The Grandfather Paradox

The Grandfather Paradox, by James Bow

Epilogue: Your Choice

"So, you see, there are two types of time spells: one-way, and return," said Wesley. "Return takes more energy - not as much as two one-ways, but often more than can be spared. When that spell was cast for me, it was one-way. And I have no clue how to duplicate it."

"So, you're stuck here?" said Harry.

They were in the common room, three days later, with Harry and Ginny just out of the Hospital wing. Wesley's left arm was bandaged and in a sling.

"Well, perhaps it's for the best," said Wesley. "Possibly, in the future I helped channel, there's a Wesley that never felt the need to go back in time and put things right. That future belongs to him. My future no longer exists, and I've no real desire to go back to it, even if it did. Besides, there are plenty of opportunities here. I had a long talk with Dumbledore, and we arranged things. Because my transfer records were all fabrications, he gave me a thorough test in things magical and established a proper curriculum for me."

"I'm going to be attending classes with my son," said Ron, shaking his head.

"Some. The magic I learned was a little bit skewed. Dumbledore recommends I move up a year on Potions. But I think I'll stay where I am. If Dumbledore teaches me more about staff magic, then I'll need the extra time that comes with taking an easy class."

At this, Hermione snorted.

Wesley continued. "I'll be in your year in Charms and DADA and a year behind you on Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures."

Hermione ran through the list of classes. "What about Transfiguration?"

"First year."

"Ouch!"

"Yeah," said Wesley. He looked at Ron. "For some reason, Dumbledore said that you might be to blame for this."

"I don't do well in Transfiguration, either."

"Ah, I see. Like father, like-"

"Don't say it!"

"So, Wesley," said Harry, his mouth quirking in amusement. "Your real name is 'Harry'? Ron and Hermione named you after me, did they?"

"Not if you keep teasing them, they won't Uncle Harry."

Harry flinched. "You're right, Ron. It is too creepy to be called that."

"I think it's fascinating," said Ginny. "I always wanted to be Aunt Ginny."

Ron glared at her and at Wesley. "Not going to happen."

"So, I can't call your twin brothers Uncle Fred and Uncle George?" asked Wesley.

Ron smiled. "Of course you can. As often as possible, if you please."

Harry shook his head, bemused. "This is going to take some getting used to."

"You and me both," said Wesley. "Thanks for making it easier, though."

Harry stood up. "Thank you for coming to our rescue." He offered his hand.

Wesley hesitated only a moment. He clasped it and shook it. "You're welcome."

Harry and Ginny went to their respective dormitories, leaving Wesley, Ron and Hermione alone in the Gryffindor common room.

Ron and Hermione turned to Wesley and an uncomfortable silence followed.

Hermione took a deep breath. "Wesley, Ron and I have talked about this and... we've decided that we have to know."

Wesley stared at her. "Know what?"

"About us." She motioned to Ron and herself. "I mean, you're proof that Ron and I are going to... end up together. We want to know when."

"And how," Ron added.

Wesley stared in disbelief. "Why are you doing this to yourselves?"

"Well..." Hermione struggled with the words. Finally, she said, "We like you. We like how you stood up to Voldemort, and how much you risked helping to save Harry, Ginny and us. Ron and I... well, we don't want to do anything that might..."

"Make you vanish," Ron finished.

"When's your birthday?" Hermione asked.

Wesley chuckled. "Mum, Dad, don't." He looked at them seriously. "This is one thing I really feared when I came here. I've been thinking about what it would be like if I were in your shoes, suddenly being confronted with my future, knowing that my destiny had been mapped out for me in advance. Truth to tell, I think I'd feel robbed. For that, I'm sorry."

Ron and Hermione said nothing. They looked at the floor.

"You deserve to make your own choices about your futures," said Wesley. "I don't want to change that."

"But what about you?" said Hermione. "What if we do things wrong? What if we don't... have you on the right day?"

"I don't think that changes anything."

"You don't?" said Ron.

"Look, you remember what Dumbledore said about the Grandfather Paradox, about the theory of what might happen if one went back in time and killed one's grandfather? Flip that around. Let us say that someone casts a time spell and goes back in time not to kill his grandfather, but to save his parents? If he does save his parents, then there's no need for him to cast a time spell and go back in time to save them in the first place, is there? The paradox still holds, in theory."

He gave them a smile. "The future where Voldemort tortures Harry over to his side has been prevented. I've saved my parents. By rights, I should have vanished the moment we rescued Harry. And yet I'm still here, aren't I? I think you still have your choices. I hope you'll continue to make them."

He stood up to go to bed. Ron and Hermione stood up with him.

"So," said Hermione. "Can you teach us how to make those lightning balls?"

Wesley considered a moment. Then he shrugged. "Yeah, sure."

Hermione gave him a hug, as did Ron, much to Wesley's chagrin. With a wave, he went upstairs, leaving Ron and Hermione alone.

Ron bid Hermione good night, but she caught his arm. The two stood in the centre of the deserted common room, staring at each other for a long time.

Then Hermione reached up, pulled Ron to her, and kissed him.

Ron stared at her.

Hermione smiled. "My choice."

END.