The weeks following the great battle dragged on for eternity. What was only a few days seemed like months, and weeks were like never-ending years. The buzz of what had happened was still vigorously circulating throughout the school grounds, however, each day a new addition seemed to be added to the tale. Surprisingly, Hogwarts seemed rather unchanged - second years still bickered about who was better at performing levitation spells - Slytherin students still bullied all the others (showing a particular joy in pushing Hufflepuff first years down the sloping hills of Hogwarts) - and the trio still spent every moment together. Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat sprawled across the lawn on the Saturday before their last week of courses, in which they would undergo their N.E.W.T exams. Harry sat inspecting the newly scarred cut on his right forearm, while Ron carelessly thumbed through a Quidditch magazine, periodically shuddering with pain when he moved his strained arm the wrong way. Hermione lay on her back staring dreamily at the clouds, forgetting about studying for the exams that would take place on Monday morning. So much had changed for all three of them, so much had changed for the entire wizarding community, yet it seemed as though life at Hogwarts ticked on without hesitation, and therefore Harry, Hermione, and Ron had to do the same.

They sat in strained silence for a few more minutes when finally Hermione roused from her stare, “I suppose they’ll need a new Potions master for next year, I mean, not like it’ll matter to us but still …� she said tentatively, somewhat afraid how this question would be met.

“I guess they would, wouldn’t they?� answered Harry half-heartedly, somewhat touchily. His tone showed no extreme emotion, but the fact that he was still shaken by the happenings was quite evident. Hermione knew this subject was not one of choice for Harry, or any of them for that matter, but it was clear that it had to be discussed. The truth was that Harry felt guilty for all the slurs he had made over the years about Snape being a filthy, lying, sneaking git . The only way he knew how to deal with it was by ignoring it. At least that was all he could bear to do now.

“Yeah, yeah, I wonder who it’ll be. And what about Dumbledore? I do hope he is okay, I heard McGonagal talking to Flitwick yesterday in the corridor by the hospital wing. Of course he isn’t there, but I suppose they had just talked to Madame Pomfrey. Flitwick seemed to be quite sure that he was recovering well.� No one made an effort to reply, so she continued, “he is very strong for someone his age, you know.�

“Yeah well anyone who thinks Dumbledore won’t make it through this is mad. He wouldn’t let a few spells take him down,� added Ron as he continued to read his magazine.

Harry stirred uncomfortably. He knew all of this wreck was not really his fault, but still somewhere deep down he couldn’t help feeling that he was responsible for a good amount of it. Snape’s death, Dumbledore’s fatal injuries, and the fact that he had jeopardized the lives of so many he loved was eating at him. He remembered how he had felt when Sirius had died because of “his need to be the hero,� as Hermione had once said. He didn’t think he had felt this horrible since that time two years ago.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, mate,� reassured Ron, looking up from the pages, noticing Harry’s elevated level of distress.

“Really Harry, if it weren’t for you, we’d all be in real trouble. Everyone knew about the prophecy… if you didn’t do it, no one would have been able to. Everyone who got hurt or killed, even Snape… they were all willing to risk their lives.�

Although this did raise Harry’s spirits, he wasn’t looking for pity or even compliments. He understood all of this, that he had to kill Voldemort, or else no one else would. He knew he was lucky to come out of it alive, with his best friends at his side, but for some reason he just couldn’t convince himself that he was a hero or that he should be celebrating.

Exam week passed by rather uneventfully… Harry endured Transfiguration on Monday, Defense Against the Dark Arts on Tuesday (which he was sure he’d received full credits in), Charms on Wednesday, and Potions, to his extreme abhorrence, on Friday. He felt that he did well enough to pursue his future goal as an auror on all of his exams. Remembering McGonagal’s vow in his fifth year to help him in any way she could, Harry felt he would be dishonoring her to not do his absolute best, even on Potions. Hermione naturally would receive top marks on all of her exams, and Ron, as usual, would do considerably well and surprise himself.

On Saturday morning the trio sat in the common room chatting about their exams and how unbelievable it was that they would soon be heading down to the Great Hall for the end of year feast, for the last time in their student career. They spent the day walking around the school, roaming its halls and recalling memories of the last seven years at Hogwarts. Each turn Harry made, he realized more and more how much he was going to miss it all.

When 6 o’clock finally came, they dressed in their robes and set off to the Great Hall. They took their seats at the head of the Gryffindor house table, and to their tremendous astonishment, found themselves staring up at Dumbledore, situated at center stage, ready to give his speech. Gasps could be heard throughout the Great Hall. It was evident that although the students had faith in his return, they were still amazed by their Headmaster’s speedy recovery.

“It is the end,� he began, “of another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This year, more so than the others, I am happy to be able to give this speech in health and wellbeing. Before I really begin, I would like to acknowledge the death of an excellent teacher who has been apart of the Hogwarts staff teaching Potions for 13 years, Professor Severus Snape. I would like you all to please join me in a moment of silence to remember Professor Snape, and all he did for this school.�

The Great Hall went silent; every person, student and staff alike, seemed to have closed their eyes, forgetting Snape’s strict and often unkind ways, in order to pay respect to his death and what he gave his life for.

After a minute or so, Dumbledore continued, “Professor Snape will unquestionably be remembered as one of Hogwart’s greatest and most courageous teachers to ever step through the doors of this school. A trusted friend and colleague, it was because of Professor Snape that we knew of Lord Voldemort’s imminent plans. It was because of him that we even had a fighting chance in this war against evil. I would also like to remember all of those who risked their lives, and in some cases lost their lives, in quest to make our world a secure place. Voldemort is gone, yes, however we would be deluding ourselves to believe that all evil and malevolence has vanished. He has been defeated, yet we will not live lives of pure happiness from this point on. Because of this, we must not let our bonds of fellowship and friendship break, we must remain unified if we wish to extend this period of harmony in the wizarding community. For this reason, there will be no House Cup this year…�

He paused to let the confusion, and in some cases, outrage, wither away. Raising his hand slowly into the air to silence the protests, he continued, “It was the bravery and courage of all four houses united that has brought about one of the most tremendous accomplishments of our time. As I said to some of you once before, three years ago at this time, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. We will only be able to overcome the hardships that may arise in the future if we maintain, and hopefully strengthen, these bonds of alliance and trust.�

Harry’s trunk was packed and Hedwig was in her cage ready for the last trip on the Hogwarts Express. The trio was standing in the entrance hall with all of the other seventh years, ready to depart from Hogwarts. Harry turned around in a circle gazing at the castle- its walls, its corridors, its portraits. He was trying to take in as much as he could, for this would be the last time he would be in the school for a long time, if ever again. Around him people were saying goodbye, hugging, laughing, and in some cases, crying. Harry seemed to be in a trance, overwhelmed by the fact that he was going back to the Dursley’s.

“’Arry!�

Roused from his trance by the call, Harry spun around to see Hagrid striding towards him, beaming, waving theatrically.

“Good thing I caught yeh before the train set off. I just… oh look a’ me …� Hagrid paused, looked down at his enormous feet, and when he picked his head back up, Harry noticed a tear streaming down his face into his bushy beard.

He took a deep breath, wiped his nose on the back of his calloused hand, and continued, “I just wanted to tell yeh, and you two also, ‘Ermione and Ron, that I won’t ever ferget yeh all. You three better come an’ visit me, ‘Ogwarts won’t be the same without all of yeh-�

Hagrid was beginning to tear up again so all three of them seized the moment to give him a hug each. He handed Hermione a book on Magical Creatures that to her great delight, did not have teeth. To Ron, Hagrid gave a box of assorted sweets from Honeydukes.

Hagrid looked proudly at Harry and began, “I’ve got yeh a special present Harry, for all that yeh’ve done fer me these seven years.�

Hagrid sniffed loudly, handed Harry the parcel, and when he went to untie the string, Hagrid put his large hand over it and said, “No, not here, open it on the train, I don’ want to start cryin’ agin. Well you three better get goin’… go on, go. I’ll miss all yehs!�

As Harry, Hermione, and Ron turned to go to the train, Harry glanced down at the package, and then turned to see Hagrid, who was now sobbing, with sheets of tears falling from his eyes. Harry couldn’t help but remember how terrified he had been when Hagrid busted down the door of their Railview Hotel room seven years ago, before Harry had even known he was a wizard. The sight of Hagrid sobbing brought a smile to Harry’s face; he waved once more, and stepped onto the train.

****

Harry sat with Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna, and Ginny on the ride back to Kings Cross Station. As Head Boy and Girl, Hermione and Harry had to periodically leave the compartment to check up on the younger students. Once they were allowed to settle in, they sat talking about school and how Ginny and Luna were lucky to be returning next year. They discussed their futures, and how they would be spending the summer.

To Harry, it felt odd to hear the others refer to Hogwarts as school and where they lived during the summer as home. Hogwarts was home to Harry, and he was leaving it forever. He felt as if a piece of him was being taken away, leaving yet another void he didn’t believe was possible to fill. Thoughts of living with the Dursley’s until he could support himself depressed him into silence. He stared moodily out the window and watched the scenes change from rolling mountains to deserted, flat land while the others rejoiced at the thought of seeing their families again.

As the train halted to a stop, the compartment doors quickly slid open as the students rushed from the rooms to greet all those who came to welcome them back. Luna, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Hermione hurried out, leaving Harry behind wishing he could pretend he did not know they had reached the station at all, sending him right back to Hogwarts.

Hermione entered the compartment hesitantly after a few minutes had passed, and asked, “Harry are you alright? The whole way you just sat there and stared out the window.�

“I’m fine, thanks Hermione,� lied Harry, forcing a smile.

Hermione beamed at him, and took Hedwig’s cage on her way out as she said, “Here I’ll take this, you’ve got tons of stuff to carry.�

As Harry went to follow Hermione, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle emerged from their compartment, deliberately blocking Harry's path.

"Don't even start to think that this is over, Potter. Dumbledore isn't going to be there to protect his favorite student anymore. How ever will you survive?" Mocked Draco in a falsely high-pitched voice.

Harry stared at Malfoy, deciding quickly how he should deal with the situation. He pulled his wand quickly out of his back pocket, dangled it in front of Goyle's eyes, and then twirled it like a baton in front of Crabbe. "Trust me boys, I would really prefer we make this easy. Please, I'll say it once, get out of my way."

Crabbe and Goyle, showing more sense than they had all their life, backed away and into the nearest sliding door. Malfoy, however, stood staring at Harry.

Harry sighed, "I guess things never do change, do they?" And in a flash and a swift stroke of his wand, Harry had thrown Malfoy aside, knocking his cronies over in the process.

Smiling and shaking his head as he stepped out onto the platform, Harry jogged over to Ron and his family. Mrs. Weasley smiled brightly, hurried over to Harry and gave him a tremendous hug that could have easily strangled him. He could not make out any words because she was crying, however he was sure he had heard something along the lines of “poor dear, experiencing so much,� yet he could decipher no more from the sobs.

Mrs. Weasley smiled brightly, hurried over to Harry and gave him a tremendous hug that could have easily strangled him. He could not make out any words because she was crying, however he was sure he had heard something along the lines of “poor dear, experiencing so much,� yet he could decipher no more from the sobs.

Once released, Fred and George, wearing yet another pair of dragon-skin coats (this time in the shades of fire-engine red and electric blue), rolled their eyes, and came over to shake Harry’s hand fervently.

“Like the threads, Harry? We fancied a new batch of these snazzy jackets..." said Fred as he brushed off his right shoulder and then his sleeve with a grin.

“Business is booming. And with all the money we’ve made… me and Fred got you a coat too. We were deciding between an orange one, a pink one, and a green one. We decided on the pink,� said George seriously.

“Nah he’s kidding Harry. We got you a nice green one. Thought it’d bring out the color in those bee-u-tee-ful eyes of yours!�

Laughing heartily, Harry accepted the package, thankful that Fred and George had not, in fact, decided on the pink jacket. The twins moved aside to reveal Professor Lupin and Mad-Eye standing nearby.

“Hello, Harry,� said Remus, as Moody limped forward slightly.

Tilting back his hat to reveal his ever-spinning magical eye, Moody growled, “Good to see you again Potter.�

“Hi,� said Harry, still surprised by their presence. “I didn’t think you’d be– �

“–Harry, my mum has something to tell you,� Ron interjected.

Mrs. Weasley hurried over, “Yes Harry, dear, well, I talked it over with Arthur and all the others, well we all agreed, that is if you want to, well if it’s okay with you, we have agreed that you could live with us, at the Burrow, until of course you want to move out, if you even want to move in at all–�

“–Are you kidding? Of course I want to move in!� shouted Harry, startling some nearby witches. For the first time all week he felt truly happy.

“See mum, I told you there was no point in even asking, right Harry? I mean why would you want to live with those gits you’ve been stuck with every summer up ‘till now?� Added Ron with confidence.

“Wonderful! I’ll write to you’re Aunt and Uncle first thing tonight to tell them the news, oh this is just wonderful!� Mrs. Weasley added joyously.

Lupin and Moody made their way over to Harry once again, Moody’s eye swirling in its socket.

“So Potter…� Moody began, “give us a shout if you need us. Now that you’re done with school and all, I think we could find a job for you. I seem to remember you mentioning something about being an auror?� His swiveling eye slowed and focused on Harry, who couldn’t help but feel that he was being sized up by Moody. “Yeah, I think we could find you very useful for this project–�

“–Not here Mad-Eye, but yes, well, I think we could work on that. I’ll owl you sometime this week, Harry,� said Lupin, smiling brightly, revealing the premature creases in his forehead. “You have had almost as much, if not more, experience than most anyway, right?�

Harry did not answer, though Lupin understood his thoughts. Naturally, Harry would be absolutely delighted to be an auror. It had been the only career he had ever given thought to anyway.

Happier than he had been in months, Harry wheeled around to find Hermione smiling meekly with tears spilling over her red cheeks.

“Wha… What’s wrong Hermione?� Asked Harry utterly perplexed.

“Oh Harry, I’m being stupid crying and all, but all these goodbyes, I know it’s not really goodbye, but for some reason I feel like it is and that I won’t see you ever again,� she explained amidst sniffles.

“Don’t be ridiculous Hermione… of course I’m going to see you. I’m living at the Burrow! With Ron! You can visit any time you want, I’m sure Ginny would be thrilled to have another girl in a house full of boys, right?�

“Yes, yes, you’re right, I was just being silly. Anyway…� she said as she turned to see her parents calling her over, “my parents are waiting. I’m going to miss you so much Harry, I really am, I’ll talk to you really soon, ok?�

She put her arms around Harry’s neck, kissed him on the cheek, turned, and was lost in the crowd.

“C’mon Harry, we’ve got to get going!� Called Ron as he picked up his trunk and stowed Pig’s cage under his arm.

By the time they all had arrived at the Burrow it was quite late. Harry felt as though he could sleep for a year and still be tired. He would be sleeping in Ron’s room until Mrs. Weasley found a more suitable living quarters for him, although Harry assured her nothing could be worse than living in a cupboard under the stairs. They all stomped sleepily up the wooden staircase to their rooms where Harry collapsed immediately on the bed. Ron had changed into his pajamas and was already snoring loudly, leaving Harry staring at the ceiling. He glanced over to his trunk and realized that he had not yet opened Hagrid’s gift.

“Accio package,� muttered Harry as he began to untie the string and unwrap the paper. Like the gift he had received from Hagrid in his first year, he found a good-looking leather book amidst the scraps of paper. Harry curiously opened it to find a newspaper cutout reading ‘The Boy Who Lived.’ Harry stared at the date, it was from seventeen years ago, just about the time his parents were murdered. He continued to flip through the pages, finding various newspaper clippings, all involving him. Bits about the Triwizard Tournament, pieces from his fifth year claiming he had lost his mind, the interview he gave for The Quibbler, articles then apologizing for calling him crazy – and commending his courage, and lastly, a recent one recounting all that had happened involving Voldemort and his demise. He had not seen this article yet, so he inquiringly skimmed the writing. Amongst the pages of articles that Hagrid had put together were also various pictures of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. He smiled reminiscently at a photograph that was taken at the first Halloween feast in which a troll had so rudely interrupted. He watched himself wave happily, and then whirl around in fright as Quirrel sped into the Great Hall.

“This must have taken him ages,� Harry thought aloud, whispering in the silence.

He was just about to crumple up the brown scraps when he noticed a little slip of paper with handwriting he recognized as Dumbledore’s. Harry unfolded the paper and read –



Mr. Harry Potter –

I am writing you because I will most likely not be able to say goodbye to you after the feast. I would first like to say that seeing you grow and mature into such a splendid wizard has been one of the greatest joys of my long, long life. Ever since I placed you on the doorstep of your Aunt and Uncle’s, I knew you were destined for greatness. You lived up to all that I could have ever imagined, exceeded my expectations in many cases as well, and for that, I am proud to say that I have had the privilege to be Headmaster during your seven years at Hogwarts. I will no doubt speak to you again, and if not, I have enclosed another two-way mirror for you to use if I am ever needed (and please Harry, this time do not forget you have it, use it if you need anything). One last thing before I must depart- Harry, please do ask Mrs. Weasley so show you it if she has not already revealed it to you. Please forgive her if she has not, she is very busy and certainly very tense over all the on goings of the past few weeks. If she is asleep, do not wake her, but please do check behind the red curtain in Mr. Weasley’s bedroom for something that I believe you will find most joyous. Mrs. Weasley discovered it while cleaning out Grimmauld Place earlier this month. I am quite sure it will bring you happiness in this time of uncertainty. I wish you luck in all that you encounter in the future. I look forward to seeing you soon. Have faith in the future of the wizarding community Harry, and always remember, “Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus…� never tickle a sleeping dragon.


Yours Sincerely,

Professor Albus Dumbledore


Harry assumed that Mrs. Weasley was, in fact, asleep; the whole house was soundless. He looked around the room for a red curtain and spotted it, muttered ‘Lumos’ so that he did not trip over the bedside table, and drew back the curtain. To his absolute astonishment, Harry was staring into the face of his Godfather, who was yawning sleepily. Upon realization that he was being stared at, he beamed at Harry from the depths of the portrait.

“I was wondering when you were going to find that note, it’s kinda dark in here!� spoke Sirius with a grin.

“SIRIUS?!� Harry screamed, waking Ron.

“Wha- What’s going on Ha-Ha-Harry?� questioned Ron whilst yawning. Once Ron had looked up and seen what Harry was gaping at, he too yelped.

At this, Mrs. Weasley came sprinting into the room. Panting, she began, “Oh Harry, I – I’m so sorry, I was just so tired, I went to go sit down for just a minute and next thing I knew I was asleep. Oh I should have told you right away! Yes, though, now that you have found it, isn’t this absolutely wonderful? I found this portrait lying in a pile of rubbish in the attic of Grimmauld Place, it had some slashes and was quite a mess but nevertheless–�

“–Yea I had been yelling at the top of my lungs for what? A year just about? Molly, when you came up there, it was pure relief! What took you people so long?� Finished Sirius with his trademark smirk.


When everyone had finally cleared out and Ron had drifted off to sleep once again, Harry stayed awake, talking to Sirius’s portrait. Harry wished that Sirius was really standing there with him so he could give him the biggest hug he could muster. However, Harry knew he had no reason to be complaining. What had begun as one of the worst days of his life had now become one of the best days he had ever experienced since Sirius’s death. He told his godfather everything he could remember about the two years he had missed in his life, and although Sirius had already been told most of this information by Molly, he listened intently.

After a series of consecutive yawns, he and Sirius decided that they should end their talk and continue it in the morning. They said goodnight, and in a fraction of a second, Harry was unconscious. For the first time in much too long, Harry had an uninterrupted sleep, without any nightmares revealing Voldemort’s evil schemes or visions showing attacks on Ron’s dad (or anyone at all).

He awoke to the sun shining brightly through the window. Harry glanced at his watch and noted that it was 7 am, looked over to Ron, who was still sleeping soundly, snoring every so often, and then to Sirius, whose eyes were still sealed shut. He sat with his knees to his chest, elated with all he had encountered in the last 24 hours. He felt at ease, and for the first time since age 11, Harry felt normal… or at least as normal as Harry Potter would ever manage to be.