The Difference One Choice Makes

17th July 2023

"Congratulations Miss Potter… welcome to the Wimbourne Wasps" said Wimbourne Wasps Team Manager Adrian Spinnet.

After her successful try-out earlier this morning, the now 18-year-old, neck-length brown-haired Celia Potter had been offered a three-year contract straight after her try-out ended, with the coaches and Adrian Spinnet praising her as an exceptional Chaser and how she would be a great asset to their team.

With her proud parents in attendance, Celia had been beaming with pride when she signed the contract in front of the coaches, the Owner of the Wimbourne Wasps and a few reporters and photographers, knowing that this was the start of a great journey for her.

Having spoken to her twin sister Dorea Potter two nights ago on their weekly girl's night out (when Celia, Dorea, Alexandra Potter, Sapphire Barnaby, Rose Longbottom and their old school friends Amanda Clearwater, Lilith Harper and Megara Jones would all get together and enjoy an evening out together, usually going clubbing or a nice restaurant. Dorea had been over the moon having signed a contract with her childhood team the Holyhead Harpies the previous day.

While deep in her thoughts, Celia was caught off guard slightly when she heard one of the reporters posing a question to her about why she chose to sign for Wimbourne and where she saw her career heading.

25th March 2026

"So… that's the guest list all sorted" said Dorea softly, tucking a few stray hairs behind her ear.

Sat next to her on the settee in the flat they had shared for just over two years now, was her now 21-year-old Fiance Sapphire Barnaby (now working at Witch Weekly as a Junior Editor), with Dorea proposing to her longtime girlfriend while they were on holiday in the Caribbean last year.

Despite being extremely grateful to the Longbottom's for giving her a home at the lowest point in her life in the summer before her Fifth Year, Sapphire had wanted her independence and quickly moved into her own flat after finishing her Seventh Year.

As they had been doing all evening, they had been planning all of the details for their wedding (which would be taking place this August), ranging from the guest list to who they wanted as their respective bridesmaids.

"But there's something I need to ask you" said Dorea with a hint of wariness in her voice.

Feeling wary as she poured two glasses of white wine, Sapphire remained quiet but maintained a wary gaze.

"Okay… sounds serious" said Sapphire warily.

Dorea sighed and took one of the wine glasses from Sapphire before taking her free hand.

"Well… it is serious… it's about who's going to give you away" said Dorea with a slightly nervous tone of voice.

Sapphire sighed and sipped her wine.

"Well… I asked Mr Longbottom last night… and he said he would give me away, given that he's been like a second father to me for years" said Sapphire softly.

Squeezing her hand and giving her a kiss, tasting the wine they were sharing on Sapphire's lips, Dorea smiled.

"That's so nice of him" said Dorea kindly.

Sapphire nodded and gave Dorea another kiss.

"So what next… catering, orders of service?" said Sapphire softly.

Dorea sipped her wine and shifted closer to Sapphire.

"We best get started on the invites… the sooner we get them sent the better" said Dorea softly.

With that, the two excited young women got back to their wedding planning, spending several hours at it before cuddling up together on the settee.

24th June 2027

Having celebrated his eighteenth birthday last week, Henry Fleamont Potter was rather happy at how his entire Hogwarts experience had panned out.

Getting top marks in nearly all of his classes (with the exception of Potions which had never been his strongest subject), Henry had been made Gryffindor Prefect in his Fifth Year and Head Boy in his Seventh Year as well as being asked to come and join the Unspeakable program in the Department of Mysteries once his Newt results arrived next month.

Yet, the amazing job offer was not what was at the forefront of Henry's mind as he gazed out of the compartment window on the return journey back to Kings Cross Station aboard the Hogwarts Express. But it was his girlfriend of three years Maria Sloper (daughter of Joshua Sloper and Ginerva "Ginny" Sloper nee Weasley) who was sharing the compartment with him on their last return journey from Hogwarts.

Having been close friends ever since they started at Hogwarts in September 2020, Henry had finally asked Maria to the Yule Ball in their Fifth Year (held on Christmas Day night since the Tri-Wizard tournament had made a return to Hogwarts that year), treating her to a wonderful time at the ball before ending the night by asking her out to which she said yes.

"And what a great three years it's been" thought Henry softly as he returned his gaze to his 18-year-old, long red-haired girlfriend who was immersed in a copy of Witch Weekly.

Knowing that what he was about to say could either progress their relationship to new heights or fracture it, Henry was nervous at what he was about to say to her.

"Ria… you know how my parents are helping me get a flat next month?" said Henry nervously.

"Yeah" said Maria, glancing at him with one eye.

Henry gulped.

"Well… I was wondering if you… if you would… if you would like to come and live with me… in the flat?" said Henry, sweating bullets with how nervous he was.

Now having the complete undivided attention of his girlfriend, Henry was trying hard to read her facial expressions which was proving to be extremely difficult.

"Okay then" said Maria softly with a small smile on her face before she leaned towards him and gave him a peck on the lips, leaning against his chest for comfort.

"Yes?" said Henry slightly nervously.

"Yes… though convincing our parent's about this will be harder than it was for you to convince me" said Maria softly.

With truth to her words, convincing their parents that they were going to be moving into Henry's new flat together had been a rather difficult thing, with Harry, Katie, Ginny and Josh all being vehemently against the idea at first before eventually coming to accept that their children were adults now and that they had to let them go and take these steps in their lives.

9th July 2028

Admitting to himself, the now 47-year-old Harry had not been best pleased two years ago when he discovered that his then 20-year-old Celia Maxine Potter had been secretly dating the then 30-year-old Duncan Percival after meeting him at the end-of-season Quidditch awards ceremony (though it was at least five months after meeting each other that they started dating), given that the Quidditch League Committee Member had been in the middle of a well-publicized divorce, also fighting for custody of his two young sons at the time.

Truthfully, it had taken Harry several days (along with a few arguments between himself, Katie and Celia) to come round and accept that his daughter was happy with her new boyfriend.

Now, looking at Celia, dressed in her stunning white wedding gown and veil as she clutched his arm, feeling both excited and nervous that her wedding day had finally arrived.

Riding a successful peak of her career (being due to start the new Quidditch season as a first-choice Chaser with the Tutshill Tornadoes), Celia and Duncan had decided to set the date for their wedding during the long summer break between Quidditch seasons, giving Celia plenty of time to enjoy her honeymoon before she would have to start training with Tutshill.

Serving as her Maid Of Honour was her twin sister Dorea, with her younger sister Leah Rosemarie Potter (aged 11), her cousins Alexandra Potter (aged 23) and Luna Creevey (aged 18), her best friend Rose Macmillan nee Longbottom (aged 23) and her sister-in-law Sapphire Potter nee Barnaby (aged 23) serving as her bridesmaids, all six of whom were dressed in stunning pale-pink dresses.

As her bridal party got into position behind her, Celia squeezed Harry's arm and looked up at him.

"I know I was a bit stubborn when you first told us about you and Duncan… and rather unfair with my words… but you're my daughter and I love you… and I'm so very proud of you" said Harry softly.

"I know you do Dad" said Celia softly.

Straightening himself up one last time as he heard the instrumental music which was their cue to make their way through the doors.

As she was led up the aisle by her Father, Celia finally laid eyes on her soon-to-be husband Duncan Percival, who was 23 years old with short black hair and matching stubble, dressed in dress robes of the highest quality Acromantula Silk, Celia had never felt happier than she did at this moment, with the times of winning her first Quidditch League Trophy or playing for the England National Team for the first time not even coming close to feeling as amazing as this.

After all, what were memories of winning titles and awards compared to the memory of that special day when she finally agreed to spend the rest of her life with the love of her life.

While there had been some attraction between herself and Duncan when they first met, Duncan was rather reluctant to get involved with Celia, given the mess he was in with his personal life at the time.

Still, that did not stop Celia from slowly pursuing him, eventually breaking down his barriers after five months and the two had been happy ever since, with Celia caring for her soon-to-be stepchildren as if they were her own flesh and blood, pleasing Duncan greatly since his children from his first wife were just as important to him as Celia was, if not more.

28th July 2028

With her older Siblings having all grown up and left home, the long brown-haired, blue-eyed Leah Rosemarie Potter felt quite alone at times, not for the fault of her parents who doted on her. But for the fact that she did not have her siblings around to confide in when she needed them the most.

Being several years younger than her Siblings, especially her Sisters Dorea and Celia who were a full twelve years older than her, Leah was the baby of the family and relished spending as much time as she could with her siblings, often staying with them for days at a time in an effort to be as close to them as possible.

"After your Brother was born, we always wanted another child Honey… but it never quite worked at that time, it was only when your sisters were about to start at Hogwarts that we decided to try again… and we were blessed with you" her father had told her four days ago.

Other than her parents, her siblings and her cousins, the one person Leah loved spending time with was her Grandfather James Potter, who doted on his youngest grandchild whenever he was in her company.

16th March 2026

"You have your Grandmother's eyes you know… beautiful blue eyes like sapphires" said the then 68-year-old James Potter as he read his Granddaughter one of her favourite stories.

The then eight soon-to-be nine-year-old Leah managed a slightly sad smile as her gaze landed on a picture of the late Narcissa Potter, forever flashing that loving smile at all who would gaze upon her photo.

Having been the young age of seven when her Grandmother departed this life for the next back in September 2024, Leah had been devastated at her loss, wanting Narcissa back more than she ever wanted anything in the world, having had so little time with her compared to the other members of her family.

Turning back to her Grandfather who had a saddened look on his face as his own gaze lingered over the photo of his wife, Leah frowned.

"I miss her Grandpa" said Leah sadly.

James turned back to Leah and gave her a small smile.

"I miss her too" said James softly.

"I wish we could have had more time together" said Leah sadly with traces of tears in her eyes.

James sighed and closed the book in his hands before wiping the tears from her eyes.

"She loved you very dearly Little Leah… and I wish you could have had more time with her… but what is important is that we do not dwell on the time we did not get to spend with our loved ones… but that we cherish the time we got to spend with them" said James softly.

Leah wiped the remainder of her tears from her eyes before nodding.

With a small smile, James opened the book once again.

"Come on… let's finish the story then it's off to bed with you" said James softly.

Glancing towards the kitchen where her mother had walked in, pressing a kiss to her Father's lips as she entered with cereals and milk for all three of them, Leah thanked her Mother before starting to eat, occasionally glancing at the open French windows leading to the back garden, looking for any sign of an owl arriving with her Hogwarts letter.

Getting excited and sometimes, a little bit jealous when she would watch her Brother Henry receive his Hogwarts letters over the years, Leah could not put into words how excited she was feeling, knowing that today was the day when she would finally receive her own letter, inviting her to study at the famous school.

With only mild conversation being exchanged between the three Potters as they ate their breakfast, most of which came from Harry referring to what he was working on as Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, Leah felt her excitement rising as a small shape became visible in the distance.

The shape of an owl.

When the owl finally flew through the French windows, landing on the table with grace and a single envelope clutched in its beak, Leah could barely contain her excitement as she slowly took the envelope from the owl, seeing that it was addressed to her with the magnificent Hogwarts crest on the seal.

"Go on Honey… open it" said Harry softly, watching his youngest Daughter with a look of exceptional pride on his face.

"You have waited long enough" said Katie proudly, with an equal look of pride on her face as she watched Leah.

Leah gulped with nervousness as she slowly opened the envelope, pulling two folded up pieces of parchment out.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL

OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmistress: Lily Snape

Dear Miss Potter

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on the 1st of September. We await your owl by now later than the 31st of July.

Yours sincerely,

AURORA SINISTRA

DEPUTY HEADMISTRESS

"We best get your reply sent off then" said Katie softly, snapping Leah out of her thoughts.

"It's my day off tomorrow as well… so we can have a full day at Diagon Alley" said Harry softly.

Turning to look at them, Leah dropped her letter on the table before jumping up to go and hug her parents, feeling excited that she was finally going to attend Hogwarts.

15th November 2029

Losing the fight to hold her tears back, Leah Potter was forever wiping her eyes as she sat at the side of the now 71-year-old, bed-ridden James Potter, whose breathing was slowly going ragged as he knew that his days were numbered.

The now 12-year-old, brown-haired Gryffindor (along with her 16-year-old Cousin James Creevey in his Sixth Year at Hogwarts) had been given special permission to return to Potter Manor by Headmistress Lily Snape, owing to her Grandfather's failing health.

Seeing him extend his hand towards her, Leah grasped it quickly and tightly, not wanting to let go.

"Remember Little Leah… cherish the time you spend with those you love… do not dwell on the time we missed" said James quietly.

Leah wiped her eyes again and nodded.

"How about I read you a story… just like old times?" said James softly, coughing a little bit.

Squeezing his hand tightly, Leah nodded.

"Tell me… did your parents ever read the Tale of the Three Brothers to you?" said James.

Seeing his Granddaughter shake her head, James knew that by reading her one last story, he could teach her one last important life lesson before he went.

A story that was based on the actions of his ancestor Ignotus Peverell.

"Your Aunt Euphemia loved hearing that story… be a dear and go to the bookshelf and fetch the Tales of Beedle and Bard" said James.

Quickly abiding by his request, Leah found the book in question and handed it to him, taking her seat once again as James sat up against the headboard before leafing through the pages to find the story.

Taking a deep breath as he found the beginning of the story, James turned to Leah with a small smile on his face.

"There were once three Brothers, travelling along a lonely, winding road… at twilight… over time, the brothers reached a river, too deep to wade through and too treacherous to cross… but these Brothers, who were learned in the magical arts, simply waved their wands and made a bridge" said James.

"Did my Father like this story too?" said Leah.

"Not as much as your Aunt Euphemia… now, how about we continue with the story, we haven't even got to the best part yet" said James softly.

Leah nodded and shifted her chair closer to the bed.

"Now then… where were we?" said James.

"You said they made a bridge over the river" said Leah.

Giving her shoulder a squeeze, James turned the page of his book to continue the story.

"As they crossed the bridge, however… they found their paths blocked by a hooded figure… it was Death" said James.

"They met Death?" said Leah in slight surprise.

Trailing his free hand down to her hand to give it a squeeze, James nodded.

"Yes… and Death felt cheated that the Brothers did not drown in the river like many travellers before… but Death was cunning… he pretended to congratulate the Three Brothers on their magic and offered each of them a gift of their choice for having been clever enough to evade him" said James.

"But why… why would they accept gifts from Death?" said Leah in shock.

James chuckled.

"Why indeed?" said James.

Moving his glasses further up his nose, James scrunched his eyebrows up in concentration.

"The First Brother, a combative and aggressive man… asked for a wand more powerful than any in existence, a wand that would always bring power and victory to whoever wielded it… so Death crafted him a wand from a nearby elder tree… the Elder Wand… the Second Brother, an arrogant man who wished to humiliate Death even further, asked for the means to recall loved ones from the grave… so Death plucked a stone from the river and gave it to him… the Resurrection Stone" said James.

"I wish I had that stone… so I could see Grandma again" said Leah sadly.

Placing his book on his lap for a moment, James sighed and gave Leah's hand a gentle squeeze.

"While such an idea sounds wonderful… it is not within our power to deny our loved ones the chance to rest Leah… remember, cherish not dwell" said James kindly.

Leah frowned and wiped a few more tears from her eyes.

"Do you want to hear the rest of the story?" said James softly.

Leah nodded.

"Very well… as for the Third Brother, who was a humble man who did not trust Death in the slightest… merely asked for something that would allow him to go forth from that day, without being followed by Death… so Death reluctantly handed over his own cloak of invisibility before vanishing from their eyes… the Invisibility Cloak… with that, the Three Brothers went their separate ways, unaware of what was awaiting them" said James.

He took a deep breath.

"The First Brother journeyed to a nearby town and killed a wizard with whom he had once quarrelled… drunk with the power the Elder Wand had given him, he bragged of his invincibility, confident that no one could stop him… and later that night, a fellow wizard stole the Elder Wand and slit the Brothers throat for good measure… so Death to the First Brother for his own" said James.

"That's awful" said Leah in slight shock.

James straightened up.

"Yet… it was his aggressive, combative manner that killed him in the end… he bragged about how the Elder Wand made him more powerful, believing himself too powerful to be stopped… as for the Second Brother, he journeyed to his home… where, after turning the Resurrection Stone thrice in hand, saw the woman who he had hoped to marry before her untimely death… but she was cold and sad as she did not belong in the mortal world, days passed before the Second Brother killed himself so he could join her… and Death took the Second Brother for his own" said James.

"That's so sad… ending his own life just to join his Love" said Leah sadly.

James squeezed her hand.

"Yes… he was unable to let go of his grief and he ended his own life instead of trying to live as she would have wanted for him… the dead do not belong amongst the living Leah, their time in the mortal world has already passed… perhaps if he had been able to accept that then he would have been happier" said James.

Leah nodded in understanding, knowing that despite her wishes to bring her Grandmother back from the dead, her time had already passed and that she needed to accept that if she wanted to be happy.

"What about the Third Brother Grandpa?" said Leah eager to hear the rest of the story.

James took another deep breath before his eyes turned to something standing by the door.

Or rather someone.

A sight that warmed his heart yet saddened him slightly.

Looking many years younger and healthier than she had done when she passed away at the age of sixty-seven, stood Narcissa who was watching him with a silent but loving smile on her face.

Having been in the company of Druella during her final moments many years ago, James had originally dismissed her claims that Bellatrix had come for her in her final moments as pure nonsense, putting it down to the fact that Druella was losing her mind in her final moments.

Yet now, seeing his late wife stood looking at him, James knew that what Druella claimed to have seen was most likely true, with the familiar face of her long lost Daughter coming to her in her final moments.

Just as his wife had come for him now, ready to take him on the next great adventure.

James took a deep breath, keeping his eyes on Narcissa.

"Let's just finish the story... okay?" said James softly, causing the figure of Narcissa to nod to him.

"Grandpa?" said Leah warily.

James turned back to Leah and smiled.

"Yes… the Third Brother… Death searched for many years but he was never able to find him… it was only when he had attained a great age, that the Third Brother finally took off the cloak of invisibility and gave it to his son… he then greeted Death as an old friend and went with him gladly in departing this life… as equals" said James softly before finally closing the book as the story had ended.

"He let Death take him willingly… just like that?" said Leah in shock.

"Yes… he knew he had lived the best life he could live… and at the old age he was, he knew it was his time, so he left on his own terms… greeting Death not as an enemy… but as a friend, accepting that his time had come" said James softly.

Leah wiped a few more tears from her eyes and nodded.

"Listen… go and fetch your parents, your aunts and uncles for me" said James softly.

Leah nodded before leaning forwards to wrap him in a tight hug.

After what felt like an age, Leah finally let go of James before walking towards the door, with more tears falling from her eyes with each step she took.

Once the door closed behind Leah, James turned back to Narcissa as she slowly started to walk towards the bed.

"I'm glad you're here Cissy" said James softly.

Narcissa sent him a soft smile.

"It's time James" said Narcissa softly, extending her hand out to him.

Taking a deep breath, James took her hand and felt himself leaving his body behind as he stood up, letting Narcissa take his arm before guiding him towards the door.

As they approached the door, they saw it open before them, with Edward, Daphne, Harry, Katie, Euphemia and Colin walking into the room, seconds before James Potter took his final breath and passed away at the age of seventy-one.