Author's Note: Hello, as you know I'm Mr. Nobody. Now, about the story it's a quadrate AU. It follows Book 7, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows to the last niche, but it ignores most of JKR or Jo interviews. So, it can be said that it is Book 7 compatible canon.

It was the first Fan Fiction I wrote. Why? It's explained below. So, at that time my writing skills and vocabulary were not so good, so bear with me for the first two chapters.

INSPIRATION: The inspiration for writing this fan fiction came from the anger I felt toward JKR. Yes, anger. I felt really bad that JKR hadn't wrote even one chapter describing the re-union of Ginny and Harry and describing the conditions of the wizarding world. So, here's the fan fiction.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter or any character or any places or objects made by J.K. Rowling.

REQUEST: I'm trying to keep the story canon, according to JKR books, not her interviews. So, if you found something un-canon, please tell me.

CHAPTER – 1

FIRST DAY OF FREEDOM

Harry thought of Kreacher bringing him a sandwich while he lay on the four-poster in the Gryffindor tower. Suddenly, Kreacher turned in Dobby and he was running towards him, a sandwich in his hand. Then, Dobby was lost in whirl of colors and than he saw Dobby in his arms, motionless. Harry tried to shake away that thought and tried to think about the four-poster, when Fred grinning face came in front of his eyes. He now didn't dare to close his eyes again. All the cheer and festivity were gone for him and his heart now felt like an endless pit of pain, grief, remorse, resentment and remorse. Harry's feet swayed and he sat on the chair, where he usually sat when he came to meet Dumbledore. Silent tears started falling from his eyes. He stared at every corner of the room, from one portrait to another, looking at every single thing of that office trying to mesmerize every single detail, like he would never be able to see it again. Ron and Hermione stared blankly at him and trying to understand what had happened to him. They were not alone who were looking with concern at Harry, every single old Headmaster and Headmistress, including Dumbledore stared from their portraits at him in disbelief. No one tried to break the silence. Suddenly he dropped his elbows on his laps and buried his face in his palms. This sudden reaction of Harry amused every one and Ron said moving towards him, "Are you fine, Harry?"

There was silence for two or three seconds, after which Harry said in a heavy voice, and for every word he spoke, it looked like he was using all his strength, "I… I want to… I will go… and put the wand."

He got up, and moved out of the room. When he reached the spiraling staircase, he looked back from his shoulder, and said to Hermione and Ron, which was more like an order then a statement, "I want to go there alone, if you understand."

Ron opened his mouth to say something, but Hermione kicked him on his knee. He stumbled and before he could say anything, she threw Ron a furious look and said to Harry in a sweet voice, "Oh, yes. You go and put the wand and we will go uh… in the hospital wing. Meet you their, bye."

Even, before she could complete her sentence, Harry walked down the stairs. He was walking like an Inferi, his face dull, quite opposite of what was when he had entered the office. There was no sign on his face, which showed happiness, or even relief. He pulled on his Invisibility Cloak, and headed down the stairs to Great hall. Everyone in the Great hall looked happy, despite the fact that most of them had lost their beloved and friends. He looked at them in disbelief. For the first time in his seven years of Hogwarts, he had seen such bonding. Harry wanted to raise his face and see the celebration, feel it, but he couldn't raise his face, he couldn't even sense the happiness which was following around the Great Hall. It was as if his face was suddenly very heavy for his fragile neck. He wasn't even paying attention where he was going, and three times he just merely stopped himself from bumping into others.

He left all the cheering inside and started walking down the grounds. After some moments of walking, he stood near the lake where Dumbledore tomb resides. The ground around it was nearly empty and he felt safe to take off his Invisibility Cloak. His wet eyes were shining like crystal as he looked at the tomb, trying to look past the stone wall and inside of it. He stared at the tomb for some more moments, than he whipped out his wand and waved it over the tomb. Nothing happened. He tried again and again, but nothing happened. After every try, he felt himself grew weak and weak; as he stumbled more and more. At last, he fell on his knees and they smashed in the ground. He looked at his wand with disgust and threw it at the tomb. It rebounded and fell near his knees. He searched his pocket and took out the elder wand. He stared at the tomb and then he stared at the wand. He stood up again taking the support of the tomb and waved the elder wand over the tomb. To the delight of his eyes, the tomb split open. He thought of putting the wand on the chest of Dumbledore and the wand seemed to understand his thought as it moved itself to Dumbledore body, and rested itself on Dumbledore chest.

Struggling to stand, Harry took his wand and waved it again. This time the tomb merged in one, as it was never broken. Then suddenly he felt his mind go blank, his eyes succumbed in darkness and his legs gave up. The Invisibility cloak whipped in the air and covered his body, only leaving his head uncovered. For a moment or two, he was semi-conscious, but next moment his mind fell into nothingness.

Harry was walking in a dark corridor, and he was trying to reach to the end of it, where he saw an opening. He kept running as sounds of cries kept piercing his ears, but he couldn't help them. He wanted to stop, to help them, but his legs were not under his control. Then he heard a very familiar and cold voice, "Run Potter. But, there's no one now who is going to die for you."

Harry turned his head to see Voldemort, but behind him he saw more dreadful scenes. Hermione body was being ruthlessly tortured by Bellatrix, Ron being whipped by a whip emblazed with spikes, He couldn't see more; he wanted to close his eyes. He cried for them, shouted at the Death Eaters to leave them. They replied by torturing his friends more. They cried for help. He tried to reply, but his will broke off as he saw corpse of his parents and Sirius burning in fiendfyre.

Suddenly Harry heard a shriek. He felt hot water dripping down his cheeks. He summoned all of his strength and opened his eyes a little. Everything he saw was blurred. But, he could make out a pair of red rimmed brown eyes, from which tears were falling. He tried to focus on the face, but his mind was once again sucked into nothingness.

He woke up in the Hogwarts ground, where he was knocked-out in the afternoon. But now it was a pretty different site. Hogwarts was demolished and the sky was dark black and no stars were twinkling in the sky. All around him laid dead bodies.

He heard a voice, quite familiar, moaning in pain and said, "You Harry… you failed to protect us."

Harry moved to the source of the voice, and saw Professor McGonagall. Her robes were soaked in blood, and blood was seeping out from every part of her body. She was breathing heavily. Harry dropped to his knees and tears started running down his cheeks. Harry summoned all of his strength and said, "Who did this — tell me who did this?"

But there was no answer. Her eyes were unfocused and staring in the distant sky. Suddenly Harry sprang to his feet. He didn't know where he was going, but every step he took, increased his strength and determination and decreased his pain and grief. He wiped off his cheeks with the back of his hand. He didn't care for the dead bodies anymore or for the shriek for helps.

"FACE ME, YOU COWARD." Harry roared, coming to a halt. But reply didn't come. He saw Nearly-Headless Nick floating in the ground, and Harry yelled at him, "Nick, wait." Nick saw him running towards him and gave him a disgusting look. Harry halted and asked him, "Who did this, Nick? Tell me."

Nick didn't answer. He stared at him; disgust was all over his pearly white face. Harry felt revolted and just as he was going to ask him again, Nick spoke, "Are you happy know, you dirty stain on the name of Gryffindor. When we needed you, you didn't come to our aid, huh. They took his revenge and killed all of them" — pointing at the dead bodies — "Now, Potter would be happy, seeing a mass of people dying for him. You have become fond of seeing people die for you." After saying this he dissolved in the air.

Harry stood there, wanting to yell, but no sound came from his mouth. He wanted to cry, to feel remorse but he didn't felt anything. Does it was true that he had become fond of seeing people dying for him that he now does not feel guilt or remorse? After some thinking he understood it was true. He now did not care about anyone or anything.

Suddenly he felt a pressure building on his body, trying to force him in the ground. He heard again the cold laugh, which he thought he had left behind, "You see Potter, you didn't care for anyone except yourself. You are like me and we both should have joined hands, but you chose the other way and you should pay for your choice."

"Where are you?" Harry roared, "I killed you. You can't be alive."

"You idiot boy! I was never killed. You thought my own spell could kill me. I will now punish you for your idiocy." Voldemort answered in the same cold and dry voice.

Harry felt the piercing pain in his scar again. He clamped his hand on his forehead and slumped to his knees. When the pain eased, he couldn't see anything. He felt pressure building in his lungs again, which was suffocating him. Then, there was a jolt of light and he opened his eyes.

He was again standing in the long corridor he thought he had left before. Here he saw everyone, he cared about being tortured and he ran for their aid. But the near he got the farther they move. He wanted to cry, but tears didn't come. He saw Ginny being tortured by a whip, Ron suspended in mid-air from his neck, Hermione drowning. But as he ran to help them, he felt his legs sank in the dark stoned floor. Someone was laughing behind his back, but he couldn't even move a single finger. As he tried to break himself from these bonds, he saw many more people crying for help. He tried to calm himself and he closed his eyes.

He felt a warm hand on his forehead, and he opened his eyes. He saw those beautiful brown eyes again, he had seen before he had fallen in the darkness again. But, they were now puffy and red. He was between a dispute in his mind. Is it a dream he is seeing or was the dark corridor he saw before was dream? He was praying that this should be the reality or if it was a dream; he should never awake. Partly opening his eyes he tried to sit, but a warm and soft hand resisted him. He tilted his head a little and murmured, "Who's there?"

He heard a very sweet voice, slightly hoarse, "What Harry?"

There was certain happiness in the voice. Harry at once realized that it was the voice of Ginny and a rush of power flowed in his whole body. He sat and stared at her, as she was the most beautiful thing he ever saw. Suddenly he realized that he was not in the ground; but in someone bedroom.

He searched the bed for his spectacles, slapping his surroundings but he didn't found it. Seeing this, Ginny quickly took up his spectacles from the table and gave to him.

"What happened to me?" Harry asked scratching his head.

Still staring at him, Ginny was surprised at the question and said, "Umm… what were you saying… oh yes… I found you — um — unconscious in the ground."

Harry wasn't listening to her; he was staring at her. He just couldn't resist looking at her. The whole room was lost to him. He was looking at her face, taking in every single detail. His eyes drifted from her eyes, to her delicate nose, and at last to her lips. The temptation bubbled and erupted from his chest to his full body. And suddenly, without thinking twice, he kissed her. Holding her from waist, and gently stroking her hair, he continued to kiss her. First, she was surprised, but then she started to kiss him with same enthusiasm. They broke-off the kiss, but as suddenly as they broke-off they kissed again. It was more intense, and they even didn't realize when somebody entered.

"What the ruddy hell are you both doing? Harry, you are supposed to be taking rest, not making out with my sister," Ron blasted on both of them.

This took Harry by surprise. Ginny stumbled and almost fell, but he caught her by wrist and with great difficulty pulled her up on the bed.

"It is not your matter Ron. Get lost," said Ginny, giving Ron a furious look.

This argument drew attention, and Hermione came running into the room. Ron was proceeding towards Ginny, hand in his pocket, to draw his wand at the slightest movement. Hermione saw this and hurried between them. She looked tense and was breathing heavily.

"Get out of the way, Hermione," Ron yelled.

"Ron don't be stupid. Let's go out for a walk." said Hermione in a pleading tone.

"No, Hermione you go. I have to settle this matter once and for all," Ron yelled again.

"What is the matter, Ron?" asked Hermione.

"Don't act like you don't know anything," said Ron. His temper was increasing again and his face was now beet red. He waited for her to say something, but when Hermione didn't said anything, he said trying to keep his voice low and normal, "You didn't remember, he promised me he will stop messing around with Ginny. He ditched her and now" — he lost control and yelled — "he's just bloody using her."

There was a deadly pause for a second. It felt devastating and torturous. Hermione started crying and Harry bellowed standing up from his bed, "You know Ron I love her" — he stumbled and had to take the support of bed to keep standing — "but, I had to broke our relationship…"

Before he could complete, Ron interjected, pushing Hermione sideways, "For you, my family risked everything. Fred lost his life and you are paying us like this."

Harry threw him a look of disgust and said, "Y…"

SMACK.

Before he could say a word, Ron punched him hard in the face and when Harry fell, he spat on his face. Harry was unable to move. It was like somebody has used Body Binding curse on him. Ron grab hold of Ginny's hand, who had leaned to help Harry.

"Leave my hand, Ron. I pity myself because I am your sister," Ginny yelled at him, yanking her hand out of his hold. Hermione fell to the floor and tears started to roll down her cheeks. Ron gazed at all three of them and then stormed out of the room. Hermione gave a look of apology to Ginny, and stood on her feet, which were trembling and followed Ron.

Ginny held Harry by his shoulder and help him sat on the floor, his back leaned against the bed. Both of them didn't speak for a while. Harry opened his mouth for saying, but words didn't come. He felt hot liquid accommodating in his mouth. He thought it was just his spit. He only realized it was something else when it starting falling on the floor, and Ginny gave a shriek.

"What happened?" Harry asked. He felt a wave of pain running in his jaws. Before he could do anything, Ginny was dabbing his jaw with her handkerchief. Harry felt a piercing pain when she dabbed his broken tooth a little hardly and he let out a moan. Ginny's face blanched. Harry wanted to say consoling words to her, but he couldn't. For the first time since he was awake, he looked outside. It was night, but not a dull night, a bright night. Stars were shining like bulbs and the night sky was decorated with fireworks. He gazed around the room, and found it surprisingly familiar. Everything was bigger than the normal size and then he realized it was Hagrid's cabin.

"I will bring you water and food," said Ginny in an undertone. Harry grab hold of her hand. He shook his head and without saying tried to say her not to leave. Ginny understood and said in a consoling voice, "I'm not going anywhere, the food is just here" — pointing at the big table — "I will just arrange it and bring it here."

Ginny got up and gave him a glass of water to gargle. He got up trembling and moved out of the room. People were celebrating and no one took notice of him. He took a sip, and sloped it out.

Harry was no longer seeing or listening to anyone. He was thinking about his sixth year of Hogwarts, when he found Ginny and Dean snogging and thought of every possible reason, which could happen to him keep away from trying to date Ginny; he was frequently hit by the thought of the ending of Ron and his friendship. But, he ignored it and now he paid the price. This time surely their friendship was off. He couldn't help but blaming himself.

Harry asked himself again and again, why he loved Ginny so much, when he knew that it could be dangerous for their friendship. He could have forgotten Ginny like he forgot Cho, maybe not, but he could have at least tried it. But no, he always liked to get what he wanted, and so he had scrambled his friendship and a relationship of brother and sister. These thoughts rampaged his mind like ghost and the more he thought about it, the more he felt depressed.

He saw Ron and tried to follow him, but he heard a bang and felt pain piercing his body. He opened his eyes and found himself sprawled on the ground, the glass shattered into pieces. Then, he heard footsteps getting closer and closer. He wanted to get-up and disappear but no muscles of his body was under his control. His eyes were loosing focus and he saw silhouette of someone he thought he recognized. He heard muffled sounds and his eyes went dark.

He got up in a different room. It looked much more comfortable. He saw two people coming towards him. He could not make out their faces, only he could see their silhouette. The taller one came towards him, and Harry realized it was Ron. He looked happy and said calmly, "Ginny now finally understood, that you are a filthy piece of scumbag. You cannot be trusted. You are a liar, a dark spot on the name of friendship."

"Yes, brother. Now I finally understood he is just an attention-seeking filthy little brat." said Ginny calmly. Pointing at Harry, she gave him a look of complete disgust and loathing and continued, "You never loved me. You just always took me as a replacement for Cho. I should have understood, you were just using me as you couldn't manage to impress her."

"No…" Harry yelled.

"No…"

"What happened Harry? Do you need something." asked Ginny/ looking nervous.

"Bad dream." He said half laughing and half nervously.

He realized that he was still in Hagrid hut. He asked Ginny, looking concerned, "I don't want to be rude or something, but what I'm doing in Hagrid hut."

"You don't remember" — wiping her wet cheeks with her sleeve — "you were lying in the ground, this afternoon." She looked happier then before. It seemed, as having a conversation with Harry was the thing she wanted from a long time.

"I found you lying there, and I… " — she turned a deep shade of red and gulped — "I… called everybody. Madam Pomfrey said that you just need a little bit of rest and Hagrid said you could rest in his hut."

There was a short silence, in which both seemed to be waiting for the other to speak, gazing into each other eyes, green in brown. Their eyes were speaking what they weren't able to speak from their mouth. Both of their eyes were glittering, partly with tears and partly with the light of the lamp. They didn't move, just continued to stared at each other in affection, and this was one of the time when he didn't feel his muscles ache.

Their affectionate gaze was broken by a bang, which came from the night sky. It startled both of them, and Ginny flung to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. She quickly tried to untangle herself, but Harry kept her tangled with him. Her face turned a deep red, and she opened her mouth to say something, but Harry put a finger on her lips. They both held each other. Harry could feel her heart beating and was quite sure that she could feel his too. He was embarrassed. Ginny pulled her head a little and now they both were gazing in each other eyes again. Both of them felt embarrassed as both of them turned deep shade of red. Harry wanted to kiss her, but was held aback by a strange force.

And before anyone of them could do something he was trying to prevent, he spoke, in a very sweet, calm and light tone, "Where's everyone?"

"Everyone is celebrating." — She saw the look on Harry face — "It's more like a Party of Honor for the people who have died defeating V… Voldemort." She wanted to say more but thought opposite and kept quite. The thought of celebration made Harry gloomy. He couldn't think of celebrating at this point. Trying to show no trace of gloominess in his voice, he asked her, "Why aren't you out there celebrating, Ginny?"

"Don't you like me here, with you…" she was interjected by Harry, "Don't even think about that. I l…" — There was a spark in her eyes, which lifted his heart, but thought of saying opposite remembering the previous incident happened in the morning — "I… want no one to miss the happiness for me. You go and I will take care of myself."

Hearing this, the spark in her eyes, which came a little while ago, was gone. She looked at the verge of tears, but collected herself and said in a calm voice, "No, I volunteered to look after you and I am not backing."

Harry felt a rush of gratitude inside him for Ginny. He was himself at the verge of tears. Ginny suspected it and changed the topic.

"Let's eat. We had all of your favorite here." said Ginny in a calm voice.

But, Harry was not hearing her. He was flowing in his thoughts. How much Ginny cared for her? Not only Ginny, everyone he knew, gave him importance more than themselves or their families, except somebody, as he remembered about Dursleys. He drifted out of his thought, and saw Ginny coming towards him with the food plate.

"How come they have left you here alone?" demanded Harry. He felt a warm liquid gush in his mouth, and saw Ginny looking at him worriedly. She rushed to him, put the plate on the bed, and took out her bloodstained handkerchief and dabbed his jaw again and said politely, "Don't force yourself while speaking. It's not healed and it's quite deep."

She produced a small transparent bottle from inside her robes, which was filled with dark green colored liquid. She took out the handkerchief from his mouth and poured a little of it on his jaw. The cut started to burn but he controlled his longing to moan thinking that it would just make Ginny worry more. She looked worried and asked him, "Does it hurt?"

Harry shook his head and said, "Don't change the subject." He was starting to loose his temper as he thought that everyone left Ginny here alone. His ears got red with anger.

Ginny looked worried, but she composed herself and said, "Don't get angry. All of them said to wait up to you wake-up, but I send them away." She waited for Harry to speak, but when he kept his silence, she continued, "They even came 15 or 20 min. ago, to change shift, but I like it here, sitting beside you."

"You shouldn't have waited for me. I don't want to be burden on anyone especially on you. You shouldn't sacrifice your happiness for me," said Harry trying to sound casual, but failing miserably at it.

Ginny was stunned by this reply of Harry. The shine of her eyes was now completely gone. She bowed her head down, as tears started welling in her eyes. He felt pathetic and tried to change the subject, "When the party is supposed to start?"

She looked at him, apparently unpleased for changing the subject, but nevertheless answered casually, "I don't know precise time, but hearing the bang's, it's about to start or have started."

There was a deadly pause for some seconds. Both tried to avoid each other eyes, but the more they tried the harder it was for them to avoid. Firecrackers were constantly bursting in the sky. Both of them said nothing, but were startled by a BANG. Ginny lost her balance, and stumbled a bit.

She stood and sat beside him. She looked exhausted and said very slowly, with the unmistakable tone of anger and disappointment, "Why are you trying to avoid me, Harry? Tell me" — she tilted his head to face her — "Don't you love me, Harry. If you don't, it's okay with me. But, I can't live with this confusion. So, answer me."

The last of her words were unclear because of her sobbing. He felt series of piercing pain running in his heart. He saw Ginny eyes glittering with tears. He wiped her cheeks with her palm, trying his best not to cry, and said in a consoling and calm voice, "It's not that what you are understanding, Ginny". He paused for Ginny to say something, but when he was not interfered he continued, "I cannot believe you even thought that I don't love you. But, you know…"

"What I know, huh," said Ginny, wiping her cheeks with her sleeve, "Ron interfered in our relationship and now for your friendship, you are ditching me." Her face became beet red with anger as she stood and moved to sat on the chair. Harry tried to follow her, but as soon as he stood and took a step, he stumbled. Ginny caught him, and help him sat on the floor. Her face blanched. Harry asked her, forcing her to sit beside him, "What happened to my leg?"

She looked uninterested in answering his queries and was looking in the other side. He didn't felt angry, he felt like a loser. He had now mostly lost everyone he loved or cared about. Tears sparkled his eyes, as he tried to stop himself from loosing control and said, "Ginny, look at me."

He put a hand on her cheek and tried to move her head to his side, but she resisted.

"'Please Ginny look at me," he sounded at the verge of crying, but he continued, "Don't leave me Ginny. Everyone is leaving me, but please Ginny, don't leave me."

And he started crying madly. He was quivering with the grief that had enveloped his heart. Ginny tilted her head to his side, and forced his head on her shoulder. She stroked his hairs gently and patted his head. He stopped crying, forced his head up from her shoulder, his eyes glittering with tears and said, "Ginny never leave me or ignore me like this again. Otherwise, I won't be able to live because I l…" — He gasped — "I love you, Ginny. I love you very much."

After saying this, he felt like, a great deal of weight had been lifted from his heart. He felt relaxed.

The shine in Ginny eyes was restored and she threw her arms around him. Harry couldn't control the sudden weight and fell on the floor beside him. But now he didn't cared about the pain surging through his body. She was kissing him all over his face and Harry was kissing her back. His mouth trailed to her neck, kissing it with the passion that could burn. They both lay there kissing each other, for a long time, soothing the tension and grief out of the other.

"Let's go to the party." Harry suddenly said giving a pause to the kissing. This question took Ginny by surprise, and after some seconds she answered, "If you are all right, we will go."

Harry nodded and she stood, stretching an arm to Harry. He took it and got up. His leg pained again and he asked, "You haven't told me how I hurt my leg."

Ginny hesitated, but answered in a low voice, "I don't know. I heard a bang and when I got to call you, you were lying outside your hands on your knees. Up to I know, you probably hurt your leg, when you tripped from the stairs. It's nothing serious."

Harry saw that Ginny and his cloth were very dirty and blood stained. He took his wand from the bed and pointed it towards Ginny, who was taken aback by this sudden movement, but she didn't do anything.

"Scourgify!" he said. Nothing happened, except some twigs flew from her hairs and some stains from her clothes vanished. Harry scratched his head with his left hand and suddenly a smile came to his face.

"Tergeo!" he said. This was more effective than before, as grease, dust and sand started to rise from her dress in the form of fumes. She coughed, but beamed at him when he gave a nervous look. He did it on him too, but was not pleased with the results.

"I am not good in household spells, I suppose," said Harry, smiling a little.

"Would you mind if we use my invisibility cloak to go the party?" said Harry, staring at their robes with disgust.

"No, I don't mind," replied Ginny, with a fond smile.

Harry looked around the room in search of his cloak, but didn't found it. Ginny had moved to a far corner and she came holding the cloak. He took the cloak, pulled it over them and moved out of the room.

The night sky was glittering with stars and firecrackers. They made their move to the castle, slowly, Harry taking the support of Ginny's shoulder to walk. This made him feel miserable and caused his cheeks to turn red with embarrassment. Nobody seemed to notice the voices their walking was causing, as they broke many twigs on their way and not even when they walked straight into two students.

When they came near the castle they heard cheering and heard a woman giving speech. They both recognized the voice of Professor McGonagall. The castle was lit with candles suspended in midair. Everyone was sitting on the four house tables. No one seemed to care about houses; parents, students and Hogsmeade resident sat on the table. Teachers and the members of Order of the Phoenix were sitting on a table on the raised platform. Professor McGonagall was giving speech. Nobody noticed a moan, which Harry gave when Ginny accidentally hit his injured leg. There was no sign of Ron and Hermione. The dead bodies were laying on fluffy quilts on the floor. Harry moved closer to the bodies. Ginny was not looking at Harry, her attention was focused on the table on which her family was sitting.

Ginny didn't notice Harry slipping out of the cloak and moving to the quilts where the bodies were kept. Harry himself didn't notice that he had slipped out of his Invisibility Cloak. He walked stumblingly and stopped dead when he saw the body of Lupin and Tonks. All the time spent he had with them came in front of his eyes. He stood there like a statue, his eyes fixed on them, as tears rolled down his cheek. He jerked his head a little and saw Fred body. His last smile was still etched on his face.

Harry completely broke on this sight and fell on his knees; a jet of blinding blue light just missed him by matter of millimeters. Everyone seemed to notice the blinding jagged light and the sound made by it. There was a rumbling sound and hundreds of wands were pointing at the source of the spell. Everyone froze at the sight. Ron wand was pointed at Harry, and Hermione stood beside him. There was a roar of anger. Everyone was gazing at Ron with disgust and anger. They all noticed Harry, but none of them looked at him. Ginny came running to Harry.

"I can't believe you, Ron." George roared from the Gryffindor table, "You are a big stain on the family. Impedimenta! " A jet of yellow light emerged from his wand, which was tackled by another jet of red light and it was followed by a blast in mid air.

Everyone looked astonished on this incident. They all looked amazed and looked around to see who had tackled George spell. All eyes were fixed on Harry, whose wand was raised in mid air, facing the point where few seconds before the two spells had collided.

"Are you mad? Why did you protect him?" yelled George at Harry. His face was red with anger; his wand still raised in air, pointing at Ron. Every pair of eyes was darting between George and Harry. But, Harry didn't answer George. George hastily trotted towards Ron, his hand clenched into fists. George raised his fist to hit him, but Hermione came between them. She was crying, her arms outstretched to protect Ron from George destructive anger. She shook his head vigorously and said, "Listen to me George."

George pushed her aside and was going to hit him when someone roared, "STOP."

George hand froze in mid-air, his fist merely inch away from Ron nose. He looked around and saw Professor McGonagall, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. All the order members and some of D.A. members followed them. Others were glued to their seats in horror. Seeing the matter slipping out of her hands, Hermione yelled in desperation, "Listen to me please."

"Now, what do you want to say," said Mrs. Weasley furiously, her face red with anger. She gave Ron an imitating and sharp sideways glance and continued, "After what he did, I…"

Hermione interjected with a pleading tone in her voice, "First listen to me and then come to a conclusion."

When no one said anything, she continued, "He wasn't aiming at Harry, he was aiming at Rita Skeeter."

There was a joint gasp by everyone. Professor McGonagall took the lead and said in a stern voice, "You know very well Miss Granger that all the reporters are stopped at the boundary. And still you are trying to save Mr. Weasley by using such lame excuses."

Professor McGonagall eyes were ablaze, her lips invisible as her mouth turned in a thin line. It was enough to bury anyone alive in the floor. Hermione understood the graveness of the situation and said in single breath, "Harry also know it."

Everyone gaze was shifted to Harry. Harry nodded. Now, Mrs. Weasley proceeded on Hermione and said furiously, her kind face contorted with rage, "So, where is she, huh. Maybe she Disapparated or maybe she DISAPPEARED." Her last words were so loud and cold that many people in the Great hall thought Voldemort had came back, and grabbed each other tightly.

Hermione look aghast. She had never seen Mrs. Weasley so angry. Her wand was at the ready, her face pale, it gave her the air of evil and yearning to cause pain like Bellatrix.

"I think I understand what she meant to say," said Harry addressing Mrs. Weasley.

All eyes were now on Harry. He sighed and continued, "Look there, Neville" — pointing at the gate where the spell hit — "is there a beetle."

Neville ran and started to find a beetle. Everyone looked confused, except Hermione who now looked relieved. Ron didn't show any emotion. His face was blank as he looked at Harry. Neville came to Harry, his hand clenched in a loose fist. He opened his hand, and there was a stunned beetle on his palm. Hermione ran to him and said to Neville, "Please put the beetle down."

She pointed her wand at the beetle and murmured something. A jet of violet-red light hit the beetle and it transformed itself in Rita Skeeter. All were amazed at this sight. Mrs. Weasley whose anger had crossed the limit of control, pointed at Rita and shouted, "Crucio!" The spell hit Rita squarely in the chest and she immediately got out of the stunned state and started wriggling in agony and shrieking in pain.

"Stop it at once, Molly," bellowed Mr. Weasley. He ran to Mrs. Weasley and snatched her wand and said, "Are you out of your mind."

"Petrificus Totalus!" Someone shouted. They saw Neville with his wand raised. Many eyebrows raised on his unexpected behavior.

"I didn't do it on purpose. She was running out of the room," said Neville, trying to avoid everyone's gaze.

"I think this should be more of a private matter," Kingsley said.

"Then let it be like that, Kingsley" Professor McGonagall said, pointing her wand at the door, "Colloportus!"

There were many clicks and the door sealed itself. Deadly silence flowed around the room. George looked guilty and said to Ron, ruffling his hairs, "Sorry. I shouldn't have behaved exaggeratedly."

Mrs. Weasley also looked guiltily, said to Ron, "But, how do you know it was Rita Skeeter?"

Ron didn't answer. Seeing the complexity of matter Hermione opened her mouth but was interjected by Ron, "Shut up."

His ear came out from his hair, and was scarlet colored due to embarrassment and guilt. Hermione open her mouth again, but Ron this time raised his wand, but Hermione was too quick for him and shouted, "Silencio!" Ron voice lost in his throat, as he opened and closed his mouth frantically like a fish. But, his wand was still pointed at Hermione and she shouted again, "Expelliarmus!"

Ron wand flew in the air and fell at Hermione feet. Everyone was amazed at this unexpected duel. Everybody seemed to be dumbstruck.

"What is happening here? Can anyone explain to me?" Professor McGonagall demanded.

Hermione answered as nothing had been happened, "Me and Ron were coming to the hall for the party, when he noticed the beetle hovering around the hall. We knew that Rita is an unregistered Animagus. So, Ron aimed the spell at her, and then Harry came out of nowhere."

Harry had moved himself to sit in between Lupin and Fred bodies. He behaved as nothing had happened; gazing at both of them, murmuring something and stroking their hair. Ginny sat beside him, holding him by his shoulders. But, none seem to give them any importance.

Mrs. Weasley took Ron in a rib-breaking hug. But still Ron showed a blank face.

George gave an astonished look to Ron and said, "You had been quite, lit…"

He was interjected by a loud thump on the oak gate. Everyone gasped and a silence surrounded the Great hall as everyone strained their ears to hear the person on the oak gates.

"Open up. What 'appened?" A loud roar was heard from outside.

"Hagrid," said Professor McGonagall, "Alohomora!" The gate opened up after many clicks and Hagrid emerged. He looked bewildered and angry. He had a large parcel in his hand and a baby unicorn beside him. Girls gave a pleasant sigh seeing the baby unicorn.

"What's 'appening 'ere? Tell me. Shouting was 'eard outside." Hagrid said releasing his parcel and waving his dustbin lid sized fist. The unicorn was still at his side, but little afraid because of the shouting.

"Are the reporters still here, Hagrid?" asked Kingsley.

"Yeah, but don't worry t'ey can't come in. Made sure of that," said Hagrid.

"An' Harry not in the hut," — pointing at Harry he said--"what the ruddy hell… what are yeh doin' here. I thought yeh needed rest." Hagrid anger was touching his limit. Suspecting what's going to come, Slughorn came running to him, conjured a big chair out of air and forced him on it.

"Keep yourself cool, Hagrid." Slughorn said offering him a drink. Hagrid drink it all in a big gulp. The unicorn curled at his feet and her golden hair illuminated Hagrid massive legs.

"Let's eat." Slughorn said trying to break the deadly silence. But no one seemed to pay any attention to him. Ginny and Harry were no where to be seen.

"Where are they? We need to talk," — pointing at the gate with his wand Hermione said, "Colloportus." The gate sealed itself.

"Why did you that, Ms. Granger?" asked Professor McGonagall.

"We need to clear some points" — pointing at Ron — "so, I don't want them running again." Everyone started to wave their hand randomly to catch Harry. But, no one succeeded.

Suddenly, Luna was pushed aside by someone. Dean who was sitting just beside Luna jumped in the air and fell with a thump. But, amazingly he was suspended in mid-air and with a swish Seamus snatched the cloak. Harry and Ginny laid there, the former clutching his knees.

"Are you mad?" Ginny yelled at Dean. Everyone was push aside by George, who lifted Harry in his arms and laid him on the table and yelled, "Madam Pomfrey, a little help."

Madam Pomfrey came running and started examining Harry. For the first time, Ron face showed expressions. His face was full of guilt and concern and his eyes were staring down on the floor. He opened his mouth to say something but no sound came from his mouth.

"Take this," said Neville, offering him his wand. He murmured a spell and suddenly Ron voice was back. But, now he was not interested in saying anything.

Madam Pomfrey was bandaging Harry's leg and said, "Nothing to worry. He is perfectly fine. Just tore a ligament. He will be fine by the morning." Everyone looked at her amazingly. Madam Pomfrey noticed it too and asked, "What's the matter?"

"Nothing", said George sarcastically, "It's no big deal. He had just torn his ligament. It's very common and he is just exaggerating the pain."

Madam Pomfrey turned red and Mrs. Weasley gave George a sharp sideways glance and said, "She knew what she said. If you knew better than her than show it, otherwise keep quite or I will just jinx your tongue."

Hagrid came running to Harry and said dozing, "Are… yeh… um… fine" — Hagrid sighed — "Harry?"

"You came very early, Hagrid," said George sarcastically, releasing his contained anger on Hagrid.

"I … not my mistake…. I'm feeling…. Um… a bit dizzy." Hagrid said. Everyone gave a questioning look to Slughorn, who in turn hurried and gave another drink to Hagrid and added in a whisper, "I was just trying to help."

Hagrid gave a yawn and all standing near him clenched their noses with their hands. Even Harry who was half-conscious yelled, "What's that foul smell?"

"Oops…" said Hagrid, clapping his hand on his mouth. He smashed his hand into the table and Harry gave a slop of blood and spit. Madam Pomfrey hurried, took his wand out and said, "Lumos." She opened Harry mouth carefully and looked at his wounded jaw.

She raised his wand and said, "Accio Comtrey." A medium-sized transparent bottle came flying to her hand. It was full with shining black liquid. She poured all of it in his mouth and then murmured some incantations. Harry wiggled and gave a moan.

"He's fine," said Madam Pomfrey looking at the concerned faces, "It's just he probably had been hit hard by a stone or something just as hard. He has a deep cut on his jaws and two teeth's had gone loose."

Ginny for the first time in the evening left Harry and moved to Ron. Throwing him a look of complete disgust, which clearly meant; you would be happy now. She said in a whisper, "You cannot take his happiness. You are always jealous of him and his achievement. You are nothing but a big stain on friendship." Ginny didn't sound angry; but there was a certain degree of coldness in her voice, which was enough to make hairs on the back stand. She moved again to Harry side and started stroking his hair gently.

"Everyone move and give Harry breathing space." Mrs. Weasley commanded.

"It's safe to let him eat, Pomfrey?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"Yes, I suppose so."

Everybody moved to the chairs. Ginny and Hermione help Harry up and escorted him to the near-by seat.

"Shhh…. Harry. Come and sit here," said Professor Slughorn, waving his hand at him. When he shook his head in disapproval, Kingsley and Doge also called him up. He told Ginny and Hermione to escort him there, as his legs were too fragile to support his weight. When they helped him sit and started moving, Harry caught their hands and said pointing at the chairs beside him, "Sit down."

Harry eyes wandered around the hall to find someone. When he was unable to find, who he was looking, he shouted, "Ron, come up." Every head waved to find Ron. Ginny and Hermione looked at him surprisingly. Michael suddenly broke into a run and caught Ron by his waist, who was sneaking out of the hall on all fours.

"What's happening today?" asked Professor McGonagall looking confused.

Mrs. Weasley added, "They are running away from each other."

Michael and Dean escorted him to the platform and forced to sit him on the chair beside Ginny. Ron threw a look of loathing and contempt at Michael and Dean. Ginny was suddenly very interested in talking with Hermione. The atmosphere on the platform was quite tense.

Kingsley got up moved to Harry and said, "Good evening my friends. Today is the day for which we all had waited and some of us had fought and lost their loved ones. So, now let's hear from Harry how did he managed to do such a task, which many wizard couldn't do."

"You sound like a reporter than a minister." chuckled Doge.

Harry ignored him, took the support of the chair and said, "Um… It is very flattering to hear this, but the members of D.A. deserve this prestige too. And I would be a filthy human and more a filthy friend, if I don't mention Neville, Luna and Ginny, who helped me throughout this journey."

All three of them stood and were given many round of applause.

"There's someone special too. I can give my life if I can have him back. He was a true friend, who helped me throughout, from my second year at Hogwarts." Harry continued in a thick and hoarse voice, "If it was not for him," — pointing at Ron, Hermione, Luna and Dean — "all five of us would have been in our deathbed. So, if you all can, let's have a one minute silence for Dobby, the free elf."

Everyone and everything fell into silence. No one dared to speak a word. After one minute, Harry requested again, "Let's have a two minute silence for all those who have died trying to protect us from Voldemort."

There was the silence again. No one spoke or moved. Everyone was gazing at the floor. Some people started sobbing.

"Now, I don't want to indulge anyone of you into my stupid talks and as Dumbledore liked to say, 'Tuck in'. And more talks or speeches could be listened and said afterwards." said Harry, trying to lift the mood.

For the first time, he looked at everyone. All eyes were puffy, but everyone looked happy. He couldn't understand it.

Everyone ate quietly. Ron seemed not much hungry as he ate very less compared to his daily feeds. After the feast, everyone looked at the raised platform again.

"May I get your attention?" said Kingsley.

"I know Harry, it has been a very hard time for you but I ask just a little more piece of advice." He added while walking towards to Harry.

Harry was taken by surprise as he didn't thought that Kingsley would ask for his advice and said, "My advice… Why?"

"Yes Harry, your advice. It's not hidden from anyone in this hall, that your instincts are mostly right and even Dumbledore gave your judgment importance."

Harry felt hot in his face and was sure that his cheeks had gone red with embarrassment. Kingsley continued, beaming at Harry, "I want you to decide the future of all the death eaters, we have caught." He waved his wand and out of thin air, a cage appeared, suspended in mid-air by the support of the enchanted ceiling. All the death eaters looked stunned. He waved his wand again and it came downward.

There was a sudden outbreak. Everyone present in the Great hall, greeted the Death Eaters with abuses and throwing anything they laid hands on.

"STOP," yelled Harry and every single one of them stopped. George, who had burned a firecracker to shoot at the death eaters, fumbled and fused the cracker hastily. Every eye was now on Harry. Harry was drawing long breaths and was looking at them. His eyes were fixed on one young looking teenager. He ordered Kingsley, "I want the Malfoy's down of that cage now."

"Huh…" Kingsley looked surprised.

He was not the only one who was surprised by this sudden turnout. Everyone was showing their displeasure on Harry's decision. Every pair of eyes was looking at him continuously and accusingly. Harry felt uncomfortable and shouted, "Get them down, NOW."

"Are you sure, Harry?" asked Kingsley, looking confused.

"If you didn't wanted to use my advice, then why did you ask me," shouted Harry at Kingsley.

"No, no… Ok, as you wish." Kingsley waved his wand and the Malfoy family was slammed to the floor. They were still stunned. Harry said, "Anyone can revert this spell."

No one volunteered. Harry gazed in the horde of heads, but he found no hand raised. He searched the tables again and again, but there was not even a single hand up. Rather all were looking very revolted. Harry looked at Hermione and she understood what to do. She got up from her seat and moved to the Malfoy's. She did a spell and they started showing some movements. Everyone around them looked at them as they were carrying contagious disease. Hermione also was no exception. She moved from their side as soon as she did the spell and walked to her seat.

"If you can, please give them seats," said Harry.

Malfoy family looked amused, as everyone else. They hadn't expected to be released. Everyone gazed at them and then Harry. All three of them clutched each other tightly in a huddle. When no one moved to give them seat, Harry moved and said pointing at his seat, "Sit here."

All looked at Harry in surprise, but no one dared to speak on the matter. He moved closer to the Malfoy, when someone said, "They can sit here, Harry." Neville had made space for them beside him. He didn't look pleased. But, Harry on the other hand, looked happy. Malfoy's didn't moved from where they were sitting. Harry moved to them and said giving them, what he supposed was a fatherly expression, "You didn't need to be scared. Go and sit with Neville."

They had barely moved a few feet, when George yelled pacing towards Harry, "Why the hell you are doing this Harry?"

Malfoy's halted at their position and looked at George and Harry with aghast. Harry injured leg, which do not seem to take his weight for longer, trembled and his fellow students caught him, who sat just behind him. He was escorted to a vacant seat.

"You want to know why?" Harry calmly said. George and the others nodded.

"So, I will keep it straight and simple. I would have been dead if it was not for her." He pointed at Narcissa. Everyone gasped at this strange admittance. Narcissa who had heard her name looked amused.

"Explain to us, Harry." George demanded.

"I will, but first, can someone go and fetch some food for Malfoy's." Harry said.

No one volunteered again. So, he again gazed at Hermione who was busy in describing something to Ginny.

"Hermione," said Harry.

Hermione who looked surprised, got up from her seat and moved closer to Harry and asked, "What do you want Harry?"

"Please, go and fetch some food from the kitchen, please," said Harry. She didn't look pleased and opened her mouth for argument, but closed it again and moved out of the hall.

Harry described them the part of how Narcissa had lied to Voldemort (he didn't tell the meeting with Dumbledore part) and saved his life. Lucius looked at Narcissa with an amazed expression. Harry had just finished describing the events when Hermione came in the hall.

"Where's the food, Hermione?" asked Harry, his eyes wandering around her.

"Kreacher and the other elves are bringing the food." Hermione said, "I said I will take it, but they uh… volunteered"

Kreacher came in the hall, accompanied by four elves. Harry recognized an elf as Winky. She had brown orb like eyes and was wearing the same clothes as she had worn the last time he saw him. But, this time her clothes were clean and she didn't look sad.

"Master Harry, you asked for food." He signaled at the three elves. They moved forward and presented Harry the food.

"No, not me Kreacher, them." — Harry said beaming and pointed at the three Malfoys. Kreacher made a face and said, "Why is Miss Cissy here? Miss Cissy bad. Where's Dobby?" He added, the disgust in his voice clear.

Hearing the name of Dobby, Winky started sobbing, beating her small fist on the floor. Hermione ran and caught her. Winky resisted her hold but Hermione didn't loosen her grip.

"What's the matter, Winky?" Hermione asked kindly.

Winky didn't answer. She continued to sob. A blue eyed elf came and said to her, "She is missing Dobby."

He added grimly, "Where that disgusting elf is, anyway?"

Harry happy mood sank in one big gulp. His face went red in one swift motion and he stared at that elf as he was going to eat him alive. The elf too noticed his gaze and he sank to the ground. Hermione said trying to maintain the peace, "He was a great e…"

"No, he was just a disgrace on house-elves." The blue-eye elf said.

"He was much better than you." Harry shouted.

The elf opened his mouth for argument, but Kreacher was fast and said, "If master says, Donny was a great elf than Dobby is. And master don't mind Rad, he just hates free elves."

"What is you mean by 'was'?" asked Winky in a squeaky voice.

"He is dead, Winky," said Hermione with a soar throat.

Winky forced herself out of her grip and ran towards the kitchen. Every elf looked a little disappointed except Rad. He was beaming. Harry got furious at this sight and stated searching his pocket. He founded a handkerchief and said threateningly, "Take this cloth and get out of here now."

Rad for once was shocked, but he got out of it pretty fast and then said, "You can't give, Rad the cloth. Rad master is not you."

Harry anger was at his peak. His cheeks turned a light shade of violet. Hermione tried to interfere but stopped as Harry waved a hand. Professor McGonagall came running and said to Kreacher, "Take him inside."

Kreacher followed order and forced Rad out of the hall.

The Malfoy's were eating quietly. It looked as they had not tasted food for much time. Harry was trembling and tried to walk out of the room, but was caught by Kingsley. He looked a little frightened, but said, "We have to discuss some other matters, Harry."

Harry first wanted to shout at him but thought opposite and walked with Kingsley to the platform. Ron gaze met Harry gaze at once but he quickly turned his eyes down. Harry didn't look at him once when he passed him, as he didn't exist.

"Harry, what about these remaining Death Eaters? What do you wish that should happen with them?" Kingsley asked.

Harry thought for a while but he didn't seem to come to any decision. He occasionally looked at the cage and then the crowd. He finally spoke, "Send them to Azkaban."

There was a roar of disapproval. Ginny and Hermione were now sitting on the house tables.

"Dumbledore believed in second chances, so I will too." Harry shouted to make his voice heard. Someone said from the tables, "Most of them got their second chances."

Another one said, "I did not believe in Dementors. They were faithful to Voldemort and it's no sure that they won't help them."

There was a roar of approval. Everyone was saying something like this.

"So, what do you want to do with them, huh, tell us?" Harry asked the over enthusiastic crowd.

"Kill them." One said.

"Use Avada Kedavra on them." Another one shouted. It was supported by many on them. Then someone yelled from the crowd, in a high-pitched voice, "Let's leave them in Fiendfyre." All heads turned in the direction from where the voice came. Hermione looked embarrassed and her head was buried in her hands.

Harry looked at her amazed and asked, "Hermione… you… said that."

Hermione nodded. Harry stared at her, his mouth agape. Still gathering himself, he said looking at Kingsley, "These spells are ill-legal and forbidden by the Ministry. Am, I right minister?"

"Yes, you are…" Harry interjected him and said with a triumph face expression, "So, I have to heavy-heartedly say that"

"You are allowed to use them." Kingsley chuckled and completed his sentence. There was a roar of laughter and Harry winced and looked at him in an unbelievable sort of expression and said, "But, you said that they were forbidden."

"But, it's the specialty of the ministry to go blind for some time." Kingsley said looking very happy with himself.

Harry looked at the other teachers and members of order for support but somehow missed Ron.

"OK, do what you want. But, I am sure Dumbledore wouldn't be happy with it" Harry complained. But, in true, his insides were jolting with pleasure. He was happy that they would also suffer looses which he had suffer. But, trying his best not to show that pleasure in his voice, he said, "Is this all? Now, can I go. I am feeling a bit dizzy."

"We had something more to say to you." This time Professor McGonagall spoke. Harry looked at her with an amazed expression. He was wondering what would come next. She was looking very different. Her usual stern expressions were now replaced by soft expressions. She stood and moved to the podium and said, "This is about the Head Boy and Head Girl" Everyone gasped.

"This envelope was found in Dumbledore's study. It is addressed to the headmaster, in my case, headmistress, and it states the potential candidate for Head Boy and Head Girl. And I am likely to follow it."

There was a couple of second's pause. Harry was getting nervous and worried. Was it what he dreaded? He had no choice except waiting. Then, Professor McGonagall finally spoke beaming at Harry, "And the name given by Dumbledore are Harry potter and Hermione Granger."

Harry and Hermione stared at Professor McGonagall in disbelief. Professor McGonagall on the other hand was beaming at them. Seeing their faces, she said to Harry, "If you don't believe me read it for yourself." And she thrust the envelope in his hand. Before Harry could read it, Hermione snatched the envelope from him.

"This cannot be possible." Hermione said.

She gave the envelope to Harry and said, "Read it."

Dear Headmaster/Headmistress,

I want to make a request, as up to the time it had come to process it, I may not be alive. I want Mr. Harry Potter to become the Head Boy and Ms. Hermione Granger to become the Head Girl because of their commitment showed toward Hogwarts and their over-all performance in the academics and extra curricular activities.

And I wish you will take my thoughts in account, when deciding about the Head Boy and Head Girl.

Yours sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards )

Harry was dumbstruck after reading this. He opened his mouth thrice for saying something but closed it every time. The same was with Hermione. She pinched Harry to test that it wasn't a dream. Hermione spoke shuddering, "We can't… it's not that we don't… it can't be possible… we are not… in Hogwarts anymore. We didn't attend Hogwarts this year."

Harry nodded with agreement and said, "If you didn't respond to your admittance letter by July 31, you are expelled. Isn't Hermione?"

Hermione nodded in agreement. There was a smile on Professor McGonagall and other teacher faces. Slughorn taking the lead said, "We have discussed it over and over again and we have came to a point that you three were doing much important work and we would be happy to give you admittance again. (Harry looked at Kingsley and Slughorn noticed it.) And don't worry, we had even taken permission from the Ministry and the Governors of Hogwarts," — he threw a sealed envelope to Harry — "So, I dare to say your term will start on 1 September."

Harry read the parchment in the envelope, which gave permission for admittance to him, Ron and Hermione. He gave it to Hermione, who after reading it sank into her chair.

"Aren't you pleased with having your studies continue, Ms. Granger?" Professor McGonagall asked Hermione with a stern expression.

"No, it's just that what about Neville, Luna, Ginny and the others." Hermione asked defiantly.

"Oh so nice, worrying about your fellow mates," said Professor Sprout.

"We have settled all of that. We are disposing this year of Hogwarts studies, which means, all the students will repeat there classes of this year," Kingsley said calmly.

Kingsley continued "And yes, there is one more service I ask from you Harry. Would you address the reporters in the morning? They had barricaded the gates, and will only leave up to you have given them a nice um… speech. Because we need to move these bodies…"

"What?" Harry asked.

"What happened, Harry."

"What do you mean by moving these bodies?"

"For their funeral." Kingsley answered in a matter-of-factly voice.

"I thought", Harry said looking weary, "they would be buried in the school grounds, as a tribute for their services to the school and the wizard community."

"But, there is a problem, Harry," Professor McGonagall said, "the ground is not big enough for all the graves and secondly, if we even somehow manage to bury them all, we would not have enough room for other school activities."

"But… I… can't they be buried um… near the school." Harry said.

There was a short pause. Everybody looked as they were in deep thinking. Then, Aberforth said, "There's an open patch of land near Hogsmeade. And I suppose it's big enough for about 25 graves or maybe a little more or less."

The shine in the eyes of Harry came back. He gazed at Aberforth with a look of admiration. This sudden look of admiration made Aberforth surprised, as he was not used to be admired like his big brother. He felt color rising in his face and quickly turned his face away from Harry. Harry understood Aberforth reaction and also averted his gaze from him.

Professor McGonagall said, "Then that's set. We will have a combined funeral of the bodies…"

She was interjected by someone who said, "What if we want to take the bodies and have a funeral our way."

There was a murmur of agreement on this question. Professor McGonagall said, "We are not forcing you to have a funeral here. Moreover, we only had space for 25 bodies as previously stated by Aberforth. So, you are welcome to take the bodies with you, if you are a family member or a close friend of the dead warrior."

Without saying anything, Harry started moving down the raised platform. His leg was much better than before though the pain was still there. He had barely moved a meter, when he heard his name called by someone. He turned and saw Hermione and Professor McGonagall running towards him. Harry looked worried all of a sudden and thought, what now?

"There's something more for you, Potter." Professor McGonagall said, plunging his hand in her robes. He pulled an envelope out of it and handed it to Harry and said, "Dumbledore wanted you to have it." And she backtracked her steps. Hermione was still standing there looking down at the floor.

"What do you want, Hermione?" Harry asked.

Hermione leveled her head slowly to his and suddenly felt hot in her cheeks and ears. She felt stupid on her condition and said, "N… nothing, Harry. What's in the envelope?" She added hastily.

"I don't know and I am not in the mood of opening it," Harry said. But, the truth was that he desperately wanted to open that envelope and read what more Dumbledore has concealed from him. But, thinking that Professor McGonagall didn't gave him the envelope on the platform, only meant that he should read it alone and he could tell her afterwards. He thrust the envelope in his pocket and said, "If you don't want anything I am going."

"No, wait Harry." Hermione said as Harry turned. Harry felt angry because of the fact that Hermione was wasting his time, which he could spend satisfying his curiosity and exhaustion. Hermione backtracked a little, her face got drained of color, seeing the furious look of Harry and said in a low voice, which sounded like a request, "I want to talk about something, if you don't mind."

Harry wanted to shout at her and wanted to deny her request, but thought opposite and said, "Okay."

Hermione looked happy and color came back to her face and she said cheerfully, "Wait for me, a second." And she hurried to the raised platform. Harry didn't like what he saw. She was arguing with Ron, and he knew for sure, what this argument was, despite the fact that he couldn't hear them. He wanted to run away from her reach but somehow his legs didn't move.

After a minute, it looked as Hermione had won the agreement. Ron followed her and they moved to the spot where Ginny was sitting. Hermione motioned Harry to follow him, which he did without any second thought. Hermione moved to where Ginny was sitting. Harry stopped a meter before. He saw the look of disgust on Ginny face when she saw Ron. She averted her face away from him. Hermione said something to Ginny in her ear and she also started following her. Harry also followed them and felt every single pair of eyes following their movement. He wanted to hide himself in his Invisibility Cloak. He hurried out of the room and he followed her into an empty classroom. When Harry also came in, Hermione sealed the door. The room grew dark. Hermione flicked his wand and the lamps started burning. The room was filled with dim light. Harry was in a position, which he was trying to avoid the whole night. The room temperature might have increased 10 degree as all of them started sweating. Hermione foreseeing the upcoming tide of anger, took the stride and said, "Ron, want to say something to you too."

Ron looked horror struck, whereas Harry and Ginny showed a blank face. When Ron didn't said anything for some moments, Ginny said, her red cheeks visible, even in the dimly lit room, "What is this, HERMIONE? You said you wanted to show me something important," she drew heavy breath and continued her voice full of anger, "BUT IF YOU THINK THIS IS IMPORTANT I AM LEAVING, NOW"

Ginny turned to move. There was a streak of light, which none of them noticed. Ginny felt every part of her body gone rigid. She tried to shout on Hermione on what she had done to her, but her lips were glued together. She looked at Hermione, who in return said, "Sorry, but we need to make some points clear."

She turned to Ron and shouted, "Say it now or I will force it out of you." All of them looked aghast as none of them had seen Hermione look this furious. Ron quickly backtracked a little and tripped over something and fell on the floor with a thump. Hermione eyes were now boring into him and she said, looking murderous, "Fine, you want to do it the hard way, you will get the hard way."

She pointed her wand at a piece of wood and said, "Waddiwasi! " and then quickly pointed her wand at Ron. The piece of wood flew with a speed of bullet and hit Ron squarely in his stomach. He gave a shriek of pain and Harry shouted, "Are you mad, Hermione?"

She turned to face Harry. She looked directly into his eyes, and Harry shrunk to the ground, seeing her furious looks. She faced Ron again and said, "Changed your mind."

He shook his head. Hermione whose anger was at top of the peak, seeing this disapproval, crossed every limit. She pointed her wood at the piece of wood again and said, "Engorgio! " The size of piece of wood got doubled. It was now size of a book. She pointed her wand at the wood and said, "Waddiwasi!" but, this time it didn't hit Ron, but was deflected. Hermione looked around and saw Harry with his wand pointed between Ron and Hermione.

"What the hell are you doing? Do you want to kill him?" Harry shouted before Hermione opened her mouth. Ron was paralyzed with horror. Ginny eyes were describing her horror. Hermione stared at Harry and shouted, "Don't you remember what this fool…" And she stopped. Her eyes were full of tears. Harry stretched a hand to her and patted her on her shoulder.

"Finite! " Harry said pointing her wand at Ginny. Ginny stretched her arms to conform that she was free of the curse and then sat beside Hermione. Hermione was crying. Ron sat there like a limp of broken statue.

"What do you wanted to have Ron to say to us?" Ginny asked Hermione thinking that it will be comforting for her.

"I want him to tell you that." Hermione said still sobbing.

"He is an arrogant, filthy piece of scum. I won't expect him to say a word," said Ginny, throwing a dirty look at Ron.

"You can tell us and we would think that he had told us," said Harry, not even giving a single glance to Ron.

There was a pause in which only Hermione sobbing could be heard. Then, she composed herself and said, "Do you remember the evening fight?" asked Hermione.

"I am not going to forget it until my death." Ginny said; her voice was clearly showing contempt.

Hermione looked at Harry, supposing he would say anything, but when he didn't say anything she said in a gloomy voice, "Don't you want to know why all of that happened?"

"I know," Ginny said looking furious, "He has always been jealous of Harry and he couldn't see Harry getting every single thing, he want."

"That's not the reason, Ginny," Hermione said in an undertone.

Ron got up and as he took a step forward, but he was thrown in the back of the class, his wand slipped out of his hand. This time the caster was Ginny, whose brown eyes were now slit and she snorted, "Don't you dare to move." — And she turned to Hermione — "Let's hear what you want to say in his defense." She said in the deadly calmness.

"Before we met you in Hagrid hut, Ron had a fight with some of Slytherin boys..."

"Good excuse, Hermione." Ginny snarled and continued, "But we all know every Slytherin got out of the school and even let's say, they were inside, what did they say that made Ron get out of his wits and showed that inhumanly behavior towards Harry."

"Listen to me and don't interrupt. If you have any questions you can ask at last." Hermione said. She paused for a bit and then she continued, "They were… um… how should I say…"

"From your mouth." Ginny said looking impatient. Harry kept silent. He didn't wanted to interrupt any of them because he knew and had experienced both of their anger.

"I know, but… I can't find words to say…"

"Say exactly how they said."

"You won't like it."

"It's not matter of liking, you know that."

"Fine," Hermione snarled, "They said you were a bitch, who keeps lurking around Harry, a disgusting whore, who wants to be famous and can go to any extent for it."

Hermione had spoken without thinking and after she had said that she realized what she had said. Harry had exactly the same fierce look which Hermione had some moments before, his hand shaking with anger and his lips quivered. Ginny, on the other hand, was horror struck, her eyes stretched wide and it looked as she was staring in the night sky. Ron was no less amazed. He hadn't expected Hermione to blurt all of that out in once

Hermione who had realized her mistake, clapped her hand on Harry mouth's before he could say anything, and said trying to balance the situation, "Ron loosed his mind and cursed both of them. I couldn't oppose him as I was also cursing them. And when we entered in Hagrid hut we found you… and Ron again loosed his wits."

She sighed and continued, "You don't know, he is punishing himself worse than a house elf after what he did."

Harry was now not listening to her. He had moved where Ron laid. He looked at him and then suddenly he punched Ron with all his strength. There was a loud BANG, and Ron head collided with the floor.

"YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME, YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING PIECE OF SHIT." Harry shouted at top of his voice and continued, "IT WOULDN'T HAVE KILLED YOU TO TELL ME THAT."

Harry raised his fist again, but his hand stopped just few inches before Ron face. Ron was crying, his face was showing a miserable expression. Harry sat beside him and said in a calm voice, "Hey, don't cry."

Ron was murmuring something, which Harry couldn't understand. Ginny came to Ron and said, "I am… sorry, Ron."

"It's OK. Anyone would have said what you said." Ron said.

"Who were those git, Ron?" Harry asked.

"Oh, no. I had taken care of them."

"Who were those?" Harry asked sternly.

"Crone and Goyle." Ron answered mildly.

"Are they here?" Harry turned to Hermione and asked her.

"No, they ran out." Hermione said.

Harry looked pale and disheartened. But, still there was a glow on his face, which was not there before. He turned to Ron and saw his nose bleeding. He pointed his wand on Ron nose, everyone gasped. Harry said, "Episkey!"

Ron nose was mended. Ron said in a relieved tone, "Let's go."

Author's Note: Hello, again. Hope you liked the story. I haven't much to say, so only this. If you want to read the next chapter, review.

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