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12 years later
Samantha sat still, her mind wondering off as she watched the fire. Fascinated, she saw how they grew, but then contained themselves. She smiled lightly, remembering all those nights in the common room, it felt so long ago.
Just as she was about to take a sip from her coffee, loud footsteps came rushing down the stairs. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was.
❝Sam, I'm going to be late!❞
Samantha rolled her eyes playfully, standing up to make her way to the kitchen. Her gaze fell into the boy who sat down in the table, trying to eat as fast as possible.
❝I tried to wake you up, but your snores were louder than my voice❞ she smiled mischievously, dodging a piece of sausage that had been thrown at her ❝That's not nice❞
❝I don't snore❞ the boy rolled his eyes, trying to hide his own smile.
Samantha laughed, sitting down in front of him. She extended her hand and took a piece of bacon from his plate, eating it ❝Sure thing, whatever you say Harry❞
Harry Potter narrowed his eyes at her jokingly. Just as she was about to take another piece of food, he smacked her hand away lightly, causing her to open her mouth in disbelief. He began to laugh and soon, she joined him.
❝So, Molly and Arthur are taking you with the others to the Leaky Cauldron❞ she repeated, making him nod while eating the breakfast she made for him. He was going to spend the last days with the Weasleys, they had just returned from their trip to Egypt, and Harry had been eager to see his friends again. At first, she had been hesitant to even let him out of the house without her, having flashbacks to what happened last time she was not there, but she slowly came to terms that he was coming of age, and he had a lot of good people around him ❝and then they'll take you to the station❞
❝are you coming to the station as well?❞ he asked, taking his cup to drink his orange juice. Samantha nodded, leaning back in her chair.
❝of course I am, you wouldn't think I'll let you leave without giving you a hug right?❞ Samantha raised her eyebrows, giving the boy a smile.
❝wouldn't expect any less❞ he retuned the smile and then went back to his food, almost finishing it.
Samantha took a sip from her coffee, turning to see the clock. It was almost time for Harry to go, luckily, they had bought all the stuff he needed the week before, so there was no need to hurry about that. Soon, heavy footsteps began to descend the stairs and came to their direction.
❝Morning❞ Jasper mumbled, fixing his tie as he took a sit far from them.
Samantha and Harry shared a look, but didn't say anything ❝Morning❞ they greeted, but didn't bother to start a conversation with Samantha's fiancé.
❝I'm finished, may I go get my things?❞ Harry asked, looking up at her. She smiled and nodded, he took the last from his juice and ran to the stairs, leaving the two alone.
❝He's going to the Weasleys again?❞ Jasper asked, chewing his food as he raised his eyebrow.
Samantha clenched her jaw, but nodded, sending him a look ❝Yes❞
Jasper nodded and continued eating, not making another attempt to create conversation. Samantha drank her coffee, looking away from him.
Days after the confrontation she had in the Ministry of Magic, she had been devastated. It took months for her to make any sort of progress, mourning the deaths of her best friends and separation with her lover. She had lost so many people. Nonetheless, since the incident she had been fighting to take Harry's custody from the Dursleys. Even though they didn't want him, she learned that they were going to receive money for his staying, so they didn't want to let him go easily.
Samantha had been in Harry's life even if they didn't allow it. She was the one that took care of him since he was a baby, bought whatever he needed, and taught him everything she knew James and Lily would've wanted it. He had grown to be the embodiment of the two, breaking her heart but at the same time filling it with joy. After years of trying, she had finally won custody during Harry's first year.
Ever since, Harry had been living with her. Samantha tried her best to raise him in the best way possible and was proud to say that they had developed a good bond over the years. She loved him as if he was his own. Due to Harry being already in school, she knew all his friends and she helped in whatever he needed.
She had been there for him whenever, but she didn't want to be pushy or make him feel overwhelmed. But fortunately, Harry had always went with her, telling her his struggles and everything that bothered him. The two had been happy alone, that was until his second year.
After Sirius, she had never been involved with other man, she didn't want to. She was too busy with work and taking care of Harry to even look for someone else.
Unfortunately, Samantha learned that her parents were in bankruptcy. Knowing that she was single, they had begged her (mostly her mom) to agree on a deal they had made. Without her consent, they had made a deal with one of his father's friends, where she had to marry his son in order to help her parents. That day Samantha lost her voice over how much she had yelled in anger.
Her answer had always been no, no matter who many times they asked. That was until her mother told her that her father was dying, that's why they needed the money. It had broke Samantha's heart over again, and there was no other choice than to accept the proposal. After all those years, her mother's hopes of finding a suitor for her had been granted, much to Samantha's dismay.
Since last year, Jasper Moreau had been in their lives. Samantha despised him.
From the beginning, she had made everything possible to not marry him, always putting excuses and acts to stop any sort of ceremony. They had been engaged over a year now, and little had changed.
It was clear from the beginning that neither of them wanted to be in any sort of relationship. Samantha wasn't rude, but she made it clear that she didn't want him. Jasper had always kept to himself, but he too didn't want her. Sure, Samantha could see that he was very handsome and wealthy, but she had only eyes for Sirius Black, and a brush of money was not going to change that.
Their "relationship" had been unsteady since the beginning. Many things the other did annoyed each other. They could barely be in the same room without getting angry. They argued a lot, but not in front of Harry, she had never argued with him in the house if the boy the boy was present. She didn't want the young Potter to grew up with that sort of environment. But he was a smart kid, and he knew Samantha wasn't happy with Jasper, and in all honesty, Harry didn't liked him either.
Samantha hated him for being tie to him, and Jasper hated her for taking away his single and rich life. Samantha didn't want to be with him in any sorts of ways, and he soon learned that. They had an agreement where she wasn't going to get involve in his life and neither would he. Many times Jasper had wanted of get rid of Harry, but Sam had put herself in front before he could even finish the sentences.
Samantha didn't care with how many women he slept, as long as he didn't intruded in her life. Jasper knew her past and didn't want to be associated with it, so he learned how to avoid it. Many people knew they were engaged, the picture even getting released to the Daily Prophet for gossip, but they were never seen together. If Samantha went somewhere, it was either with Harry, Remus or alone.
The two had made a peace agreement where they had decided to become just friends so they could at least live under the same roof. He was rarely in the house, mostly because he was with other women or working, but she was fine with it, the least amount of time she saw him, the better.
❝I forgot to tell you that one of my coworkers is coming to dinner, so could you please dress nicely?❞ Jasper muttered, looking at her with annoyance.
❝Why do I have to be there?❞ Samantha asked, raising her eyebrow with no expression in her face.
❝Because he is bringing his wife, and wants to meet you❞ he rolled his eyes, cutting some of his food. Samantha had prepared breakfast for the three of them, no matter how much she didn't liked him, she was raised with manners ❝believe me, it would have been better without you there, but you're my fiancée after all, so...could you please do that for me?❞
Samantha looked away, leaning back in her chair. She drank her coffee, and thought deeply. He rarely asked for anything from her, and they didn't had an argument since last week. She decided to be generous and help him, maybe she could get a favor in return later on.
She nodded, giving him a quick look ❝Sure, I'll help you❞ Jasper looked at her for a few seconds, but nodded at the end.
Soon, Harry came down the stairs with his stuff in both hands, Hedwig laying on top of them ❝I'm ready❞
❝Let's go then❞ she smiled at him, standing up and then walking towards the door. Harry gave Jasper a nod, which he returned, but no words were exchanged. Samantha took the car keys and opened the door, helping Harry with his stuff.
They packed it all in the back seat and jumped inside, making their way to The Burrow. Harry still didn't get used to using floo powder or apparating, so they drove a lot. The Potter boy put music on as he usually did and the little adventure began.
After the drive, they had finally arrived at their destination. She helped unload the stuff from the car and watched as he took everything, sending her a smile.
❝Be good, okay?❞ she smiled, giving him a hug. Harry nodded eagerly and she let go ❝I'll see you soon, give everyone my love❞
Harry nodded, waving at her ❝I'll see you soon, Sam❞
❝I love you!❞ she yelled, making him to turn his head towards her.
❝I love you too!❞
Samantha stood next to the car, watching him go. She embraced herself as she watched him getting inside the house, then he was no longer on her sight. She was going to say hi to everyone, but she needed fo take care of some things, besides, she was going to see them all in a few days.
The brunette turn around and got in the car again, and with a last look at the house, she left, unaware of the officials of the Ministry following her every move.
❝Are you nervous?❞
Samantha chewed her chocolate, watching as Remus organized for the fourth time his suitcase. The latter dropped his shoe and turn to see her with narrowed eyes.
❝what?❞ she furrowed her eyebrows, sending him a confused look.
❝with all those questions, it seems that you're more nervous than I am❞
Samantha rolled her eyes, sitting straight in the couch ❝I'm just excited that you finally took the offer, took you long enough❞
❝yeah, well, I don't it's going to last❞ he mumbled, making her frowned.
❝are you kidding? Those kids are going to get one of the best teachers!❞ she spoke with her mouth full, causing him to crack a smile ❝you're going to be their teacher until you're too old to speak❞
❝but what if someone finds out? What if their parents find out?❞ he opened his arms, making her sigh. She stood up, walking towards him.
❝we have talked about this, Rem❞
❝yeah, and maybe it's not a good—❞
Samatha flicked her finger in his forehead, causing him to stop talking and open his eyes wide.
❝Ouch?❞ he raised his eyebrows, but she just put a hand on his shoulder.
❝Let them find out, it's not going to matter when they see how great of a teacher you are❞ she smiled, squeezing his shoulder.
Remus sighed, looking at her tiredly ❝If you say so❞ she chuckled lightly and sat down in the chair next to him, analyzing one of the books in the table ❝hey, do you want to eat somewhere tonight?❞ they usually would eat together when he was in town, and each time she accepted, but then she remembered that he agreed on helping Jasper with the dinner.
Samantha sighed, shaking her head ❝I wish I could go with you, but Jasper has a dinner with a coworker and asked me to be there❞
❝why?❞ Remus scrunched his nose, giving her a strange look. He didn't liked him either.
❝he said that they want to meet me as well, I'm just doing it as a favor❞ she shrugged, looking down. He sighed, sitting down next her ❝we can have lunch tomorrow? Harry is with the Weasleys, and I want to say goodbye before you leave me too❞
Remus chuckled, shaking his head ❝we're not leaving you completely❞
Samantha smiled sadly, nodding ❝I know❞ she whispered, looking away. Remus gave her the same smile and leaned over, hugging her. She accept the embrace, looking down with her mind running about a certain someone.
❝So, Samantha, I heard you are the new head of the department of relations❞
Samantha nodded, smiling at the man in front of her ❝Yes, I got promoted a few months ago❞
❝Congratulations, it's quite the accomplishment, especially for someone like you❞ Thomas said, a smug adorning his face.
Samantha raised her eyebrow, unimpressed. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jasper giving her a warning look, but she ignored him ❝someone like me?❞
The table became silent. Jasper and Victoria, Thomas' wife looked between the two. The latter nodded, cutting down the meat in his plate.
❝Yeah, well, you know, someone inexperienced❞ he shrugged and chuckled, making the other two adults do the same.
❝Well, I don't think I'm inexperienced, I have been working there for fourteen years❞ she smiled innocently at him, knowing that might sent him off ❝how long have you been working?❞
Over the course of the years, Samantha had changed for the better. She didn't let anyone put her down or make her feel ashamed of who she was.
Thomas looked up, a serious expression in his face. He narrowed his eyes at her, but before he could say something else, Victoria turn to Samantha, giving her a smile.
❝The dinner is delicious❞
Samantha turn to see her, sending her a smile as well ❝Thank you, Victoria, I'm glad you like it❞
The dinner was calm after that, chat between the men and the occasionally smiles between the women. From time to time, Thomas letting out comments towards her that seem degrading, either she ignored him or answered with a sarcastic comment. After they finished the dinner, they opened the wine they had brought. They were having a conversation, where Sam preferred not be involved in.
She leaned back on her chair, drinking from her wine as she wished there was another person sitting next to her. But just as she was about to excused herself to go being miserable in another place, her ears caught a familiar name, along with the mentioned of a place.
❝What?❞ she looked up, looking between them ❝what did you just said?❞
❝haven't you heard the news?❞ Thomas asked, raising his eyebrows. She shook her head, frowning ❝A prisoner escaped from Azkaban❞
Samantha opened her mouth in surprise, her eyes widening at the thought ❝Who?❞ she whispered, her heart jumping in her chest.
❝Sirius Black❞
Time stopped for her that moment. Her mind began to have a million thoughts and questions. Her heart began to skip beats of happiness, and without her knowing, a smile was spreading in her face.
❝when?❞ she asked, tears beginning to form in her eyes. She pursued her lips, trying to stop the smile from growing, but it was inevitable. Jasper glared at her, knowing that he hid the newspaper the second it arrived before she could read it.
❝last night, they told the public this morning❞ Victoria said, furrowing her eyebrows like her husband. Both unaware of the relationship between the former prisoner and her.
❝so he's free?❞ she whispered, looking down at her hand where she still wore the ring he had gave her all those years ago.
❝yes, and I hope he gets caught before—❞
Samantha didn't let the man finished, instead, she began to laugh out of happiness. The smile in her face was so wide, it began to hurt her cheeks, but she didn't care. She knew they were looking at her like she had lost her mind, it was a rather odd behavior after finding out there was a fugitive at large. But she kept smiling, he was free, and that was all that mattered to her.
Every year, she had requested a visit with the Minister to ask for the same thing, a trial for Sirius. Now that she had a higher position, she kept his name alive to everyone she could reach, trying to convince them that he was innocent. After all those years, she didn't gave up. Even though he was a fugitive, she knew that at least he wasn't in that horrible place.
❝It is not a matter of celebration—❞
❝Thomas?❞ she called, leaning over the table, he blinked, making her smile go wider ❝shut up❞
Samantha ignored the gasps from the table and stood up, running towards the front door. She opened it, letting the night breeze kiss her skin.
She walked towards the road, looking up at the sky with a smile in her face. The wind roared, making everything shifted, but she stayed in her spot, passing a hand through her hair. As tears of happiness were threatening to spill, she just had one question in mind.
Where was her love?
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