No-one really knew how everyone would cope after the war was over. People had gotten so good as adapting death and destruction into their everyday lives that it seemed strange to only have happy news in the Daily Prophet over the next few weeks.

Most of the headlines involved Harry Potter and variations of the typical title 'Harry Potter Saves Us All from You-Know-Who!' It stayed that way for a long time while the Wizarding World rejoiced.

However, not everyone was rejoicing. Even though Harry had saved the Wizarding World, it didn't mean that it was without loss and sacrifice.

So many innocent people had lost their lives while others would be forever traumatized by the Muggle-born registration committee as well as other aspects of the war.

Thea did retreat a bit back into the depressive and vegetative state she had been like after Cedric's death. She was suffering horribly from nightmares and often couldn't fall asleep at night because of her fears. However, she forced herself to get out and about, refusing to let herself fall completely back into the state where she would sit in her room and not do anything for weeks. As a direct correlation to this, Thea often spent her days walking around in the community near her family home.

The Diggory Family home was very near to the Burrow only a few streets away, but Thea didn't want to interrupt as the Weasley family was dealing with their own grief.

It took a lot of effort each day for Molly Weasley to even get out of bed. She had lost her son and had failed to protect him. She had stopped cooking and could barely look at anyone else in fear that they would remind her of Fred.

Arthur Weasley tried to get on with his life while looking after his wife and other children, but all hope had left him. His interest in muggle culture was gone, everything had been ruined.

Ginny Weasley didn't talk even to Harry or Thea. She just stayed still, her face void of emotion as she follows everyone else around during their daily lives. However, she always remembers to leave a small plate of food by George's bed even though seeing her brothers pains her.

Percy Weasley forced himself not to ever make another joke ever again, he's afraid that someone else will get hurt. He distanced himself once again from his family, putting all his effort into his work once again, trying to forget the last laugh that would be forever etched on his younger brother's face.

Ron Weasley holds back on all his emotions when he is around his family and friends, trying to pretend everything was normal but no one ever sees what happens behind closed doors. Ron cries and cries and cries.

George Weasley refuses to get out of bed. He faces the wall unable to look at the empty bed beside him. He doesn't sleep, for the fear of nightmares as well as the fact that Fred isn't sleeping beside him. His mind sometimes drifts to Thea, about how she is going but it doesn't last long as the overwhelming feeling of grief turns his world upside down again.

For a few brief moments, Thea had entered the house to hand over home-cooked meals for the family to enjoy because Molly wasn't cooking.

Her parents had had a sudden improvement during their healing progress. Anne Diggory had started to cook again and most of the things she ended up cooking went to her daughter who then passed them on to the Weasley family. Amos Diggory was started to act like his old self again while returning to his familiar books and reading them non-stop.

Despite the loss of life and destruction that had happened during the war, it did mean that without the sacrifices Thea would be able to see her parents slowly recover, returning back to their old selves while never forgetting the loss of their son.

Thea had always been able to see the similarities between her own mother and Molly Weasley, but unfortunately, the similarities were even closer now.

Thea stepped out into the late summer air, feeling the wind lift her hair up before it settled back down onto her shoulders. She watched as an owl flew gently through the air before landing on the perch that Elliot had placed on the outside porch. It held a letter in its talons and soon Thea reached for the envelope wondering what was inside.

Thea,

Alexander and I would love to invite you to our home for afternoon tea, this afternoon. Consider it a celebration of sorts as not only do Alexander and I have exciting news, but the war has been over for more than two months, we need to celebrate. Sadie and Marquis shall also be coming, so please consider it. No response is necessary, hope to see you soon.

Your friend,

Max

Thea held the envelope in her hand as the owl flew away. She had promised Andromeda that she would be there in the afternoon to spend some time with Teddy and she had another parcel of homemade food to give to the Weasley's but that could be done in the evening. She, after all, had nothing to do except to go through Elliot's stuff and Thea honestly didn't feel like she wanted to cry so hard that her head felt like it was splitting in two. Curiosity was starting to eat her up as she thought about Max and Alexander's news, so it didn't take long for Thea to decide to go. A loud crack ringing through the air as she disapparated.

"Thea!" Max cried loudly. "You came!"

"Of course, I did."

"It's just we weren't sure, after everything that's happened."

"You don't need to worry about me, M. I'm fine."

"Well, come through anyway, Marquis is here, and we are just waiting for Sadie to arrive."

"Thea!" Marquis and Alexander called out in unison, both of them jumping up to embrace the girl, before pulling her down to sit with them.

"So how you been, Thea?" Marquis asked.

"I've been better, Marquis. But I'm doing alright."

"That's good to hear," Alexander replied. "Listen, Thea, we are so sorry about Elliot and Fred. I know you were quite close with both of them, especially Elliot, he was one of your best friends."

"But Fred and I were battling near each other," Max said, sadly. "I got distracted by Alexander struggling and he helped me to win the battle so I could go help, Alexander. I wanted to thank him in person, but I never got the chance."

"And even though we didn't know Elliot that well, it was clear that he had a huge impact on your life."

"That he did," Thea replied, grimly. "I can't even try and trick myself into go back to the Auror department again, between Elliot and Tonks, I just can't," Thea said, already feeling the lump in her throat form, tears that she wished not to fall pooling her eyes.

However, just as everyone noticed Thea was struggling to keep it together, Sadie came bounding into the room, like the hyperactive puppy that she was. So as everyone got up to greet her, Thea had a few more seconds to collect herself before greeting Sadie herself with a huge grin on her face.

"So, what's this news? Please tell me! I've been dying to know all day." Sadie cried loudly.

"Well..." Max started before she trailed off, looking to Alexander with a smile. "We don't you guess?"

"Pregnant?" Sadie screeched.

"Wha- no! Here we will just tell you." Max said, joining her hand with Alexander's.

"We are engaged!"

Cries of ecstatic joy echoed around in the small kitchen as the three of them started jumping around, cheering loudly, offering words of congratulations to the happy couple.

"Can I just say that I called it before they were even a couple," Thea said.

The celebrations continued long into the afternoon, Thea, Sadie, and Marquis were all excited for the couple, however, as the time Thea had promised to go visit Andromeda and Teddy, loomed up. Thea was forced to say her goodbyes before she headed to Andromeda's house.

When Thea arrived at Andromeda's house, she could feel yet another wave of grief drowns her. It was so quiet, Thea could practically hear herself breathing.

But without Ted or Tonks by her side anymore, Andromeda was rightfully upset.

Nothing could ever justify the unfair loss of Remus and Tonks, leaving Teddy as an orphan only a few weeks after his birth. It would never be fair that Remus and Tonks would only ever share such little time with them. Teddy would become the next Harry, well without someone trying to kill him every year. As well as the fact that Teddy would always be surrounded by loving people, the Weasleys and Thea weren't leaving Andromeda and Teddy by themselves, they were already a part of the family.

"Andromeda?" Thea asked entering through the front door.

"Thea!" Andromeda replied. "Through here."

Thea walked through to see Teddy and Andromeda sitting on the couch, Andromeda clutching onto Teddy like he was her life line.

"Are you alright, Andromeda?"

"I'm fine, thank you, Thea." Andromeda replied wiping at her eyes. "Would you like to hold Teddy?"

"Thank you." Thea replied, reaching out to hold Teddy.

She looked down at her godson, cooing at him when his tiny hand closed around Thea's fingers.

"I'm going to be the favourite godparent, Harry doesn't stand a chance."

One day he would understand the sacrifices his parents and so many other people made so he was able to live in a peaceful world.

But today he would be content snuggled in his godmother's arms, asleep as Thea and Andromeda conversed, sharing stories of Tonks and Remus, laughing quietly. However, it did work but instead of focusing on their grief and sadness, happiness radiated from the women. The laughter soon woke Teddy up as he could felt Thea's chest moving from her laughter, his eyes popping open he gazed around with a look of curiosity on his face, drool slightly falling out of his open mouth.

Everyone's deaths would pain them all for the rest of their lives but together and with Teddy by their side, they would be able to get past it and work on creating a better future.

"Thea?" Andromeda asked Thea. "I need to give you something."

Thea looked up to see Andromeda holding out a jewellery box. "Tonks wanted you to have this, she was saving it for your birthday.

After hearing about who it was from, it nearly sent Thea into tears again but she somehow managed to keep it together as she took the box from Andromeda, shuffling Teddy into a more comfortable position before she opened the jewellery box.

Inside lay a beautiful necklace, a simple silver chain with a small badger head charm laying at the end.

"Oh." Thea breathed, feeling the tears pooling in her eyes.

"Dora really wanted to you to have it, it was hers, she bought it during her sixth year. But she wanted you to have it, to remind you to forever stay fierce like the honey badger as well as that she will always be your honorary big sister."

Thea chuckled slightly. "And also, probably to remind me that Hufflepuff is the best house."

"Well, then there's that." Andromeda also replied with a chuckle.

"Molly?" Thea asked as she arrived at the Burrow. She held a tray of homemade food from her mother in her hands which she placed on the kitchen table but moving further into the house looking for Molly.

Eventually Thea found Molly sitting on the couch her hands moving at she knitted something, but it almost didn't look like she was entirely there. Her eyes had a vacant look in them as she almost looked like although her body was there her mind wasn't.

Thea bent down in front of Molly, taking the knitting out of her hands and placing it beside her.

"How are you, Molly?"

"I'm...okay, Thea."

"That's good Molly. My mother had made you guys another home-cooked meal, it's in the kitchen. Would you like me to do something with it?"

"No, it's fine, dear. Thank you."

"It's no problem, Molly."

"But really, Thea. You've been a great help right during this time. I don't know what we would do without you."

"Speaking of, where is everyone?"

"Ginny is out with Harry, I believe. Ron's gone as well. Arthur had decided to go back to work."

"Where's George?" Thea asked quietly.

"I made him get out of bed." Molly responded looking down. "He went to the shop, I think."

"Oh."

"He was supposed to be back hours ago. Do you think you could maybe go check on him, Thea?"

"Of course, Molly. Is there anything else you need?"

"No, it's fine."

As Thea began to leave the Burrow to head to Diagon Alley, she nearly stepped on something, reaching down she noticed that it was one of Fred and George's own Dungbombs. Thea picked it up and swiftly placed it in her pocket before heading out the door again.

Thea took a deep breath in before stepping into the Leaky Cauldron. It was amazing to see how the Wizarding World had bounced back after the defeat of the Dark Lord, Voldemort. The Leaky Cauldron was full of wizards and witches alike, chatting animatedly even as Thea entered into Diagon Alley, the dreary, grey nature that Diagon Alley had looked like last time she was there had been replaced with the colourful, happy feeling that everyone had experienced before the war. Even as it was nearing evening, the shops were still bustling but as Thea made her way through the streets towards the shop, she couldn't help but notice the smiling faces.

Students at Hogwarts would be heading back soon. Professor McGonagall, now Headmistress, had done an amazing job with restoring the school back to its former glory despite the pressure she had been under.

So, Thea wasn't surprised when most of the people around her were parents pulling behind ecstatic eleven-year-old with giant, identical grins splattered across their faces.

Eventually she rounded the corner and Weasley Wizard Wheezes came into view as Thea began to head over to the store only to see the giant 'CLOSED' sign emblazoned across the front. It appeared that an eleven-year-old that had nearly crashed into Thea earlier had also noticed the 'CLOSED' sign.

"Oh." He whined. "I really wanted to go there, Tommy said it was so cool!"

"I'm sure he did, dear but we really must keep going."

The boy pouted again, casting one sadder look in the store's direction before he began walking. But because he wasn't looking where he was going, he soon crashed into Thea again.

"Oh, I'm sorry." He said.

"It's okay. What's your name?" Thea asked kindly, bending down to his height.

"I'm Timothy. What is your name?" The boy replied.

The mother looked down at her son fondly, all previous traces of her hurried expression gone.

"My name is Thea."

"Thea!" Timothy exclaimed. "I like that name."

"So, Timothy, is this your first year of Hogwarts?"

"It is. I'm so excited. I can't wait. Mum took my shopping today and I got my wand, my robes and my books! I really wanted to go into that shop over there because my older brother, Tommy said it was really cool! But it's closed."

Thea reached into her pocket, pulling the dungbomb out and showing Timothy. "Do you know what this is?"

"Is that a Dungbomb?" Timothy exclaimed, excitedly. "I got a packet of them once for Christmas! The house stunk like them for weeks!"

"Well, that's their purpose." Thea said with a slight wink. "But yes, this is a dumgbomb but it's a special one, do you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because it comes from that shop over there, Weasley Wizard Wheezes."

"Really?" Timothy asked his eyes lighting up.

"Really, really."

"Wow."

Thea gently reached forward and pulled Timothy's hand out, before placing the Dungbomb on his outstretched palm.

"This Dungbomb was made by two very special friends of mine, who in fact own that shop over there. They would both want you to have it but use it well."

"Of course, I will. Thank you so much." Timothy shouted enveloping Thea in a tight hug. "Thank you! Thank you!" Timothy ran over to his mother showing her the dungbomb with a bright smile on his face.

"It's no problem, Timothy. But remember, use it wisely and to create as much mischief as possible."

"Of course, I will!"

"Thank you." Timothy's mother whispered into Thea's ear. "Timothy has a hard time talking to people especially since we lost Tommy to the war only a few months ago."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."

"It's okay. But it was amazing to see him interact with you, today. I can't thank you enough."

"It was really no problem."

"But now we really do need to continue with the last of our shopping, Timothy. And I'm sure we shouldn't keep you any longer, Thea. Can you say goodbye to Thea for me, Tim?"

"Goodbye Thea."

"Goodbye Timothy. I hope you have a lot of fun at Hogwarts. And remember to create as much mischief as possible." Thea said, whispering the last part in Timothy's ear.

Thea watched as Timothy and his mother left before she turned around and headed to the front door of Weasley Wizard Wheezes. She pushed it open, a sigh of relief leaving her as she found that it wasn't locked.

She entered into the shop, her eyes still admiring the stock full shelves and bright colours although a slight layer of dust had already settled over it all.

"Hello?" A voice called out. "Who is there?"

Thea stepped out from where she was behind the shelves to where the checkout used to be, looking at George who was sitting there, looking down at his feet.

"Hi." Thea barely whispered.

"Oh, um...hi." George replied struggling for a response as he wiped his eyes furiously.

Thea looked at George who sat before her. Memories flashed through her mind of the last few years. Of everything turning to shit after Cedric had died and the one person who had been her support had been George. It had always been George, who supported her and comforted her, and she had pushed him away.

But now George needed support after the death of his twin brother and Thea needed to provide the same support that he had provided her.

Apologies wouldn't work, there was nothing anyone could have done to prevent Fred's death, it was just a matter of luck.

But as silence settled over the shop once again, Thea suddenly remembered something that had helped her after Cedric's death.

"Did you know?"

"What?" George asked her quietly, looking at her through bloodshot eyes.

"Fred has now become a lost boy in Neverland with Cedric." Thea replied sadly.

George studied Thea, his face unreadable as he thought through her words. But as the realization hit him, he could already feel Thea's arms around him.

To her great relief, he quickly hugged her back. Sobs echoed through the shop as George finally lost it, his face buried into Thea's shoulder.

He could feel her own body shaking as well, but the two of them stood there, wrapped in a tight embrace.

It was at that moment that George knew that it was going to be okay. It would never be the same without his twin brother by his side but with Thea and the rest of his family that wanted to support him, it would be okay in the end.

"To die would be an awfully big adventure."