73"How long is this bloody well going to take?" Sirius grumbled beside him.
Severus, whose gaze until then had been fixed on the podium in the centre of the atrium of the Ministry of Magic, turned to Sirius and raised an eyebrow.
"Don't let James hear you say that."
"Or mum," added a voice on Sirius's other side. "Ceremony is to be respected and all that rubbish."
"Harry! It's an honour to attend the inauguration of the next Minister for Magic."
"Doesn't mean it's not going to be a bloody bore," said a third voice.
"If it isn't the troublesome trio," Severus remarked, eying Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley as they grinned back at him. "I'd have thought you have more respect for this event, Potter, considering the circumstances."
"Urg, uncle Sev, don't call me that."
"I shall call you what I like as long as you persist with that ridiculous abbreviation," Severus said. He glanced around, trying to spot James to foist his eldest child back upon him. The atrium was packed, hordes of reporters gathered near the front, the general public massing to watch the event at the back, and those deemed guests of honour by the ministry gathered between. He spotted James near the central statue; he was scolding his youngest children, Rosie and Josh. At twelve years old, they appeared to be trying to rival their idols, Fred and George Weasley, in the amount of trouble they could find themselves in.
"The twins decided to see who could climb higher on the statue, in order to get the best view," Sirius confided, following his gaze.
"And how would you know?" Severus asked, resigned to the answer.
Sirius wiggled his eyebrows. "Who do you think gave them the idea?"
"Rascal," Severus remarked. He looked over at Harry, who was following the conversation with a smirk. "Potter, shouldn't you be with your family?"
"And miss your commentary? Nah."
"Just because you come of age this year, doesn't mean I'll stand for your insolence," Severus replied, but he was hiding a smile. "Where's Remus?"
"He's with the Junior Wizengamot members, Dumbledore roped him into helping," Sirius answered. "They've got permission to attend as long as a professor escorts them."
"Rather him than me," Severus muttered.
Harry elbowed him and grinned. "And that's why we're with you," he said. "Dad wouldn't let me be that rude!"
"And mind you don't repeat it," Severus said.
A hush was beginning to fall over the atrium and he directed the attention of his group to the front. He thought for a moment he'd spotted Regulus under one of the cloaks of the Unspeakables attending on behalf of the Ministry, but he was distracted as the ceremony began.
The prior Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, stepped out from behind a purple velvet curtain and up to the podium. A scar divided his face, legacy of the day he'd captured Barty Crouch Jr, the last of the free Death Eaters. He cut an imposing figure in robes that mimicked the fit of an auror's uniform, but made from heavy black and gold fabric. He didn't smile, not that he was prone to.
"Welcome, honoured guests," Scrimgeour said, his stern voice silencing any remaining whispers. "It has been my pride and joy to serve as Minister for Magic for the last seven years, but my term has come to its end and it is time for a breath of fresh air. I thank you all for the support offered to me in ensuring our great society has stayed strong.
"Now, the public have voted. The votes have been counted and verified. I introduce to you all a treasured alumni of Hogwarts, a devoted employee of the ministry for sixteen years, our new Minister for Magic… Lily Potter!"
Severus applauded as cheers echoed around the atrium, a ringing endorsement as the curtains drew back and Lily took her place upon the podium. She was beaming as she gazed out at those that had gathered to celebrate her victory, looking incandescent in robes of sapphire and gold. Beside him, Severus could hear Sirius hollering loudly, only outdone by the cheers of Harry and his friends. James and the twins had set off fireworks and elsewhere Severus knew there were several more of Lily's friends and family cheering her on in triumph.
On this very day, in another future, Severus had been desperate, depressed, and clinging to promise that Albus had made him—that there existed an object that would allow him to turn back time and do it all again.
That future no longer existed. Instead, a far happier one did.
Dare he say it? Dare he even think it…
Perhaps he did.
All was well.
A/N: what a ride this has been. I recently completed this on AO3 and realised I hadn't updated my ffnet account in years... three years, to be precise! Come find me on AO3 as TheFeistyRogue, as that's where I post the majority of my content.
Thank you to all my readers: those that skimmed, those that reviewed, those that followed, those that favourited... you're all the best. I hope the ending was as satisfying for you as it was for me. Feel free to let me know with a review ;)
Wishing you love and happiness. -TFR.