The Last Goodbye

The Aftermath

The battle was over, and so were the lives of many innocent people. Harry stood in the middle of the hall, he felt numb, but he knew that his emotions would arise soon. One thought played over and over in his mind. They couldn't say goodbye, they couldn't say goodbye. That's why he had the stone in his pocket, he had thought of leaving it in the woods, but knew better than that.

"Harry?" Ginny had gotten up from where her family were huddled around, her face tear stained and her clothes dirty with blood and dust. She held on to his hands.

"I'm so sorry, this is all my fault." He looked over to the Weasley family, where Fred lay in his twin brother's arms, then to Tonks and Lupin, who looked so peaceful, so young.

A fierce -yet not spiteful- look passed Ginny's face, "don't you dare say that Harry. My brother, Tonks, Lupin, they died for a brighter future, not in vain. None of this was your fault, you saved people today Harry."

He nodded slowly, kissing her on the forehead, "thank you."

She tried to smile, but tears were already clouding her eyes, "we're taking Fred back home soon. You can come if you like."

"Yeah alright, but there's a few things I need to do." Harry looked around once more. She nodded, squeezing his hand before walking back to her family. He stood in the middle of the hall alone again, scanning the bodies on the floor for anyone he knew. Colin Creevey was one of them, his younger brother holding his hand looking lost.

"Potter." It was Professor McGonagall.

He turned around with a weak smile, "Yes Professor."

"You should be in the company of your friends, why are you alone?" Her usually stern demeanour had been dropped, being replaced with the compassion and kindness of a mother.

"Professor, in the woods I... I had the resurrection stone. I got to see my parents again, and Lupin. And Sirius."

"You understand the burden of the stone Mr Potter, it would be unwise to keep it." She sounded worried.

"I know Professor, but I have one last job with it." He ruffled his messy hair, as though unsure if his plan would work, "I want the families here to say goodbye to the people they love. Properly."

McGonagall nodded, "I would be happy to assist."

*
The professor had found a relatively unharmed classroom, and pushed all of the tables and chairs back, leaving only a few seats in the middle like Harry had asked.

"Send for me if you need anything." McGonagall said as she opened the door.

"Professor."

"Yes Potter?"

"Is there anyone... anyone you'd like to see?" He indicated to his coat pocket.

The professor shook her head before walking out, "that's very kind of you, but I don't think something like that would agree with me."

Harry watched the door close, and waited a few moments before taking out the stone. A loud hoot echoed off the walls, signifying the presence of a snowy white owl, "Hedwig."

She swooped down and onto the the desk, clicking her break affectionately at him. He bent down to her, soaking in Hedwig's features one last time. Her round bright eyes rested on his face, but suddenly she turned sharply to look behind him, hooting. A familiar voice made Harry's heart jolt in its place, "Harry."

"Sirius." Harry grinned, but there was a weight in his chest as he said the names, "mum, dad. Remus, Tonks."

"We are so proud of you sweetie." Lily smiled, her hand entwined in James'.

"We made a bet, that you and Ginny would end up together..." Remus smirked.

"Moony..." James sighed, but he was smirking.

"The Potters obviously have a thing for redheads- Ow!" Sirius rubbed his arm where Tonks had hit him, "Nymphy! What now?"

Tonks rolled her eyes, "You're making the boy blush. And. Don't. Call. Me. Nymphy."

"I'm sorry... Nymphadora." Sirius' comment only made Tonks hit him on the arm again, "we'll I can't call you Tonks anymore now can I?!"

"There's something you want to say mate, go on." James turned to his son, the others fell silent and did the same.

Harry looked down at his shoes, "I don't think we'll meet again for a long time, I don't think I'll be able to do it."

"We understand, it's hard. It's good that you're letting go." His mother smiled, emerald green eyes still brilliant in her ghost-like translucency.

"I just wanted to say goodbye, and... and I'm glad you all entered my life, " Harry turned to Sirius, "however strange you entered it."

The five apparitions had started to fade, "Never say goodbye Harry, for the ones we love never truly leave us."