Demigods at Hogwarts

Warty what now?

August 1998

Harry's POV

My name is Harry Potter, the boy who lived. A lot has happened in the past few months. Dealing with the aftermath of a war isn't easy, but at least it's over. Looking at positives like that is the only way we all can move on. I know that, and believe me, I try, but I never expected it to be this hard.

I stood on the now fixed bridge leading up to Hogwarts. I leaned over and looked up at the freshly built castle staring back at me. I had spent my entire summer between fixing up Hogwarts, the burrow, black's mansion, and running from any wizard who swarmed me in broad daylight. The Ministry kept calling me and sending me letters. I used to read them; now instead I just toss them into the fire like floo powder.

I guess I've been traveling a lot too. In the beginning I was so haunted by the images of the battle here. I just had to get away. All I knew is that I couldn't sit around and grieve alone in my bedroom. I visited all of the families effected by this whole mess that Voldemort caused and my friends too. Honestly though, all it did was remind me of those people I should've saved but couldn't.

It's been a few weeks since then, and now they are just memories in the back of my mind. But sadly memories have a funny way of showing up in my nightmares.

It's still fine. I thought to myself, reassured myself. I have all of the people close to me. Me and Ginny got together this summer. I knew I could never do this alone. Hermione, the weasleys, we all stayed together, relied on each other. I closed my eyes, letting my mind drift for a second.

I stumbled, all I could see was a flash of red hair and freckles appearing in the black. Slowly dying before his brothers. I choked back a sob, not for me but for George.
I knew that a part of him died that day. And I couldn't help. I really miss Fred.

I guess you can say that that is my fatal flaw, I will always put everything on me. People try to convince me other wise, but I know I will never be able to shake that feeling completely.

It all came flooding back at me as I continued to stare at the Hogwarts, the place I felt at home in. Now I'm not so sure. I didn't even realize Hermione was there until I felt a hand gingerly touch my shoulder. I turned around to see her, grinning slightly, but I could see the brokenness in her eyes. I see it in all of our eyes. I don't think that it will ever go away.

I took a deep breath and lightly squeezed her shoulder. She turned to face me, she was actually smiling now. I don't get to see that enough. I smiled too, although I had no clue what for.

"What are you so happy about?" I asked as I watched her bounce up and down on the balls of her feet like a little kid.

"I just found out that the faculty decided to create a system so everyone who wants to retake their year at Hogwarts can! We can come back Harry, but this time a regular year. It's amazing. We can all be together and we all can get on with the rest of our lives normally."

"Only you would be excited about another school year, imagine Hogwarts being Normal." I said, genuinley hopeful for a good year, especially now that I knew for sure that a phycopath and murderer wasn't out to kill me and everyone I loved.

"Things will be different you know? Are you sure about coming back? ." I asked, my hands shaking as my mind filled with doubt and worry. It was a feeling I had gotten used to unfortunately. Hermione had said together , but just thinking about how many empty spaces will be in our classes, our common room, the spaces of those who won't be coming back.

"Of course, I know it will be different, but Hogwarts is our home Harry, it's okay to care about things sometimes, you don't have to worry anymore."