuated with intense emotion as he mentioned the boy's fate, his voice turning solemnly sour. "I divided his fate, Aelia. Those pictures were scattered, but it was enough for me to see where the truth lies in his future. It was so dreadful; Harry didn't deserve any of that, those children, and... they didn't deserve to die in that destined war.
"Sigh, HE will be back Aelia, it is inevitable. Though I'll try my best to make a difference…This time, things will be different. Let's just hope that the variations won't be too exaggerated."
There was a moment of serenity as Ethan collected his thoughts. "Anyway, I just discovered this song; it's pretty good, and I have been practising singing lately, hehe."
Ethan crossed-legged as he pulled out a guitar from his silk top hat. Clearing his throat, Ethan began singing gracefully.
Hello Rain, How can you keep pulling me back?
Hearts fluttered the first time we met.
Saying hello to the trees, how can we try to hold each other's hands?
To see the passion returning in your eyes.
Suddenly, I saw your trembling hands holding onto your shoulder for the longest time.
Late Autumn, for me, is the day that makes my eyes blur.
Because that day when we met, no one dared to say a word, even just a hello.
Just simply keep falling in love, keep singing the song of departure…
The entire cemetery was bathing in the burning, soft afterglow; the wind had even stopped its parade just to listen to the melancholy rhythm sounding from the guitar, accompanied by the captivating airy singing voice echoing into the horizon.
Autumn falls into you, into yesterday's dream.
Autumn hugs you, runs away in hasty arms.
Where are the words you said before?
Still silently sinking into the clouds.
Until when? Tell me not to miss you.
...
Autumn falls on you, into an innocent kiss.
Autumn doesn't need me, for you are now far away...
The sun had already set in the starry night sky, with certain clouds enveloping London. Ethan gathered his things as he checked his pocket watch. The beef should be ready by now.
Putting his hat on, Ethan placed his hand on his heart as he gave an elegant bow.
"I have to go now, Aelia; see you next year, and as always... I'll hold you in my heart until I can hold you in my arms."
His words echoed in the now deserted cemetery, as the man had already apparated.
…
The moment Ethan got to the front, he keenly noticed a third presence within the house; it was a rather familiar presence.
Opened the door to the living, now funnily decorated in a Halloween theme, greeting him was none other than Sam's iconic grin as the man clad in more comfortable attire. "There you are; come on in; we've been waiting for you."
Sitting at the dining table, gorgeously filled with delicacies Sam had already poured himself some Bourbon, whereas Harry just sat obediently opposite Remus. The two were amused by Sam's carefree manners.
"I thought you had some important meetings with prominent figures this evening." Ethan took a seat next to Harry as the boy noticed him giving Sam a smirk.
"And miss these First Class, Order of Merlin meals!? Of course not." Sam said it exaggeratedly as he licked his lips, eyeing the Beef Wellingtons.
His jokes this time did earn a good response from the other three. Remus let out a small laugh, and Harry snickered, whereas Ethan just smiled, shaking his head slightly.
Since everything had settled, Ethan raised his glasses to begin the small feast.
"Happy Halloween."