Chapter 728: Epilogue - Five Years Later

Chapter 728: Epilogue - Five Years Later

(Contains romantic elements; reader discretion is advised.)

Five years had passed in the blink of an eye, and it was summer once again.

"Time really flies", Mrs. Bones said with a smile, sitting on one side of the sofa. Across from her was Hermione, who had just returned from abroad after completing her two-year term as an observer for the International Confederation of Wizards. She was dressed in formal attire, her hair neatly tied back, exuding a professional and efficient demeanor.

"How was your trip around the world?" Mrs. Bones handed her a cup of tea.

"Amazing", Hermione said with a grin, taking a small sip of the hot tea and sighing contentedly. Then she sighed again, "I feel like I've used up my lifetime quota of travel. Unless there's a really good opportunity, I plan to stay in the country from now on."

"That's good news", Mrs. Bones said with relief. "You can come back and continue working as my secretary. Things were quite chaotic while you were away, with so much to do and so little time."

Hermione pouted.

"Am I only fit to be a secretary?"

Mrs. Bones laughed.

"Oh, you want to be the Minister of Magic, do you? That's a good spirit, young lady. It gives me some comfort in the current situation..." Seeing Hermione's puzzled expression, she explained, "Scrimgeour is getting older and might retire before I do. The same goes for Shacklebolt and Old Crouch, who adopted a distant nephew last year and has been seen in the Ministry only rarely since then. The other senior officials are all specialists in their own fields, like Ludo Bagman, Phineas Nigellus, and Arthur Weasley..."

"The demands on the Minister are growing, and I have to keep learning and dealing with all sorts of people", she said, sounding a bit frustrated. "There's one guy who stays at the school and doesn't come out. I've written to him several times, but he always brushes me off."

"You mean Professor?" Hermione perked up, asking.

"Yes, him", Mrs. Bones said, her voice tinged with frustration, then she gently rubbed her forehead and softened her tone. "I can understand Felix's approach. He seems to want to distance himself from the public, much like Dumbledore did after 1945... As the most significant deterrent force in the world, his personal image becomes blurred. They call him the Swordholder."

Hermione nodded slowly, reflecting on her experiences over the past two years, which gave her a deeper understanding of Mrs. Bones' words.

Wherever she went, people were keen to pry into Professor's private life. When she selectively shared some trivial details, they would often react with surprise and bewilderment, as if a myth had come to life. One person's response stood out to Hermione:

"Is that true? Mr. Hep sat down and ate with you? Didn't you feel pressured... and he occasionally drinks wine? And he's a good dancer? Oh, I always thought he was, well—" The person's fingers waved in the air, then stopped. They looked apologetic and said, "Sorry, I've only seen him on TV and in newspapers. I even have a magical newspaper with a report on the bonfire night on the Floating Island, which has now become a small city..."

But Hermione knew that to that person—and to many others—the name Felix Hep no longer represented a specific individual but rather an abstract symbol, a law, or a rule. This impression had only grown more entrenched over time.

Five years ago, after the grand Christmas bonfire on the Floating Island, life returned to a peaceful routine. The magical and non-magical worlds began to integrate systematically, with occasional hiccups but no major conflicts. Everything was stable. Six months later, their cohort graduated from school. Harry and Ron chose to travel, while she dove into the heavy workload at the Ministry of Magic.

There was so much to sort out.

Politics, economics, culture, law, education, and even art. Yes, art. The first thing Hermione Granger did after joining the Ministry was to host an international art exhibition that drew inspiration from Professor Hep's super-magic at the New York Harbor. Although Hermione had seen pictures in the newspapers, she had to admit that the artists had chosen their angles wisely. She stood for a long time in front of a six-meter-long panoramic photo wall titled "The Art of the Divine", which was composed of thousands of photos, capturing both the grand view of the city and hundreds of intricate details.

The artist's own words were even more profound: "If there truly is a god, he appeared on December 24, 1997, and gently turned the steering wheel of human destiny."

But Hermione knew that even 'divine beings' had their own troubles. Grading student papers, selecting the first batch of scientists to board the Floating Island, and choosing full moon gifts for Muggle friends—

Hermione took a sip of tea, barely suppressing the urge to roll her eyes as she recalled the incident.

What had Professor said at the time?

"I'm not very good at this. I asked Sirius Black, Remus, and even Harry, but none of them had any idea what they'd want for their first child, let alone Severus... So, Hermione Granger, could you help me out?"

This had happened shortly after the New Year, when everyone was incredibly busy, and none of them were planning to get married soon, especially Harry, who looked completely bewildered when asked—his wedding to Ginny was scheduled for the end of the year (2003).

"How is little Rosie?" Hermione asked.

"She's doing great", Mrs. Bones huffed, "Sirius Black often takes her to visit Harry and Lupin. I have to use the communication mirror to check where my husband and daughter are before I finish work. Honestly, I'm not used to House-elves calling me 'Noble Lady,' and neither is Sirius, but he seems to find it amusing..."

Hermione smiled softly. Rosalie, Sirius Black’s younger sister Regulus’ daughter, was born around the same time as Lupin and Tonks’ first child, three years ago. Along with Bill Weasley and Fleur’s child, who was a year older, the three little ones made for perfect playmates.

Leaving the office, Hermione felt a weight lifted from her shoulders.

Madam Bones had granted her a month’s leave. "A lot has changed with people and places you know. Take a walk around, see the changes, and then come back refreshed. The position of Assistant Minister and Office Director is waiting for you."

She wandered through the Auror office, where the staff greeted her return with surprise and welcome.

The office was divided into many small cubicles, each with the Auror’s name and their responsibilities posted on the outer wall. Inside, the walls were adorned with wanted posters, family photos, recent news clippings, and other items that suited their personal tastes, creating a diverse and bustling atmosphere.

Hermione quickly found Harry, Ron, and Neville’s cubicles by memory, but all three chairs were empty.

"Potter and Weasley have been rotated to the Floating Island to maintain order, and Longbottom is investigating a potion ingredient smuggling case", an Auror nearby explained. He had a bushy beard and looked like a shrunken Hagrid. "As the list of potions suitable for the general public grows, smuggling in this area has become more frequent..."

Hermione nodded slightly. She was well aware of the smuggling issue, a common headache for Ministries of Magic worldwide. The black market was particularly rampant in the Americas, partly due to the aftermath of the ‘exercise’ incident years ago.

There was also the Future World Company, whose headquarters had moved to the Floating Island long ago, even before the relocation of the International Confederation of Wizards, now the International Federation of Magic. The two organizations merged six months ago when Agimboldo retired and Professor Hep took over. Over the years, the island’s population had grown, and Ministries of Magic from various countries regularly dispatched Aurors to maintain order.

"Where’s Tonks? Oh, she should be on the island too, with Lupin. And Collins?"

"Tonks applied to the department six months ago to be permanently stationed on the Floating Island, as her family is there. As for Mrs. Folley", the bearded Auror gave a knowing smile and said matter-of-factly, "I’ll tell you what happened. Weasley didn’t need to participate in the routine patrol, but at the last gathering, he couldn’t help himself and said Collins was the one who chased after him..."

"Uh." Hermione rubbed her forehead, easily imagining the chaos that followed—Ron fleeing in panic while Collins chased after him with a knife.

Her gaze swept over Harry’s cubicle, where a photo of him and Ginny was displayed. They were riding a broom, with Ginny in her Holyhead Harpies uniform. Ron’s cubicle had two individual photos, and his desk was cluttered with files, pushed to the corners to make room for a Wizard Chess set. The chess pieces were lively, jumping around, and would likely have escaped if not for the glass enclosure, which had a sign on it: "Dangerous Item, No Touching."

Hermione’s eyes flickered with a silver light, revealing the intricate runic symbols on the chess pieces.

"He hadn’t finished it before I left", she remarked.

"What? Oh!" The bearded Auror, eager to chat, said, "The famous ‘Knight’ Weasley, whose stag Patronus shares the same origin as the Floating Island’s massive Ouroboros, and the ‘Stag’ that can enter dreams, Longbottom, who established the first Wizard-Muggle joint hospital, and Malfoy, who discovered multiple magical creatures... And of course, you, Ms. Granger. The past few years have seen a surge of talented individuals."

He then lowered his voice. "You’re returning at the right time. I’ve heard some rumors: Madam Bones is planning to step down as Minister, and the next few years will be when she selects her successor..."

Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"It’s true!" the bearded Auror insisted. "I heard that Potter will soon be promoted to Head of the Auror Office, Weasley will move to the Muggle Affairs Department, and Longbottom will focus on smuggling cases, though I hear he has other plans and is often seen at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade..."

"Thank you, Tattler", Hermione said. "I think it’s too early to consider these things. Kingsley Shacklebolt is an excellent wizard."

"Oh, Kingsley Shacklebolt..." the bearded wizard said, somewhat lost in thought. "You’re right, he’s perfect in every way."

Leaving the Ministry of Magic, Hermione strolled through the streets of London. Magic seemed to have seamlessly integrated into the city, as if it had always been there. She entered a bookstore and found a separate shelf where Dumbledore’s kind face looked back at her—it was the biography co-written by Harry and Elphias Doge, adorned with a purple ribbon and labeled as a bestseller for three consecutive years.

But today, the central display featured another magical book. Hermione’s expression was peculiar as she read the name: Harry Potter. The large poster next to it explained everything, showing the young face of Mafalda Prewett, smiling brightly.

‘Exclusive revelations of real magical school life, uncovering a corner of the legend from the perspective of key figures. The author spent three years observing firsthand (content from fifth to seventh year), and also conducted multiple interviews with the parties involved and those who witnessed the events to restore the truth... The first film of the same name will be released on June 25th.’

Hermione was stunned.

Memories flooded her mind. Oh no, Mafalda actually wrote Harry into the book; he must be furious... She wondered what her own portrayal was like. She glanced at the calendar next to her; today was the twenty-fifth.

She picked up Dumbledore’s biography and Harry Potter (the former she had read many times), but hesitated and also grabbed the book by Sybill Trelawney, The Lion and the Phoenix. She wasn't interested in Trelawney's books and found it strange that this eccentric divination teacher's work could be so prominently displayed in a Muggle bookstore—perhaps she occasionally displayed genuine prophetic abilities, Hermione thought.

What truly caught her interest was the blurb on the book cover:

‘Mars has always been associated with war and conflict. When it is closer to us, the most talented and sensitive individuals are the first to be affected—Albus Dumbledore, Gellert Grindelwald, Tom Riddle (Voldemort), Felix Hep, including the author herself—each of their birthdates confirms this pattern. Now, this day has come again, what changes will it bring?’

“Mars,” Hermione mused, the word lingering on her lips. After a moment, she spat, “Old fraud.”

But she still took the book to the counter to pay, and stuffed the three books into her beaded purse. The clerk, intrigued, asked, “Wizard?” “Yes.” “Could you do me a favor?” the clerk asked, “I’ll give you a twenty percent discount.”

Hermione stared at her in surprise.

“Here’s the thing,” the clerk smiled, “my daughter, Lily, loves Mick’s Magical Misadventures. Could you cast a spell, something she would recognize?”

Hermione hesitated, then asked, “What does she like?”

“Anything, ma’am,” the clerk said immediately, “things little girls like, like ribbons, dolls, kittens...”

Hermione bit her lip, then extended her hand. Gradually, a pair of beautiful butterflies took shape in the air, circled around, and landed on the clerk’s hand.

“They turn into ribbons when they don’t move, and they can play with your daughter.”

“Thank you so much.”

“It’s nothing. Um, do you know where the nearest cinema is?”

“Of course! It’s just around the corner.”

Hermione thanked her and left the bookstore, following the clerk’s directions to find a cinema on the street. She was a bit taken aback—people were queuing in a long, winding line from the cinema entrance to the back. They all seemed to be there for the first Wizard film. She looked around and, when no one was paying attention, slipped into a side alley. The next second, she reappeared several kilometers away.

After searching three cinemas, she finally found one with fewer people.

There was only one person in front of her, a man wearing a long cloak and carrying a small box in one hand, with black short hair and a newspaper in the other.

“One ticket for ‘Harry Potter,’” the man paused, seemingly finding it amusing, “I’ve been looking forward to this for years.”

The ticket seller didn’t take the “years” seriously and asked, “Any inside information?”

“Something like that.”

Hermione’s eyes widened, her heart racing. She leaned closer to the ticket window, but the man had already taken his ticket and left.

She quickly bought her ticket, anxiously glancing around. Then she crouched down and stealthily sat opposite the man, who was leaning back in his chair, engrossed in the newspaper. Hermione caught glimpses of words like ‘Mars proximity,’ ‘moon landing mission,’ and ‘new breakthroughs in magical science’ from the other side of the newspaper.

“Um, ahem.” She cleared her throat.

A few seconds passed with no response.

She cleared her throat again, this time making some additional noise. She heard a “squeak?” “Not finished yet? Your reading speed needs improvement,” the man said. Hermione could easily imagine his expression and the small, furry creature with a flat beak poking its head out of a silver pocket watch on his chest.

She made the cup on the table clink noisily.

Sure enough, the man noticed—Hermione’s spirits soared, thinking about what to say first. A long, pale hand emerged from behind the newspaper, lightly tapping the table before retreating.

Silent spell, Hermione gritted her teeth, Professor, you’re breaking the law!

Wizards should avoid using magic in public places unless permitted—this was a rule he himself had set.

A silver glint flashed in Hermione’s eyes. Almost simultaneously, an irresistible magical ripple spread from another perspective, the dim, colored environment of the cinema fading. Hermione’s breath caught in her throat.

“Granger—oh, Hermione?”

Hermione came to her senses and saw Felix and Valen looking at her over the newspaper, Felix smiling.

“What a coincidence, you’re here to see the film too.”

The pleasant atmosphere began to ferment and mature, like the aroma of wine. Hermione’s heart beat faster, as if she had forgotten how to breathe. Even after the two years she spent as an observer for the International Confederation of Wizards, during which they kept in touch every two to three months and occasionally met on the Floating Island, it felt like a lifetime had passed. Counting the years, they had known each other for a long time, starting from when they both listened to the mysteries of Ancient Runes in the Ancient Runes Office in their second year, no, it was even earlier—when she was in her fourth year and he was in his fourth year, they first corresponded across a span of nine years...

Hermione smoothed her hair and said, "It's been a while, Felix."

...

Outside the cinema, the street was bustling with people. Felix and Hermione followed the crowd, and it was just twilight. It seemed to have rained recently, making the air moist and the puddles on the ground reflect the sky's gentle sunset.

The two stood at the entrance of the cinema for a moment, neither speaking. People who had just watched the film passed by, discussing the plot enthusiastically.

"That was amazing!"

"But why didn't Felix Hep appear?"

"He's supposed to join in the second year of Onboarding. Didn't you see the post-credit scene? The person applying for Onboarding is probably him", a girl speculated. "I heard a lot of actors recommended themselves, even though the crew said his role would be minor."

"Ah, I'd rather see his standalone film. He's a legend!"

"What do you think about Bradley Fitzjerald playing Felix Hep?"

"No way!" the girl replied vehemently. "His jaw is too round; he looks like a blacksmith..."

They laughed and left.

Hermione smiled.

"Seriously, I'd love to see your standalone film."

"You know I don't like it", Felix shook his head slightly, his light blue eyes meeting hers. "I've been staying out of the public eye for years, mostly at school. It's partly due to my personality, and partly for more practical reasons: I stand out too much. Unless I plan to turn the wizarding world into my personal fiefdom, it's best to keep a low profile."

Low profile? Hermione thought about her earlier conversation with Ms. Bones, "The Sword of Damocles? The Swordholder?"

Felix seemed troubled. "People seem to have easily accepted this label and even placed me as the second-generation Swordholder... But compared to other more exaggerated titles, I suppose it's not bad. It also carries the public's expectations: whether it's the Sword of Damocles or the person holding the sword, neither is shown easily; they are only used as a deterrent."

"But no one can ignore their presence", Hermione said with a bright smile, though her mind was subtly setting a linguistic trap. "Oh, by the way, how is Professor Mcgonagall?"

"Minerva is doing well. She occasionally gives Open Classes, but she's quite busy—"

Hermione's eyes lit up with curiosity as she pressed on, "I'm surprised. I remember she was always busy even when Headmaster Dumbledore was around."

Felix shifted uncomfortably. "Cough, Hermione Granger—"

"Call me Hermione."

"Alright, Hermione", Felix paused, finding an excuse for his evasiveness, though it was true. "That is a bit strange. Perhaps one explanation is that Minerva is so dedicated that even the slightest hint of a problem catches her attention. For me and Dumbledore, well, we prefer to observe for a while, letting the issues fully surface, like..."

"Like a couple arguing over housework", Hermione continued. "It's not that one is lazier or less concerned than the other, but rather they have different standards of cleanliness and haven't reached a consensus." She stared at him intently.

Felix was taken aback. "That's not the metaphor I had in mind, but it's full of life wisdom."

"You just don't know enough about it", Hermione blurted out. Her face turned as red as the sunset. She lowered her head, only her forehead visible, and murmured, "I learned this by observing my parents. I think..."

Felix looked at her as if she were a complex magical puzzle.

"I'm planning a trip", he said suddenly.

"What?"

"A trip." Felix gestured to his suitcase and newspaper. "The distance between Mars and Earth is at its closest during this time, and I want to go and see it." He then spoke in a gentle tone, "I remember you said—when I just returned from the moon—that if there was another chance, you'd like to go into space too..." His mouth felt dry, and his heart raced.

He could control a spell that enveloped an entire city, but he was helpless in this situation, unable to predict the outcome. A random thought flashed through his mind: he needed to master time magic.

He tried to sound calm.

"Of course, so much time has passed, you might have forgotten. Many people have passionate, exciting ideas when they're young, which they eventually forget... But if your feelings haven't changed and you still want to..."

"I do!" Hermione looked up and shouted.

"Then I'd like to invite you to come with me."

Silence. Then a strong desire surged within Felix. He took a big step forward and embraced Hermione in the fading sunlight and the brilliant sunset. Their shadows merged, and the world seemed to quiet. A gentle rain began to fall, and the neon lights in the rain became hazy. After a long moment, they looked into each other's eyes and laughed together.

Passersby sent them warm, approving glances. They looked like any other couple, except their conversation was a bit unusual—

"Mars... How far is it?"

"About 60 million kilometers."

"That sounds so far, and it's just the two of us—"

"Chirp!"

"Right, and Valen too."

"It's not too bad, only a two-day journey..."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end