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Spring, 2003

As the sun shone through the gaps between the curtains into the bedroom in the old Mould-of-the-Wold, Hermione woke up as usual and moved to stretch but was grounded by the weight of a body on her arm and the arms wrapped around her waist as Deanna snuggled closer, her face nuzzling into Hermione's chest.

A soft smile came onto Hermione's face as she leaned in to kiss Deanna on the forehead and moved closer to her Hufflepuff, if that was even possible. After their reunion at Hogwarts, the two immediately went home, and Deanna broke down in Hermione's arms as she apologized and told Hermione everything – how she learned of her prophecy, how she got everyone but herself back to life, how she chose to walk in the snow for a chance to love Hermione again, and how Death fought hard to give Deanna another chance to live. But as Deanna broke down, Hermione's heart broke at everything her lover had to suffer even in death. She could only wrap her arms around Deanna, kiss her lover on the forehead, and whisper that, "Everything is alright. You are home, love."

It had been 3 days since Deanna had returned, and they did nothing but kiss, hug, and simply lay in bed in each other's arms as they basked in each other's presence, able to satiate the longing that had been fostering inside their hearts for the past five years.

It had been 3 days, and still, there were times that made Hermione wonder if this was all a dream. If the deities were playing a trick on her, letting her be with Deanna for just a few moments, only to take her again when she least expected it. But seeing Deanna there, hearing her breathing, smelling her scent, and feeling her warmth... that brought Hermione back to reality and let her know that her lover was back, and Hermione was to never let go of her again.

A cry from the foot of the bed made Hermione look away from Deanna and finally give her attention to the phoenix who had been with her all this time. Hermione let out a chuckle at that as she rubbed the head of Fawkes who came closer to her. "Sorry, Fawkesy. I just missed your fellow phoenix so greatly it still feels like a dream to know that she is back with us."

And Hermione suddenly realized something. Because Deanna and her were so lost in each other, they had not told anyone yet that Deanna was back. In fact, she had not made contact with anyone ever since Deanna had returned... Well, in her defense, she had a lot of catching up to do with her lover.

"You're thinking so loud, love." Deanna mumbled as she buried her face into the crook of Hermione's neck. "It's too early."

Hermione was brought out of her thoughts at the sound of Deanna's voice as she looked back to her lover, her heart warming at how adorable the Dumbledore looked while curled into Hermione's body. She forgot what she was about to say, simply gazing at Deanna with all the love and admiration she could muster. Hermione let her lips speak for herself as she leaned in, placing a kiss on the sleepy Deanna's lips.

With her eyes still closed, Deanna hummed in satisfaction as she pouted her lips, asking for another kiss. "Hmmm, this is a nice way to wake up."

"Oh? Awake now?" Hermione teased Deanna in a low voice, evidently teasing the girl with the way she moved in closer so that her body hovered over Deanna, her lips just an inch away from the badger's. Just one move would make their lips brush. "I thought it was too early."

The feeling of Hermione's hot breath against her face made Deanna's eyes flutter open as her cheeks flushed red at the distance... the closeness between them. "H-H-Hermione."

"Can I kiss you, love?" Hermione whispered out against Deanna's lips. Deanna had to take a deep breath to calm herself down because those words dropping from Hermione's lips and the way she said it had made Deanna feel things, a passion rising in her. Their eyes were caught between looking at each other's eyes or at the other's lips.

The two were so lost in each other they didn't even hear Fawkes let out a cry and see the way he covered his eyes with his wings. They didn't even hear the incessant knocking on their door and the calls for Hermione's name that had been going on for about 5 minutes now. Fawkes who had been wanting attention from the couple gave the phoenix equivalent of a sigh before he flew down.

"Kiss me. You have the right to do so." After Deanna's response, Hermione couldn't help the smile on her face, taking her back to the moments of their first kiss way back in their sixth year when they both walked out of the Slug Club Party.

"I-I care too much when I don't even have the right to do so."

"What right?"

"The right to kiss you."

"Then, let me." Hermione could only utter out, but just as she was about to lean in for the kiss, the door to the bedroom suddenly opened, making Hermione and Deanna jump apart from each other as Harry and Ron stood there with eyes wide in shock – from seeing that Deanna was there, alive, or from seeing the Hufflepuff being straddled by their best friend, or maybe both.

"D-Deanna? Deanna Dumbledore?" Ron stuttered, rubbing his eyes once to make sure what he was seeing was real.

"A-Am I dreaming?" Harry whispered out, taking off his glasses and wiping them with his shirt before putting them back on. Okay, it wasn't a dream. Deanna really was there.

Hermione and Deanna, having frozen at the sight of their friends there, finally broke out of their stupor with their cheeks reddening. Hermione at anger of being interrupted in the middle of her... her reunion with Deanna, and Deanna at the embarrassment of being caught in such a compromising position. Oh, and also at the fact that she had just realized at that moment that she didn't even alert anyone of her return yet.

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF MERLIN ARE YOU TWO DOING HERE?" Hermione yelled out, glaring at the two other members of the Golden Trio.

"H-Hey, Harry, Ron." Deanna waved with a shy smile as she stood up from the bed and made her way to the two who were still looking at her with gaping mouths. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

"DEANNA!" The two boys yelled out, and soon, Deanna found herself in their embrace as she couldn't help herself from hugging them back and crying as well. Helga, she missed her friends so greatly. Aside from Hermione, it was them... her friends, her family that kept her going in that place of endless snow. All the deities knew that.

Hermione was watching them with a soft smile on her face, her heart warming at her girlfriend with her two best friends, when Fawkes suddenly flew in front of her and let out a smug cry that sounded a lot like, "That's what you get for ignoring me."

"Well, you have my attention now." Hermione shook her head in amusement as she motioned to the door. "Come on, let's cook some breakfast for them."

After Hermione and Fawkes went down, it took a few minutes for Deanna, Harry, and Ron to calm down from their crying.

"How are you here? We saw you... burn!"

"Did you literally come back from the dead this time?"

"In time, boys. All questions will be answered." Deanna simply chuckled as she patted them on the backs. "But I'll say for sure that it's good to be back, it's good to see you."

"It's good to have you back, Dee." "We're glad you're home, Deanna." Harry and Ron hugged her once again before the three of them went down to where Hermione had just finished cooking breakfast.

"Great, I'm starving!" Ron reached for a hotdog, but Hermione slapped his hand away. "What now, woman?"

"One, Deanna gets to eat first, and get your own plate there. Two, this is our house. And three, you two just barged in!" Hermione glared at them once more as she fed Deanna a hotdog and made sure to wipe her mouth after, making the Dumbledore blush at the care she was receiving from her lover.

"We haven't heard from you in days! You weren't answering letters or sending back Patronuses. You wouldn't even answer the Floo." Ron shot back, crossing his arms as he defended themselves.

"Well, from what we walked on in, I know why you couldn't bother to respond." Harry suddenly brought up, exchanging teasing grins with Ron as Deanna and Hermione turned as red as Ron's hair.

Deanna almost choked on her food, making Hermione pat her back and glare at her two fellow Gryffindors who wiped the smiles off their faces at the glare Hermione had on them. A Hermione who was mad was scary, but a Hermione who was mad because you decided to hurt or insult Deanna in any way was terrifying. Do not engage. Do not do anything. Not to be messed with on any circumstances.

"Anyways, I'm sorry for not telling any of you I was back right away." Deanna changed the topic smoothly with a sincere smile at the two boys while she took Hermione's hand under the table and intertwined their fingers. "But it's been 3 days since I've been revived, and I was only thinking of making up for lost time with my lover."

"We completely understand, Dee." Harry reassured her with a smile. "And we're sorry too for barging in so suddenly."

"It's alright." Deanna waved it off and took another bite off the hotdog Hermione was feeding her. "In fact, you had reminded me that I need to tell everyone I am here. Do you think I can meet everyone all at once? So that I can explain everything in one go."

"Actually, there's this dinner at Grimmauld on Saturday." Ron suddenly remembered. "We can say we're bringing in a special visitor, and you could come there and surprise everyone. We'll say that it's important for everyone to be there."

"Well, you always did like to make an entrance, love." Hermione smiled adoringly at Deanna who looked to her, silently asking for Hermione's opinion. "And hey, we've got the rest of our lives to be together. I think I can share you with our friends now. I guess they do deserve a bit of our time."

"Hey!" "What are we, scraps?" Protests from Harry and Ron came, but Hermione gave them no attention as she brought up the glass of hot chocolate to Deanna's mouth.

Deanna blushed at Hermione's last comment, accepting the drink of hot chocolate, before she cleared her throat and turned to Harry and Ron. "Then, it's settled. Please keep this a secret from everyone for now. I'd really appreciate it."

"You have our word, Dee." Ron raised his right hand as if pledging to Deanna.

"That's a promise, Deanna." Harry reached over to give Deanna's hand a squeeze.

"Okay, so it's settled, we'll see you on Friday." Hermione clapped her hands and stood up, moving to the boys and pulling them up by their arms as if to usher them out of their seats.

"What? You're making us leave?" Harry gaped at Hermione.

"You've both eaten breakfast and seen Deanna! What else do you want?" Hermione frowned back at him.

"You've spent the last three days alone with her! We want to catch up with her too!" Ron crossed his arms and glared at Hermione.

"She's my lover! I missed her for the past five years."

"She's our friend! We missed her too!"

While the Golden Trio was bickering, Deanna could only let out a laugh as she scratched Fawkes behind his ear. "Oh, Fawkesy. No matter how many years pass, there are simply some things that do not change."

Fawkes let out a cry in response as he snuggled into Deanna, the Dumbledore hugging the phoenix back while they sat back and relaxed and simply watched the banter between the three. It was good to be back.

And not that anyone was surprised, but eventually, Hermione was able to push Harry and Ron out of the house who had to shout rushed farewells and see you again's to Deanna while being chased out of the house with an enchanted broomstick. No one could win after all over the lovestruck Granger.

Deanna chuckled, moving towards Hermione and wrapping her arms around her neck. "Hey, I wanted to catch up."

"You can do that on Saturday, but they interrupted us in the middle of – We have something to finish."

"Oh, really? Because I – MPMH! H-Hermione!"

"Do you want this?"

"I... Yes, love."

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Saturday soon came, and Hermione and Deanna stood outside 12 Grimmauld Place, hand in hand.

Deanna took in a deep breath. With the longing of wanting to see her friends once more was a feeling of doubt and uncertainty. After all, it had been a long five years since she had seen their friends. Would they accept her with open arms? Would any of them be mad at her for leaving them? Would they miss her as much as she missed them?

Seeing that Deanna was being consumed by her overthinking and thoughts, Hermione cupped the Dumbledore's face and made her lover look her in the eye. Smiling reassuringly, the Muggleborn spoke. "What's going on in your mind, my love?"

"I'm just scared." Deanna admitted in a small voice, her eyes showing the worry and guilt that she carried. "How will they react now that I'm back? Life has gone on without me, and maybe... Maybe, I'd be a nuisance or something. I don't know, Mione, I am just scared."

Hermione's eyes softened upon hearing her lover's woes so she did the best thing she knew that would reassure Deanna. She kissed the Hufflepuff on the forehead before moving back and smiling at her. "There is so much that I still do not know, but one thing I know for sure is that everyone will be glad to see you again, my love. We've been missing you for the past five years. You are not a nuisance. You are the necessity that we've been missing all these years, the necessity that's been missing from our hearts and lives. We need you, hmmm?"

"You know just what to say." The frown on Deanna's face eased into a smile, and she gave Hermione's hand a squeeze as she turned back to the door with a determined look on her face. Everyone was there waiting for her. Aberforth, her friends, the Order. It was time to face them and return the warmth to their lives.

"Okay." Deanna took in one last deep breath before finally raising her hand and knocking.

"They're here! I got it, I got it!" The excited voice of Harry Potter was heard from the inside, making both Hermione and Deanna chuckle as the door swung open and revealed a grinning Harry there. "I knew it was you two!"

"Don't make it too obvious that you're happy to see us." Hermione nudged her best friend teasingly before giving him a hug.

"Nice to see you again, Harry." Deanna gave the Potter an embrace as well.

"It sure is." Harry grinned again before motioning to the hall where everyone was. "Wait here for a moment."

"You don't need – "

But before Deanna could finish her sentence or Hermione could say another word, Harry pulled Hermione into the room where the bushy-haired witch was met with greetings and hugs all over. Being left alone, the Dumbledore could only try to keep herself from panicking. What was she going to do now that Hermione was in there with everyone?

"And everyone, there is one more person we've invited to come today. The one you've all been waiting for." Harry said in his still chipper voice, breaking Deanna out of her stupor and making her hold back a laugh at how the Boy Who Lived sounded so happy. "Everyone, please, welcome back..."

Still feeling her nerves, Deanna first peeked into the doorway, still hidden from everyone but Hermione. Then, her eyes had naturally gravitated towards Hermione's, an encouraging look in her lover's eyes. That gave Deanna the courage to finally take a step into the room.

There were gasps, jaws dropping, calls of "Deanna", and tears falling at the sight of her – their salvation. The woman who had sacrificed everything she had and was for the greater good. Truly like a phoenix, she had burnt and risen from the ashes. Some thought that this could be a dream, others thought this may be a figment of their imagination, but upon seeing the Dumbledore's small yet strong figure there, they knew. Deanna Dumbledore was back.

With that, Deanna took another step forward and smiled tentatively, looking upon everyone – from her Uncle Aberforth, her old friends, the members of the Order. Then, she raised her hand and pushed down the tears threatening to come out of her eyes. "It's me."

"LITTLE ARI!" "DEANNA!" "DEE!" Everyone had called out as they all ran to the girl, taking turns to embrace her and letting their tears out while rejoicing in her return. Deanna realized she had nothing to worry about this entire time. This was her family, and as glad as she was to be reunited with them, they let her know that they reciprocated the feeling.

Finally, the one person who deserved to live life, more than anyone else in this world, was back. The void that had been left by Deanna's death was now filled again, and the world had never been as warm as it had been now.

Hermione had been standing at the side and was watching the scene with a gentle gaze, feeling nothing but joy at the sight of Deanna being surrounded by those who loved her. As Hermione pointed out, her lover had nothing to worry about as she was adored and missed by all. Despite her slight disappointment of having to leave the little world they had in the old Mould-of-the-Wold, this moment right here of seeing Deanna showered with love let Hermione know that it was all worth it. That in all this time, the Wizarding World longed for Deanna and her presence.

"Still can't believe she's back." Ron suddenly came up on Hermione's right while Harry stood on Hermione's left.

"I know." Hermione responded with a soft sigh. "There are times that I dream of losing her all over again so I have to wake up in the middle of the night to check if she is really there. If she is real. There are times that when I hug her, I find myself not wanting to let go in fear of losing her all over again. But she is here, Ron, Harry. She's come back to me."

"And Deanna is here to stay, Mione." Harry squeezed Hermione's shoulder comfortingly while the girl leaned her head on Ron's shoulder.

"Everyone knows how much that girl loves you." Ron reassured Hermione with a smile. "You know that more than anyone, and you two just deserve to be happy after everything you've been through."

"That is why I want to spend the rest of my life loving her, making her happy, and helping her reach her dreams. She deserves nothing but the best." Hermione couldn't help but smile sadly, remembering Deanna's breakdown and apologies when she returned.

"At least, you don't have Bald-emort to worry about anymore." Harry said in a light tone.

"Nooo moreee propheciessss." Ron mimicked Professor Trelawney's voice while saying that.

"Oh, Merlin, we finally have a quiet year." Hermione sighed dramatically, and the Golden Trio exchanged glances for a moment before finally bursting out into laughter. Without the weight of the world on their shoulders, prophecies, and a crazy ex-lover, life seemed to be looking up for Hermione and Deanna.

Finally, it seemed like the reunion between Deanna and everyone else had come to a standstill as the Girl Who Came Back from the Dead (for real this time) raised a hand to call attention. Naturally, everyone went silent, giving every bit of their attention to her.

"I missed you all greatly, and I apologize for the pain that I've put you through with my passing." Deanna wiped away her tears and smiled weakly at her family. "The five years may not have been easy on you, but I thank you for welcoming me back with so much love."

"Thank you for looking after my lion after all this time." Deanna looked to Hermione with so much admiration in her eyes that Hermione felt herself tearing up. "I felt most sorry to her, out of everyone I had to leave. I had always worried for her up there, and I can't help but thank you enough for caring for her and making sure that not even a pound of her had disappeared from this world."

Everyone was visibly crying once more after Deanna's entire speech. She simply had a way with words that touched hearts and made emotions rise in anyone who heard her speak. Also, the romance between Deanna and Hermione was one that broke everyone's hearts – anyone who had heard of it. For their love that was cut short by Deanna's choice to save the Wizarding World. But finally, now that Deanna was back for good, the two were finally able to have their happy ending.

Hermione couldn't hold herself back as she wrapped her arms around Deanna and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I love you, Deanna Dumbledore."

"I love you too, Hermione Granger." Deanna whispered back before finally turning back to everyone. "So, how have the past five years treated you, my friends?"

Over dinner, which to Deanna's delight featured hotdogs and chocolate milk, Deanna was caught up with everyone's lives so far.

Pansy and Daphne, Theo and Blaise had been married in a double wedding. Blaise and Theo had brought up the "No Witch, No Wizard Left Behind" foundation using their families' wealth, ensuring that no wizard or witch would face discrimination again, regardless of blood status, wealth, or anything at all. On the other hand, Pansy had gone on to become an artist while Daphne was the head curator of the museum that held Pansy's paintings. One of Pansy's most notable works was "The Girl on Fire", which brought Deanna to tears for the nth time that day. Nobody had to explain who that painting was inspired by. Draco, despite choosing their side in the Battle of Hogwarts, willingly surrendered himself to Azkaban to atone for his sins. He was on his last year of imprisonment that year.

Like the Slytherins, Justin and Susan, and Ernie and Hannah also had a double wedding. They, along with Hermione, headed the creation of the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare in the Ministry of Magic, fighting for the rights of house elves and ensuring that they are treated as well as wizardkind. Susan and Hannah were both expecting, and they both made Deanna promise to be the godmother of their children.

The Professors had remained the same. Professor Slughorn was still the Potions Professor and Head of Slytherin while Pomona had remained the Herbology Professor and Head of Hufflepuff. On the other hand, Rubeus was known as one of the most loved professors at Hogwarts with his knack for teaching Care of Magical Creatures. Finally, Minerva had been named Headmistress at Hogwarts, making Deanna feel joy and pride as there was nobody else she could think of who could be more perfect for the role.

Molly and Arthur were enjoying a life of retirement. Despite the Weasley children moving out of the Burrow, the house was never silent for too long with the Weasleys always coming back home with their grandchildren in stow. While Charlie stayed a bachelor, Bill and Fleur had babies Victoire and Dominique, Percy and Audrey had Lucy, Fred and Alicia had Georgina, and George and Angelina had Felix. Yes, it was never a quiet household in the Weasleys' home. The five eldest Weasley siblings thrived in their careers – Charlie the dragonologist, Bill the Curse-Breaker, Percy the Head of the Department of Magical Transportation, and Fred and George the owners of the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes franchise.

As for the Order, they had led the charge in rounding up all the Death Eaters after the war, ensuring that the Wizarding World's peace will never be disrupted again. Kingsley had been named Minister of Magic, ensuring that change is brought to the world of magic and establishing laws that call for equality, peace, and balance.

Sirius and Remus were enjoying their lives while taking care of their son, Teddy, who they made sure knew who his godmother was. They gave him presents every year on his birthday, saying that these were from her godmother, Deanna, who loved him so much she did everything so he could live without worry. On the other hand, Ria and Dora finally conceived their own child, Danielle Ria Docherty-Tonks, who was also Deanna's goddaughter. They couldn't think of anyone else but her who could be the perfect godmother for their daughter. Deanna accepted with a happy smile and told both couples that she couldn't wait to meet her godchildren.

Neville had been training under Pomona as a future Herbology professor while Luna had become a Magizoologist under Newt Scamander's tutelage. The couple was engaged and to be married in the next month, and Deanna was simply joyed that Love and Long found each other. Odd as the couple may seem to others, but Deanna could only think of how perfect they were together.

As for Eleanor, she was a high-up official in the Office of Muggle Relations, ensuring that purebloods, half-bloods, and Muggleborns were treated equally and with respect. The proposals she created had paved the way for the abolishment of the pro-pureblood laws. On the other hand, Ron became a famous Wizard's Chess player after quitting his job as an Auror, holding the title of Champion for the past 3 years. The two got married the year before.

On the other hand, Noah had become an Unspeakable who sought to correct the false claims made against Muggleborns during Voldemort's rule. Harry worked as an Auror, seeking to fight for justice and eliminate the Wizarding World of dark forces once and for all. Harry had proposed to Noah a few months ago, and they were planning to be wed at the end of this year.

Ginny had become the Chaser for the Holyhead Harpies, evidently a game changer for the team who had been the defending champions in the British and Irish Quidditch League. Jemina had been training as well to become a Professor in Hogwarts, specifically for the subject of Muggle Studies. The two had been married for 3 years already, and Jemina was carrying their daughter – Artemis Deanna Nightingale-Weasley.

Finally, Aberforth continued tending over Hog's Head, adopting three goats to live with him and Ariana's portrait. He was always at Hogwarts to visit Deanna's grave... and sometimes, Albus' as well. He would just sit there and tell his niece stories. As Deanna requested, he did not close himself off from the world, always opening his doors to offer a warm drink and good food to those who needed it.

And Hermione... She was a force in this world. After graduating from Hogwarts, she continued her work with S.P.E.W., improving life for house-elves. She also did her part in assisting Noah, Eleanor, and Kingsley in eradicating the old laws that favored the purebloods over the Muggleborns. With her wit, the Brightest Witch of Her Age was able to fight for what she believed in and make her mark on the world, leading all creatures, wizards, and witches to know and respect her name. Because of her contributions, the Ministry was able to do its duty, and the Wizarding World was reformed for the better. Deanna couldn't be prouder of the woman Hermione Granger had become. She wanted nothing else than to shout out that this bushy-haired witch with the brown eyes and freckles who had become a light in this world was her lover.

Then, came the time for Deanna to tell her story. It was safe to say that there were no dry eyes while she had told them what happened. Hermione held her hand the entire time she spoke - from the moment she learned of her prophecy from Gellert Grindelwald, to how Death told her that everyone would be brought back to life except her, and to how the made the decision to walk in endless snow to see Hermione again.

It was a long journey, 5 years... but in the end, it was all worth it because the deities had now given Deanna her third chance at life, and she would be sure to care for it and live it to its fullest. While looking at Hermione, Deanna knew she already took the first step to living.

It was to love. To love Hermione Granger equated to living for Deanna, and the Dumbledore squeezed Hermione's hand – a promise to love and to hold her for as long as they lived.

And Hermione squeezed back, promising just the same. She would make sure that the rest of their days would be spent in warmth and happiness. Her heart has belonged to Deanna and Deanna Dumbledore only. From the very beginning until her very last breath.

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

After spending the entire night catching up, Deanna and Hermione had decided to say farewell and promised that they'll be seeing their friends again real soon. Funnily enough, people decided to schedule their meet-ups with Deanna so that the Dumbledore wouldn't be overwhelmed all at once with so many people talking to her. Deanna could only just let out a chuckle and tell them to send letters so that she would not forget.

"You're booked until next next week, my love." Hermione giggled as she and Deanna exited 12 Grimmauld Place, hand in hand. "Is there still any time for you to squeeze me into your busy schedule?"

"Of course, lover." Deanna laughed along and squeezed Hermione's hand in reassurance. "Whenever and wherever you want me, I will be there."

"Well... in that case..." Remembering something, Hermione suddenly stopped in her tracks and hesitated to say what she wanted to say.

"What is it, love?" Deanna encouraged her to go on.

"Are you still up to meet two more people? Actually, you've met them already... So, it's more like a meet them again?" Hermione bit her lip, feeling guilty immediately at bringing this up when she knew Deanna might have been tired from talking to so many people already. "You know what, this is so inconsiderate of me, I'm so– "

"Hermione." Deanna cut her off with a chuckle, intertwining their fingers as she smiled reassuringly at her lover. "I will tell you if I don't have the energy to entertain people anymore, so don't you worry your pretty little mind, hmmm?"

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked once more, just wanting to make sure that Deanna was truly okay and not hiding her discomfort for her.

Deanna nodded with a bright smile on her face, finally making Hermione relax and reassured. "I'm still good, so come on. Let's go meet them."

"Thank you, love." Hermione grinned widely and kissed Deanna on her forehead. "Well, hold on tight."

And so, they Apparated and found themselves in front of a Muggle house, making Deanna wonder about who they were meeting. Hermione gave Deanna's hand a gentle tug as she lead them to the door of the house and rang the doorbell.

"Love, who are we meeting?" Deanna asked Hermione while looking around the deserted street.

"People who've been wanting to meet you for the longest time." Hermione answered cryptically, the grin never having been erased on her face. Despite her curiosity, Deanna couldn't help herself from smiling as well, Hermione's joy being infectious.

Finally, the door swung open and Deanna's eyes widened to see Wendell and Monica Granger there. The people who had helped her back in Australia when her and Fawkes got lost. So, it meant the spell worked. Their memories were indeed restored, and they were back as Grangers, as Hermione's parents.

"Hermione, dear! You're – oh, my!" Monica cut herself off in the middle of greeting Hermione when she caught sight of Deanna, a hand flying to her mouth in surprise.

"Wait, h-huh?" Wendell could only utter out upon seeing Deanna there. Husband and wife were definitely in shock at what they were seeing. Is magic so powerful that it can even induce hallucinations?

"Mum, Dad." Hermione smiled and held the nervous Deanna's hand in hers, intertwining their fingers. "It's been long overdue, but I'd like you to meet my lover, Deanna Dumbledore."

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. It's a pleasure to see you again." Deanna meekly greeted them, holding her hand out for a handshake.

"Oh, dear!" Monica reached forward and embraced Deanna. "After everything we've been through, you should know that we are long past the point of formalities."

Once Monica pulled away, Wendell patted Deanna on the shoulder with a smile. "You brought us back to our daughter, Deanna. We will always be grateful to you. Call us Mum and Dad."

"I... Thank you." Deanna found herself emotional at the warm welcome from Hermione's parents and settled for a smile to prevent herself from crying again. She had finished her tear supply for the day.

The couple was ushered into the house where Hermione and Deanna gave Monica and Wendell the gist of how she returned, and honestly, they were just glad the Grangers did not ask any more questions and simply expressed their joy at seeing Deanna once more.

"Well, Deanna, I can see how much you love Hermione, but let me do this once as a father." Wendell cleared his throat and suddenly looked at Deanna seriously, the Dumbledore nodding and giving her full attention to her future father-in-law. "If you – If you hurt...You know what, I can't do it. You look too kind and innocent."

While Monica and Deanna burst into laughter, Hermione chuckled and ruffled her lover's hair. "Don't be fooled by her looks, Dad. There's a reason why she's better known as Daredevil Deanna than Angelic Ariana."

"Please don't listen to her, I've put my Daredevil days past me." Deanna pouted at Hermione, who fixed her hair immediately.

"Of course, my love. Darling Deanna has a better ring to it anyways, doesn't it?" Hermione grinned and kissed Deanna on the cheek, laughing even more when Deanna slapped her lightly on the arm and blushed at Hermione's boldness in front of her parents.

"Oh, I can't wait for your marriage!" Monica gushed and squealed. "Imagine the babies. Brown-haired babies with blue or brown eyes. That would be perfect!"

"Let's drive them around and bring them to the parks, dear." Wendell chimed in, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Let's buy them all the toys and books they want."

Despite their reddened cheeks, Hermione and Deanna exchanged amused glances at how Monica and Wendell were already planning their entire lives for them as if they were more excited than the couple themselves.

"So, when are we getting married?" Hermione whispered to Deanna.

Letting out a playful scoff, Deanna shook her head amusedly. "Propose first, and we'll see where this goes."

The two were so lost in their world that they did not see how Monica and Wendell were looking at them with soft smiles. Despite not hearing what the two girls were talking about, just seeing their daughter so happy and in love made their hearts soar. All they wanted for Hermione was for her to be happy, to reach her dreams, and to find the one. All those were met the day Deanna Dumbledore came back to Hermione.

"Is that a yes?" Hermione wiggled her eyebrows teasingly, earning her a giggle from Deanna. "Oh, but I'm so ready for our future. Do you still remember that?"

"How could I ever forget?" Deanna let out a soft laugh as she gazed at Hermione. "Our three children as we sit by the fire. Then, we'd tell them about our stories when we were young."

"And when they'll be asleep, we'll talk about our jobs and live happily for the rest of our lives." Hermione finished in a whisper, her eyes locked with Deanna's – brown meeting blue yet expressing the same emotions of love and admiration. "I am looking forward to our future, love."

"And I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you, my love." Deanna rubbed a thumb over the back Hermione's hand before bringing it to her hands and giving it a soft kiss. "I love you, Hermione Granger."

Not caring about her parents' eyes, Hermione leaned in and kissed Deanna on the lips. "I love you, Deanna Dumbledore. The world has always been the warmest with you by my side."

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Winter, 2019

"Helga's mush – "

"Shh..."

"Isa!"

The eldest immediately silenced herself upon hearing her two younger brothers shush her. She mouthed an apology to them before they continued tiptoeing on their way down the stairs. As soon as they arrived at the living room, the two brothers grinned when they saw Fawkes, already awake and waiting for them. On the other hand, the eldest daughter was still hesitant. As much as she didn't want to do this in fear of going against her mothers, she also wanted to have a snowball fight with her brothers.

"Oh, I don't know about this. What if Mama catches us? Or worse, Mum?"

"They won't. We'll be fast." The middle child reassured his older sister while the youngest was smiling innocently and nodding along.

"Fawkesy." The eldest whispered and motioned the phoenix to come. The phoenix let out a soft cry and flew to them. She looked behind her and let out a sigh of relief when there was no sign of their mothers. "Come on then, let's be quick since it's freezing outside."

The group of four went out of their house and out into the cold as quiet as they could. The three siblings held onto one another as they clasped onto Fawkes' tail, the four disappearing in a moment. What they didn't know was that there was a pair of eyes watching them the entire time. Her head shaking, her arms crossed as she looked at the spot from where the four had disappeared.

"Did they really think they'd get past me?"

"No one gets past you, love." A pair of arms wrapped around the taller girl's waist as the shorter girl nuzzled her face into her wife's back.

Hermione grinned as she turned around to face her wife, swiftly stealing a kiss. "Well... no one but you."

"Not my fault that you are down bad for me, love." Deanna took another kiss before patting Hermione's cheek. "I'll get the hot choco ready for when they come back."

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After spending ten minutes out ice skating on the nearby frozen lake, the four returned home in time. They knew that their mothers always woke up at 6 so they made sure to do what they needed before then. Their Mum and Mama, especially their Mum, hated it when they went out ice skating on the frozen lake while they loved doing so, and in their defense, Fawkes wanted to go too. So, they decided to sneak out instead. They wanted to do it this once.

"The mail." The youngest child reminded his older siblings as they made their way to the entrance.

"Oh, right." The middle child picked up the mail from their mailbox so that they could say they just went out to get mail for the fireplace. He grinned back at his grinning siblings and the happy Fawkes before they continued on their way to the house. As soon as they opened the door, they sighed in relief when all lights were off as they left it. They started tiptoeing again towards the fireplace, keeping their silence when...

"AHH!" The three who snuck out screamed and Fawkes cried in surprise when a light suddenly opened behind them. They looked back immediately, and their faces fell at the sight. It was at that moment they knew... they were screwed.

Their Mum, Hermione Jean Dumbledore-Grange, was standing behind them, her arms crossed and her face blank, while Deanna Ariana Dumbledore-Granger, their Mama, was standing beside her with a look that said, "Sorry, kids." Isla Monique Dumbledore-Granger, the eldest, stood in the middle of the hallway while the middle child, Alaric Wren Dumbledore-Granger, stood beside his sister bravely and took her hand. On the other hand, the youngest, Desmond Hans Dumbledore-Granger was hiding behind his two older siblings.

"Ummm, good morning, Mama, M-Mum." Isla stuttered while greeting them, and then, pointing to the mail in Alaric's hand. "W-W-We got mail?"

"After you went to go ice skating?" Hermione raised an eyebrow at them, making them all cower and look down. "Do you have any idea how unsafe it is to skate on that lake? Especially during this time? What if something happened, and your Mama and I weren't there to save you? How do you think we'd feel to know one of our precious children would get hurt?"

"Sorry, Mum." The three siblings muttered out, guilt lacing their tone.

Hermione was about to say something else when Deanna squeezed her hand and motioned to their children's bodies, their shivering more evident now. The Gryffindor's eyes softened as she went towards her children and patted their hairs down. "You three are freezing. Get up to your rooms, and warm yourselves up. Bring Fawkes with you. Just promise me you won't do this again. Okay?"

"Yes, Mum. Sorry." "We promise, Mum. Thank you." "Thanks, Mama."

"Go on, kids, hot chocolate will be waiting for you down here." Deanna gave each of her children and Fawkes a kiss on their heads as they passed by her on their way upstairs.

"Aberforth, Mum, and Dad spoil them too much." Hermione let out a sigh and sunk down to the couch, realizing that the grandparents had such a soft spot for their three children and said yes to their every demand.

"Can you blame them? They are the most lovable kids after all." Deanna came towards her with two cups of hot chocolate, joining Hermione on the couch. "One hot chocolate for my lover and the best mum in the world."

"Thank you, my darling." Hermione wrapped an arm around Deanna and kissed her on the forehead as they sat back and watched the fire ablaze in their fireplace. She felt the shiver from Deanna and summoned a blanket with her wand, wrapping it immediately around her lover who was still weak to the cold even after all these years. "Is it warmer now, love?"

Deanna snuggled into Hermione's hold as she felt the Muggleborn's arms wrap around her. "It is now."

Hermione couldn't help the smile spreading on her face. 14 years into marriage and 16 years into their relationship, the woman who was physically 34 and supposed to be 91 was still the same adorable ball of fluff that she was back in 1995. After a few moments, Hermione let herself lean down and give Deanna a kiss. "I'm convinced that they all got your Daredevil gene."

"Well, I carried all three of them." Deanna pointed out teasingly, earning her a laugh from Hermione. "They may have gotten the daredevil gene from me, but Isa and Alaric look exactly like you."

"Well, Alaric's got your eyes, and you can't deny that Desmond looks just like you."

"Okay, that I can agree with."

Isla Monique, their eldest, was 14 years old. She inherited Hermione's bushy hair and brown eyes. She had an affinity for books and was growing up to be the brightest witch of her age with her academic prowess, being an exact mini me of her Mum. She was sorted into Gryffindor along with Franklin George and Gavin Frederick Nightingale-Weasley, James Sirius Knight-Potter, Rosalie Emmeline Weasley, and Hugo Jasper Weasley.

On the other hand, Alaric Wren, their middle child, was 12 years old. He had curly and fluffy hair like his Mum, but he had his Mama's blue eyes. He was a mixture of the two. While he got his Mum's curiosity and responsibility, he got his Mama's Quidditch prowess – having made the team as the Hufflepuff Beater. He was sorted into Hufflepuff along with Artemis Deanna Nightingale-Weasley, Edward Remus Lupin-Black, and Danielle Ria Docherty-Tonks.

The youngest, Desmond Hans, was a mini-Deanna in all forms. Looks, attitude, daredevilness. He had it all. Deanna could only hope that next year, when it was his turn to be sorted, he wouldn't cause as much a ruckus as she did back when she was studying in Hogwarts. The only good thing about being the professor in Defense Against the Dark Arts is that she could be there to look after her children. She knows she needs to when it is Desmond's time.

"Well, daredevils they may be, but they are our daredevils."

"As you are mine, Daredevil Deanna."

Deanna smiled softly at her final words while the future Minister of Magic leaned her head against Deanna's affectionately. Deanna's eyes softened and she let herself relax into Hermione's embrace, the two of them just enjoying the peaceful –

"MUM! MAMA!"

"ALARIC, I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"

The moment of tranquility was disrupted by the loud shouts and the thundering footsteps of their children. Deanna and Hermione looked behind them to see Alaric coming towards them with a letter in hand and Isla running after him with a murderous expression on her face, all while Desmond was riding Fawkes calmly, and the two of them flew towards Deanna and Hermione.

"Hello, Des." Deanna kissed the top of her youngest son's head as Fawkes set him down on her lap before he sat beside Deanna.

"What's going on?" Hermione asked Isla and Alaric who seemed as if they were about to kill each other.

"Isla's got a girlfriend!"

"He read through my letters!"

The two shouted at the same time, and although seemingly impossible, Alaric looked even more gleeful while Isla looked like she was ready to kill him right at that moment.

"Stop." Hermione shook her head in exasperation. "Alaric, apologize to your sister for reading through her letters. And Isla, stop looking at him like that. He's still your brother. Go apologize, you two."

As much as they both didn't want to, both Alaric and Isla knew that they should follow their mum. Although begrudgingly, the two still apologized. "Sorry."

"Good, now come here." Hermione moved closer to Deanna to give space for Alaric while Isla sat on Deanna's other side, letting Fawkes sit on her lap.

"Don't worry, Isa, there's nothing wrong with having a lover." Deanna reassured her daughter right away, wrapping an arm around Isla. "Just bring Artemis over for dinner one of these days, yeah?"

Isla blushed at the fact that her mama knew who she was dating, but then again, her mama was also her Defense Against the Dark Arts professor so she must have known for a long time. But Isla only nodded in response and snuggled into Deanna's side with a wide smile on her face, happy to have an open-minded family.

"And you too, Alaric, you'll find your own lover one day." Deanna looked at her son who blushed as well, making Deanna's grin grow wider. "Or maybe you already have."

"N-No." Alaric's cheeks turned redder, and his older sister grinned widely while Hermione and Deanna laughed loudly. His crush on James Sirius was not obvious. Yeah, not really.

"But anyways, you two, enough fighting for now." Hermione looked at the two pointedly before smiling. "Why don't we watch a movie? I think I got a DVD of Beauty and the Beast. It's your mama's favorite book, kids, although she never got to read it because she kept staring at me."

Everyone laughed at Hermione's comment while Deanna nodded excitedly. "Well, Belle really looks a lot like you."

The tables have turned, and Hermione blushed deeply while their three children and Fawkes laughed. Cheesy badger. Hermione composed herself by clearing her throat, sneakily intertwining her fingers with Deanna's. "So, shall we?"

"YEAH!"

"Yes, please."

"I'd love to."

Their children and Fawkes agreed right away, making Hermione grin before she waved her wand. The fireplace was set alight and the TV turned on with the movie playing.

As Deanna's eyes moved from the movie to Fawkes, her children and then rested on her wife, a soft smile came onto her face. Cold, death, and a twisted ex-lover. They have gone so far and gone through so much. However, everything was worth it because they finally had the future they always sought. As her father always said, it was love. Love, the most powerful force in the universe that led them to this moment. The love Deanna and Hermione had for each other was the reason why they were here today.

Hermione turned to look at Deanna and smiled immediately when she saw Deanna smiling at her. The two lovers never felt so happy and so warm before, but with their family of a lion, a badger, three children and a phoenix, they've got everything they needed. The five Dumbledore-Grangers and Fawkes snuggled into each other on this cold winter day, hearts and bodies warm. This was home.

They were home.

•─────⋅☾ THE END ☽⋅─────•

I'm seriously at a loss for words, I can't believe we're done with Salvation after a year and a half. To be honest, this story was written impulsively after I started Balter because I couldn't resist the urge to write this plot. Salvation started only with knowing that Deanna was Dumbledore's daughter who would wake up from her slumber when Voldemort returns, and then, I found myself growing more and more immersed in this story when Hermione, Tom Riddle and the prophecy were added into the picture. And now, here we are at the end of Deanna and Hermione's story.

Out of all my works, I loved writing this story the most. Plot-wise and personality-wise, I love Salvation and Deanna Dumbledore with all my heart. Maybe, that was why I couldn't let her die as I had originally planned. Like you, I grew attached to her and her relationships with the other people around her. So, I couldn't help but end this story on a happy note. I hope it does make up for all the pain and tears this story caused, hahaha. It truly was a delight to write about Deanna and Hermione, from their first encounter to the pain they went through and finally, the future where they settled down with their three kids, sitting by the fire and talking about their lives.

As always, Salvation would not be here today if it weren't for you. Thank you for reading and supporting this story from the start until the end. From the hilarious scenes of Deanna's innocence and accidental flirting and Fawkes's interruption of some kisses to the development of Deanna and Hermione's relationship and the friendships made along the way to the pain and heartbreaking scenes of Deanna's death and Hermione's grief and finally, their reunion and their lives as Dumbledore-Grangers, I enjoyed every bit of it. My writing may not be perfect, but I am grateful for all of you for giving Salvation and all my works a lot of love. It's been a long ride, but it is one I wouldn't regret riding with all of you.

This is the end of Deanna and Hermione's story, the phoenix and the otter who found warmth and light in each other in this dark and cold world. Time may have been their enemy, but in the end, they got all the time they needed, a phoenix, three children and each other. Hoping to see you all in other stories!

Creating magic with words. kitkatgram.

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