The Embrace
The embrace took me by surprise. The last confusion from battle was still going on around us, despite the fact that the Dark Lord had just met his maker.
Some were still fighting in small groups, Death Eaters and supporters of the Light, unaware that...it was finally over. Still others were already searching for survivors and offering help to the wounded.
I stood there, dazed, exhausted, out of breath and alone for all intents and purposes. My brain seemed to run in a loop, turning one thought over in my mind..."It's over. I'm free."
Suddenly, I found my personal space being invaded by the ungrateful brat. The bane of my existence. The thorn in my side. The wand at my heart. The insolent prat that had just saved our world and set me free...and he was hugging me. I grimaced, and tried to peel him off.
"I never told you." He gasped, still breathless from the fight, and clinging to me like the cobwebs that filled the corridors each fall when I returned to my domain.
"I couldn't see...before...what you were trying to do for me, Professor. I know now, and I finally understand. Thank you doesn't come near enough to making it right, and neither does, I'm sorry, but it's all I have to offer you, sir."
I summoned the strength to speak, and offered a small, weary smile. "Today is your lucky day, Mr. Potter. Thank you and I'm sorry are the only gifts I will accept."