Harry Potter and the Wrath of the Fallen

Chapter 30: The Last Train Ride

Ginny smiled as she looked down at Harry. Despite the early morning rain and gray clouds that were visible through the enchanted window in their room, she could still see the light in his eyes.

She kept prodding his chest as he made no attempt to get out of bed.

"Come on, you've got to get ready," urged Ginny.

Harry rolled his eyes and groaned. "Would it really matter if I didn't go?"

"Not to me," replied Ginny, "but Draco would probably have a few words to say about you if you missed his hearing."

Harry knew Ginny was right. The world was being gradually cleansed of Death Eaters one by one, and if he went back on his word now, he would only succeed in creating a new one in Draco. Besides, Kingsley thought Harry testifying on behalf of Draco would give some of the other remaining Voldemort supporters something to think about. Depending on the sentence Draco received, other fugitives who were tiring of a life spent on the run may be tempted into handing themselves in and providing information in exchange for leniency.

Ginny watched as Harry rolled to the edge of the bed and swung his legs over the side, sitting up next to her as she stood by his bedside table. He took her hand and gently kissed her palm. Ginny almost caved in and rejoined Harry in bed, before common sense prevailed.

"Nice try, my sweet Harry," said Ginny as she withdrew her hand from Harry's grasp. "You've only got fifteen minutes until we have to go," she said, as she stepped across the room and sat down on the sofa.

Harry sighed as he stood and made his way to the bathroom. "I'll be ready in ten."

Ginny peered at Harry as he strode passed her towards the shower. She almost felt giddy as she contemplated what they had to do today. Harry would be testifying on behalf of Draco Malfoy, an event so unlikely that Ginny still marvelled at the very strange situation Harry now found himself in.

Yet Harry testifying was not what had her in such a good mood today. Rather, it was the fact that as soon as Harry had finished testifying, it would signify an end to the ordeal he had suffered through for so many years. Her beloved Harry would finally be free.

                                                               *

 

Draco sat quietly as he listened to the Chief of the Wizengamot outline the charges which had been brought against him following the fall of Voldemort, and the subsequent sentence that had been imposed while he was in hiding.

He looked around at the people arrayed around the courtroom deep within the Ministry of Magic. He felt very exposed as he saw reporters and old enemies looking down at him, their faces wearing either blank expressions or barely suppressed glee as they relished seeing another Malfoy brought to justice.

Draco tried to reposition the shackles that bound his wrists, as the Wizengamot Chief droned on, seemingly unconcerned that nobody was listening to him. It was only when the wizard stopped talking, that Draco found he could bring his attention back to where it should be.

"Witness for Draco Malfoy, Harry James Potter," called out the wizard as the courtroom door was opened and Harry was led to a chair in the middle of the room.

Murmuring filled the courtroom as members of the audience began to whisper to each other in confusion. Most people thought a mistake had been made, as they were sure Harry Potter would be testifying against Draco Malfoy, not on his behalf.

Draco gazed at him, and was surprised to see Harry give a small nod of his head in his direction.

                                                               *

 

Harry acknowledged Draco as he sat down in the middle of the courtroom. He glanced around at the assembled onlookers and quickly spotted Ginny sitting with Ron and Hermione. He tried not to smile as Ginny blew him a kiss.

"Mr Potter, you wish to provide evidence on behalf of Draco Malfoy?"

"Yes, sir," said Harry, bringing his focus back to the small wizard who stood at the podium above him. Harry already knew this man was to be the interrogator today.

"You are aware that Mr Malfoy has already been sentenced for crimes committed during the wizarding war?" asked the interrogator.

"Yes, sir."                  

"This court understands the information you wish to provide to us today is in relation to events that have occurred after the conclusion of the war following the Battle of Hogwarts."

"Yes, sir," said Harry again.

"Very well, Mr Potter. What information do you wish to provide this court on behalf of Mr Malfoy?"

Harry then began outlining the actions of Draco Malfoy, starting from the attack on the Burrow after Christmas. At one point the interrogator had held up his hands to stop Harry as gasps rang out around the courtroom.

"Just to make sure I understand you correctly, Mr Potter," said the interrogator, "you are asserting that Draco Malfoy disabled one of his own men before attempting to alert you to an imminent attack on the residence in which you were staying?"

"Yes, sir," said Harry patiently.

"Following this, he then assisted you in extinguishing the flames which were threatening to destroy the residence while several people were still inside."

Harry looked from the interrogator to Draco and back again, before he nodded his head.

"Yes, sir."

"Please continue," said the interrogator weakly.

Harry then told the court about the messages Draco had left for the Ministry in each hideout the Malfoy group was using, including information which confirmed the identity of the mole within the Ministry who had made the initial attack on Harry and the Weasleys possible.

  Finally Harry testified to Draco's actions over the two nights which resulted in his father's capture. The courtroom was silent as the audience listened in rapt fascination. Harry could feel the electricity in the room as he described how Draco had provided all the details he knew to the Auror team prior to the raid.

However, it was his testimony about Draco's final actions that left even the members of the Wizengamot astonished.

"So Mr Malfoy approached his father and took up a position beside him. Was Mr Malfoy attempting to rejoin his father?" said the interrogator.

"No, sir," replied Harry. "Draco fired a stunning spell into his father's neck, ending the standoff and rescuing the hostage."

The sudden explosion of noise throughout the courtroom startled Harry. People were standing as they tried to come to terms with what Harry had just said. Eventually the din died down and the interrogator continued his questioning.

"Did anybody else witness these actions?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, sir, there were many witnesses to Draco's actions, all except the incident at the Burrow. That incident was witnessed only by me, but I did provide the Ministry with my memories of the incident shortly after I arrived at St Mungo's that night."

The interrogator seemed pleased with that. "Do you have anything further to add, Mr Potter?"

"No, thank you, sir," replied Harry, feeling his taught muscles starting relax.

The interrogator turned his attention to Draco.

"Mr Malfoy, do you wish to ask any further questions of Mr Potter?"

Draco had sat and listened to Harry, scarcely believing what he was hearing. Harry had omitted nothing, even including things like the identity of the mole which he himself had forgotten about. He was now too stunned to think of anything he might ask of Harry.

Draco shook his head slowly. "No, sir," he answered, his voice rasping slightly.

"Very well," began the interrogator. "The Wizengamot will confer privately for ten minutes before delivering our decision. Mr Potter, you are excused."

Harry stood and felt a wave of relief pass through him. He quickly exited the courtroom to wait outside with the rest of the crowd. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione joined him as the reporters began to question him on everything they had heard in the last half an hour, but Harry made no effort to reply.

Ten minutes passed by surprisingly quickly, but no activity could be heard coming from within the closed courtroom, and the doors gave no hint of being reopened as the minutes continued to tick by. Harry guessed the debate going on inside was rather lively as they considered their course of action.

As the increasingly frustrated crowd waited outside the courtroom, Harry glanced at his watch. It indicated that almost an hour had now passed. He leant over to whisper to Ginny, but his attention was suddenly drawn to the courtroom doors as they finally reopened. Harry re-entered the courtroom with his friends to hear the fate of Draco Malfoy.

The Wizengamot Chief waited patiently for the crowd to settle down before he began to give his decision. Harry noticed that everyone was leaning forward, including Draco, as they listened intently.

"First of all, I must apologise for the delay," began the Wizengamot Chief. "Due to the extraordinary nature of the claims made by Mr Potter; we were compelled to seek confirmation of the events as they were described. The testimony provided by Mr Potter has been found to be true in every detail."

The Wizengamot Chief again waited until the crowd fell silent.

"Mr Malfoy, the Wizengamot has rarely, if ever, heard testimony of such strength on behalf of a previously convicted individual. Nor have we seen the testimony provided so strongly confirmed by members of the magical community whose reputations are beyond question. The Head of the Auror Office, and the Minister for Magic, no less, have both confirmed elements of Mr Potter's testimony."

Again the murmuring spread through the audience.

"The Wizengamot has taken into account the crimes you were originally sentenced for, and weighed them against the actions you have undertaken to not only prevent further bloodshed since the end of the war, but to also assist the Ministry in the apprehension of numerous fugitives, including your father. The Wizengamot appreciates that this course of action must have been an exceptionally difficult decision for you to make."

Harry glanced at Draco and could see he was looking very pale as he focussed on the Wizengamot Chief.

"The decision we have reached was not an easy one, and nor was it unanimous, Mr Malfoy. I would suggest that in the future, you endeavour to ensure we have not made the wrong decision."

"Draco Malfoy, you are ordered to be released from Azkaban prison immediately."

Harry ignored the pandemonium that broke out around him as he stared at Draco. He saw the young man's shoulders slump as he sat back in his chair, before a Magical Law Enforcement agent stepped to him and began to unlock the shackles which bound his wrists and ankles.

Draco was escorted from the courtroom, his eyes fixed firmly on the floor in front of him as Harry watched from his seat. To his own astonishment, Harry was glad Draco had been spared any more time in Azkaban, and he hoped his former enemy could find the peace he sought.

                                                               *

 

Hogwarts had become home to many nervous students as the end of year exams approached. The last few weeks of regular lessons passed by swiftly, but Harry had never been so relaxed in his life before.

He had chuckled as Ron bemoaned the fact he was being permitted less time with Hermione as she commenced her rigorous revision schedule before her final exams. Ginny, meanwhile, had adopted a rather philosophical view of the situation, declaring that she could always come back and study again if she did not achieve her desired results.

The muggle born class lessons had also started to develop a noticeable increase in intensity as the kids prepared for their Second Year exams.

As the end of the school year approached, Harry quietly undertook two tasks.

The first was the return of the Elder wand to the tomb of Albus Dumbledore. In the end it had turned out to be a relatively simple process, with Harry and Minerva visiting the white marble tomb during the night. Minerva had cast the spells to open the tomb, before Harry placed the wand on top of the robes Albus had been interred in. Then Minerva had recast the original spells to seal the tomb, and it was over.

Harry had shaken his head at the simplicity of it as he made his way back to the castle with his Headmistress, wondering why he had imagined it would be such a difficult task.

The second task had involved his Potions book. With Hermione's blessing, he had stayed behind following one of his final Potions lessons, and given Professor Slughorn a copy of the potions book he had been using this year. Professor Slughorn had agreed to test the spells to determine if they could be used at the school the following year.

Now Harry found himself conflicted about his upcoming N.E.W.T. evaluation in Potions, as it would truly represent an end to his days at Hogwarts. Harry decided there was nothing for it but to enjoy the time in the castle that remained to him.

                                                               *

 

The night before his final exam, Harry was surprised to find himself summoned to the Headmistresses office, along with Ginny, Ron, and Hermione.

To no-one's surprise, Kingsley was waiting for them in the office, Gawain Robards by his side as Minerva sat behind her desk.

"Ah, come in and join us," boomed Kingsley as Harry entered the office, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione right behind him.

The four friends sat down with Kingsley and Gawain as Minerva rose from her desk to join the group.

"I am sorry to disturb you all just before your exams are due to start," began Kingsley, "but I thought you may all like to know about the outcome of Lucius Malfoy's trial."

Harry exchanged startled looks with the others before focussing on Kingsley.

"What trial? We haven't heard anything about a trial," said a bewildered Harry.

Kingsley smiled at Harry. "I know you haven't. The trial of Lucius Malfoy was held in secret, as we didn't wish to give any sympathisers to his cause an opportunity to attempt some sort of foolhardy rescue attempt while he was inside the Ministry."

Harry nodded his understanding, seeing his friends do the same beside him.

"Anyway, Lucius was less than impressed to discover the depth of Draco's involvement in his downfall. That information had been kept from Lucius until the last possible moment; suffice to say it has come as a rather nasty shock for him."

Ron interrupted Kingsley before he could go on. "Didn't Lucius know it was Draco that stunned him?"

"Apparently not, Ron," replied Kingsley "Or if he did, he had refused to accept it."

Kingsley shrugged his shoulders before he continued.

"Lucius has made the expected threats of vengeance against Draco and Narcissa, but surprisingly not against any of you," said Kingsley, grinning at the incredulous looks he was receiving from his audience. "All that aside, Lucius has been sentenced to life in Azkaban. He will never be released and his wand has been broken... metaphorically, of course. Lucius no longer possessed a wand of his own."

Harry felt numb as he listened to Kingsley. He shuddered at the thought of life in Azkaban, but if anybody deserved it, he knew Lucius did. Too many had died at his hands for him to be permitted to taste freedom again.

"We have also now learned why Randall Chormley was so determined to see you all dead," continued Kingsley. "Lucius started revealing everything he knew in an effort to have his sentence reduced. The foolish man didn't seem to realise that nobody had made any sort of deal with him."

"It appears that Mr Chormley was Voldemort's man on the inside. He and Lucius had met at school, where Mr Chormley was introduced into the Death Eaters by Lucius. Voldemort apparently realised that it would be far more useful if he could have a spy of his own within the Ministry, so that is the task he set Randall. He would be Voldemort's eyes and ears within the Ministry, even spying on his own people after they took over the Ministry two years ago. Voldemort was so paranoid he didn't even trust his most fanatical supporters in the end."

"As you can imagine, all manner of riches and rewards were promised, and when Voldemort fell, Randall realised he would never see any profit or power for his sacrifices. He did the only thing he could think of, and ran back to his old school mate, Lucius Malfoy."

Harry grunted. He wondered if Randall Chormley realised now that he had been used by Lucius, just as Voldemort had used him.

"So what happens now?" asked Harry.

"We all move on," replied Kingsley happily.

Harry thought about that for a second. "Maybe not Draco," suggested Harry.

"Don't be too sure of that, Harry," said Kingsley. "Draco has recently sold Malfoy Manor, and donated most of the proceeds to St Mungo's."

"Blimey," blurted out Ron.

"Indeed," said Kingsley as he chuckled. "In fact, I am currently entertaining the idea of offering Mr Malfoy a job within the Ministry."

Gawain tried not to laugh as he watched Kingsley struggle under the torrent of disbelief aimed at him by Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione. Evidently the four friends still had certain trust issues when it came to Draco Malfoy.

Kingsley rolled his eyes and sat back to wait for everyone to settle down. When calm was finally restored, he thought he should provide the four friends with an explanation.

"There are three reasons why I am considering this step," began Kingsley patiently. "First of all, it would be a very low level position in a Department that has no security responsibilities or sensitive information to handle. Secondly, it will make it a lot easier to monitor Draco if he works within the Ministry, and you must remember he has also become a target for supporters of Voldemort and his father."

Harry and Ron looked at each other, both of them considering the danger Draco now found himself in.

"And thirdly?" asked Hermione.

"Thirdly, Draco has earned a second chance. To leave him unemployed on the street may only serve to drive him back towards the darker elements of our world. This way, he may be able to build a new life for himself that takes a different path to his fathers."

Harry wasn't sure he was comfortable with this idea, but he could see the logic behind it.

"Make sure you keep an eye on him," warned Harry.

Kingsley gave Harry a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we will be. Now, while you're all here, Gawain also has some news for you."

Gawain was suddenly met by four sets of piercing eyes. He had not intended to say anything until he was before the Auror training group as a whole.

"Ah, right," he stammered. "As you know, we are modifying the Auror training program to suit more closely the team structure of Dumbledore's Army. Due to recent events, we have fallen a little behind in our planning, so I am sure you will all be delighted to hear that after you finish at Hogwarts, you will have a few weeks off before the Auror program starts."

Gawain saw the smiles appear on the faces of the four students before him. While he himself wasn't happy about the delay, he knew these teenagers deserved a break after the year they had just been through.

Following this announcement, the conversation moved on to the start of exams tomorrow. This prompted Hermione to stand up and say goodnight as she had some last minute revision she wanted to do. Ron had followed her out the door, giving Harry and Ginny a grin as he went.

Finally Harry and Ginny returned to their room, both knowing they faced a nervous night as they contemplated their Potions exam in the morning.

                                                               *

 

"So, how do you think you went?" asked Seamus nervously as he sat down opposite Harry and Ginny at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall.

Harry gave Seamus a crooked smile as Ginny lifted her head from his shoulder.

"Not bad," said Harry, trying to contain the joy he felt now that his exams were over. "I didn't realise it would be so heavy on the theory side though," he admitted.

Seamus grunted in agreement as Ron and Hermione joined them. Harry looked around but could find no sign of Lavender.

"Hey, where's Lavender," he asked.

Seamus indicated towards the doors. "She's gone to post a letter to her parents. She promised she would tell them how she thought she went after every exam."

"Good thing she isn't studying too many subjects then," observed Ron.

Meanwhile, Ginny turned to Hermione. "How did you go?"

Hermione bit her bottom lip. "I'm sure I missed some of the ingredients required for Draught of the Living Death," she fretted, "and I know I got the brewing order wrong."

Ginny smiled as Hermione's head fell. "So, that good huh?"

Ginny thought she had done enough to pass, and she silently thanked Hermione for the book she had written for Harry. Its beauty and detail had inspired her and Harry to read it repeatedly, without them realising they were absorbing so much of the information the book contained.

In fact, the slightly unorthodox methods they were using, which had been developed by Severus Snape, to create potions and antidotes had caused a few comments to pass between the examiners after they had departed the classroom. The methods of Harry and Ginny had not been identical to those that the examiners were looking for, but they couldn't deny the results.

Beside her, Harry checked his watch. "Our class should be finishing their first exam any minute now."

"Which exam did they have first?" asked Ron.

"History of Magic," replied Harry, seeing both Ron and Seamus grimace.

"Oh well, at least they get the worst subject over with first," commented Seamus.

"Hey," said an indignant Hermione, "it's a good subject. You just don't like it because you never bothered to study properly."

Harry and Ron grinned as they watched Seamus cower under Hermione's stern glare.

"Sorry, Hermione," muttered Seamus, vowing to get even with Harry and Ron as they chortled under their breath at his predicament.

Thankfully for Seamus, a distraction came in the form of the muggle born class. The five students came ambling into the Great Hall, looking rather harried. They had just taken their first exam with the rest of the second year students, and the experience had been a little overwhelming compared to the exams they sat prior to Christmas.

As the group wandered towards Harry and the others, Harry marvelled at how much they all seemed to have grown recently. He still thought of them as little kids, but some of them were teenagers now.

"When did they get so tall?" asked Harry, mostly to himself.

Beside him Ginny laughed. "Apparently it just happens naturally," she said.

"Hi, kids, how did you go?" asked Hermione, as their students reached the table.

She received a series of grunts and sighs in return, as the kids sat down at the table.

"That was hard," said Vicky, rubbing her temples as the stress started to wear off.

A look of fear crossed Hermione's face. "Oh no, I didn't teach you enough about the witch trials, did I?"

Vicky gave Hermione a weak smile. "No, it's not that, Hermione. The questions weren't too bad, but sitting with all the other second year students was really strange."

"They weren't mean to you were they?" asked Hermione.

"No," replied Vicky. "I'm just not used to that many people in one class."

Harry gave his students a sympathetic look. "Don't worry, Vicky. Once you start your next school year with the third year class, you'll get used to it."

Harry's comment was greeted by a collection of forlorn faces. "What's wrong, kids?" asked a confused Harry.

"Can't you all keep teaching us next year instead?" asked Mary, a note of pleading in her voice.

"I'm afraid not, kiddo," said Harry. "We have to start studying to become Aurors... well; most of us do, anyway."

Harry knew his students would have some difficulty adjusting when they joined the regular school program, feeling they had lost their special little class. Their final lesson last Friday had been a rather subdued event, as even he found himself choked up as he contemplated no longer teaching these students.

For an instant, Minerva's offer rose up in his mind, and he was startled to find he had a sudden desire to reconsider his decision. The desire faded quickly, but he could not deny he had been sorely tempted to stay and teach at Hogwarts. Some other time, he told himself.

"What exam have you got after lunch?" asked Harry, already knowing the answer but hoping to refocus his students on the task at hand.

"Transfiguration," replied Alex, smiling as he knew it was his best subject.

To Harry and Ginny's amusement, and Hermione's joy, Ron started to quiz the kids on various techniques and spells they might be tested on. By the time lunch had finished and they prepared to head off to their next exam, Harry's students were brimming with confidence.

Once the muggle born class had departed the Great Hall, Harry and Ginny made their way to the classroom the second year transfiguration exam was being conducted in. There they took up their vigil and waited outside for their young students to emerge.

                                                               *

 

 For Harry the end of the exams came quickly, as he was not burdened with the stress of anxious anticipation. He had spent much of the previous few days sitting in the Great Hall with Ginny, both of them providing support for their friends and students as they prepared for and then returned from each exam.

While the exams were being conducted, Minerva had taken the opportunity a number of times to subtly remind Harry of her offer, which Harry was starting to have trouble brushing aside as the idea had now planted itself firmly in his mind. In fact, he had even discussed the job offer with Ginny throughout the week, despite still being determined to join the Aurors.

Finally the exams had come to an end, and Harry and Ginny could sense that the entire school body was breathing a huge sigh of relief. Harry, however, was acutely aware that he had only one more night in the castle before he would board the Hogwarts Express for the last time. Even Ginny was starting to adopt a slightly downhearted mood, as the last two months of her life at Hogwarts had been the happiest she could remember.

As the sun set slowly behind the mountains beyond the Black Lake, Harry and Ginny had made their way down to the water's edge and sat down under their tree one last time. Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny as she leant against him, both of them enjoying some peace before the feast tonight, and the train ride home tomorrow that was sure to be emotional.

                                                               *

 

The end of year feast was the best that anybody could remember having attended before, and the noisiest. The school had played host to its largest number of students in history this year, who were now all letting their hair down, as if trying to make up for the lost opportunities of the previous year.

After the meal, Harry had flittered between the tables as he said goodbye to his schoolmates. Once he returned to his seat beside Ginny and Ron at the Gryffindor table, he noticed that many students were looking towards the staff table expectantly.

Harry turned his attention in that direction just in time to see Minerva McGonagall take her place at the podium to address the students.

"Good evening, boys and girls." Minerva's voice rang out through the hall. "Another school year is at an end, and on behalf of the staff I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience and support throughout the year. You have all been a part of the largest group of students ever hosted at Hogwarts in a single year, and you are a credit to yourselves for the conduct you have all displayed towards each other."

The students grinned at each other as they applauded their Headmistresses words. Minerva smiled briefly before her expression reverted to her stern gaze.

"On a sad note, you have once again had to endure the loss of a number of your classmates; a situation I dearly hope we can avoid in the future. I know it has been difficult for many of you to cope with these deaths, but your mature behaviour in dealing with a horrible situation has been exemplary. In your restraint you have avoided the mistakes of the past, and I feel a renewed sense of hope for the future as many of you prepare to head out into the world."

Harry looked around the hall as Minerva spoke of the deaths, but was surprised to find nobody was looking at him. When death was mentioned in the Great Hall, he usually found himself the reluctant centre of attention, a mixture of accusation and sympathy in the faces directed towards him. Now, on his final night within Hogwarts, his fellow students had not signalled him out. Without realising it, Harry sighed with relief.

At the podium, Minerva continued as her tone brightened up.

"For the majority of you, who will be returning next year, Hogwarts will be returning to its traditional structure, with the tutors and the special class for muggle born students no longer being necessary. Before that happens though, I would like to take the opportunity to thank those teachers and Professors who gave so much of their time this year."

Again applause rippled through the hall, while Harry shared embarrassed looks with his fellow teachers, all of them grateful at not being asked to stand up before everybody.

"Now, before you all head off to bed to pack, if you not already done so, I would ask you all to show your appreciation for the house-elves who have looked after you this year."

Harry jumped in his seat as the Great Hall erupted into cheering for the house-elves of Hogwarts. He turned towards Hermione and saw that she was beaming as she joined the rest of the students in the cheering.

Harry was tempted to call Kreacher, as he thought his house-elf should see this, but he decided against it as he thought it would probably scare Kreacher a little too much. While his elf could now accept praise from him and Ginny, it was still a slow process as they all adjusted to Kreacher becoming comfortable being treated as an equal.

"Have a wonderful summer, and to those of you who are finishing at Hogwarts, we wish you all the best for the future. Thank you all," concluded Minerva, resuming her seat.

With the formalities complete, Harry took the opportunity to visit Hagrid at the staff table, saying goodbye to his oldest friend as huge tears splashed onto the table. Harry had sat down and spoken to Hagrid for several minutes, promising him he would see him again soon.

The remainder of the feast passed quickly for Harry as he tried to savour every moment. Finally, Ginny had stood and held out her hand towards him. Harry had smiled sadly as he took one last look around the Great Hall, before he stood and departed the hall with Ginny.

                                                               *

 

Minerva McGonagall was not surprised when she heard the gentle knocking on her office door.

"Come in," she called, almost adding 'Mr Potter' until she realised it might not be Harry.

The wooden door swung open to reveal that it was indeed Harry. He was carrying a book under one arm as he stepped into the office and closed the door behind him, before he stepped across the room and stood by the desk Minerva was sitting at, the last of her paperwork for this year spread before her.

"What can I do for you, Harry?" asked Minerva pleasantly, noting the somewhat subdued mood of her student.

"I was hoping I could speak to Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape before I left Hogwarts," said Harry, trying to hide the sadness in his voice.

Minerva smiled at Harry. "Of course," said Minerva as she glanced around at the two portraits. "They're both here. If Severus is pretending to be asleep again, just start banging on the frame of his portrait; it works for me."

Harry nodded and felt a smile touch his lips as stepped over to the portrait of Severus Snape.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on this frame, Potter," said a scowling Professor Snape, as he pushed himself up straight in the chair he had been reclining in.

"Of course not, Professor," said Harry. "I wanted to say goodbye, and I thought you might like to see this."

Harry held up the book he had been carrying. The portrait of Snape leant forward to get a better look, and Harry saw his eyes widen briefly as he saw the handmade Potions book in Harry's hands. Harry opened the book and began flipping through the pages.

A look of fear crossed Professor Snape's face. "I don't know where you found all those potions, Mr Potter, but not all of them are appropriate for your use."

"Don't worry, sir, they have all been tested by Hermione," said Harry. "I just thought you might like to know that your work here will be passed on to the next generation."

Snape remained motionless for a moment, before he nodded. "Thank you, Potter," he said gruffly.

Harry inclined his head towards the portrait of Severus Snape before he moved around the office and stood before the portrait of a smiling Albus Dumbledore.

"Well done, Harry. Very few people can elicit the thanks of Professor Snape."

Harry felt his throat start to burn as he looked at his old Headmaster. "Goodbye, sir," rasped Harry, completely lost for words.

"Farewell, Harry," replied Dumbledore kindly. "Rest assured, we will talk again one day. For now, I suggest you go and enjoy the happy life you have done so much to earn."

Harry nodded and mumbled, before he quickly wiped a tear from his eye.

"Thank you, Professor," said Harry.

Albus Dumbledore smiled serenely at Harry, before the old wizard sat back and closed his eyes. Harry was grateful as he turned back to face Minerva. He knew he would have remained standing there all night if Dumbledore had not brought the moment to a close.

"Are you alright, Harry?" asked Minerva as she stood from her desk.

Harry raised his eyes to meet those of his Headmistress. "I think so," he said softly. "Thanks for everything, Minerva. One day I will take you up on your offer."

"I look forward to it, Harry," said Minerva. "Now, do you still wish to take your muggle born class to Hogsmeade?"

Harry shook his head slowly. "No, I think you were right before Christmas. It wouldn't be fair to the other students. Besides, they will be third year students when they return, so they can go to Hogsmeade soon enough."

"A wise decision, Harry," said Minerva.

An awkward silence fell between them as Harry didn't know what to say next. Once again Minerva McGonagall came to his rescue, as she stepped forward and embraced Harry for a moment. When she stepped back from him, Harry was surprised to see tears in her eyes.

"Take care of yourself, Harry, and look after Ginny."

"I will, I promise," said Harry, before he turned and made his way out of the office for the last time as a student.

Harry made his way slowly back to his room, looking at the paintings which adorned the walls of the corridors, trying to commit it all to his memory. When he reached his room he found Ginny sitting on the sofa waiting for him.

They sat and talked for a little while before heading to bed. As the night came to an end, Harry reflected on the fact that he, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione would be leaving tomorrow. He felt his spirits lift as he realised the three best things about Hogwarts would be coming with him when he boarded the train in the morning.

                                                               *

 

Bright sunlight made the Hogwarts Express appear to glow, its scarlet engine already sending steam over the platform as it prepared to depart.

Harry stepped into the Prefect's compartment and took a seat as he waited for Ginny, Ron, and Hermione to finish ushering everybody else aboard the train. He kept his eyes focussed on the castle in the distance, wondering when he would see it again.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice Ginny enter the compartment and sit down beside him.

"Are you still with us, Harry," whispered Ginny in his ear.

Harry smiled as he turned to face Ginny. "I was just waiting for you, my Ginny."

Ginny kissed Harry before she put a hand on his cheek. "Are you okay?"

Harry felt the train lurch beneath him as it pulled away from the station. He kept his gaze focussed on Ginny as the countryside began to slip by. As the train rounded a bend and Hogwarts disappeared from view, he knew he was right where he wanted to be.

                                                               *

 

King's Cross Station was a scene of barely contained mayhem as the students disembarked the Hogwarts Express.

Harry stood on the platform with Ginny, Ron, and Hermione, none of them entirely sure of what to say as they waited for their trunks and belongings.

Distraction came in the form of the members of Dumbledore's Army. Various members gathered with them on the platform, and the mood rose rapidly as they wished each other good luck. Harry knew he would see most of them again when Auror training started, and the ones he wouldn't see, like Neville, he promised to keep in touch with.

The muggle born class had also found Harry and the others, dragging their parents behind them to meet their teachers. Apart from Lawrence and Judith Dearborn, the other parents had been startled to realise just how young their children's teachers had been. Of course they had been told about the famous group that would be educating their children, but to meet them in person and see for themselves how young they were was a surprise.

Harry had regarded his now former students with affection.

"Good luck next year, kids," said Harry. "If you have any problems, you know you can write to me anytime."

Harry received five nods as Hermione and Ginny began to hug each of the five students goodbye. Harry elected to shake hands instead, as he didn't think he could maintain his composure for much longer.

 Finally the trunks had been collected, and Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione had started to make their way towards the barrier when Molly and Arthur had come strolling down the platform towards the little group.

"Mum, Dad, what are you doing here?" asked Ginny, as her parents came to a stop before them.

Molly regarded her daughter with amusement in her eyes.

"We always pick you up. Why would this year be any different?" asked Molly.

Ginny glanced at Ron before turning back to her mother. "Right. Sorry, Mum. Thanks for coming to get us."

Molly smiled at the group before her. This was the last time she would collect her children as they returned home from school. She felt both relieved and sad as the reality of the situation finally sunk in. Nearly twenty years of this ritual had now come to an end.

Beside Molly, Arthur turned his attention towards Hermione.

"Are you expecting your parents, Hermione?"

Hermione shook her head. "Not this time. I told them I wouldn't be home until tomorrow," she said, her eyes flickering towards Ron for an instant.

Arthur grinned. "Ah, well, let's get going then. The Burrow awaits and Molly has been waiting all day to feed you lot."

As they began to slowly move up the platform, Harry noticed a small contingent of reporters gathered to one side. A warning glare from Molly however, seemed to keep them from making any move towards Harry, Ron, or Hermione.

The group then made their way through the barrier, not one of them looking back as they started talking excitedly about what they were going to do on their short break.