A.N. This is my first long fiction. An idea I wanted to develop about Harry's seventh year. Quest for Horcruxes, war, love and NEWTs. I'd like to point out that if my chapters are just 1000 words long (or should I say short?) it's because I intended them this way. I personally believe that 10k words chapters result slow and sometimes boring for the reader.

2 destroyed, 5 remaining

Back to Hogwarts - Chapter 1

Harry was having troubles with his sleep: he hardly managed to doze off, then two lifeless blue eyes came every time to wake him. It was hard to think that Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard since Merlin's times, was dead.

However, even if he wasn't sleeping normally, this death had the power to give him the maturity he now needed. He knew perfectly his task: find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, find and destroy Voldemort.

Of course he was still convinced to abandon school: he would have had more free time for the task ahead. He was stubborn in this decision, even after the letter, which now stood unanswered on his desk) from the (former Deputy) Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall.

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you of the reopening of our School. The term will start on September 1st. You will find the item's list on next page.

On a more personal level, I would like to praise you for your election to the role of Head boy. The badge is in the envelop.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress

What he wasn't prepared for, was a visit at that time of night. A sharp crack echoed in his room and, before being able to react, he found himself with a wand at his throat.

"Too slow, Harry", said the tired voice of his former teacher at Hogwarts, Remus Lupin. He seemed worn-out as ever, or even more because the full moon was 2 nights ago.

"Well, it's good to see you too, professor" said a smiling Harry.

"Forgive my manners. I'm here to see if you received the letter from Minerva".

"Yes, but I'm not going back to school. I will be 17 in a month, and then I will leave on a… mission I had with Dumbledore".

"About that… I have another reason to be here: I'm asking you to come to Hogwarts tomorrow in the morning; there is someone wishing to have a word or two with you".

Harry hoped it wasn't another meeting with Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic. Since last year he tried to gain Harry's support as man of image. But he was curious of this trip to Hogwarts.

"Ok, I'm coming".

"I will be here to pick you up in five hours, at 8 o'clock. Now get some sleep".

Harry awoke at seven, and had the time to shower and have a little breakfast. When Lupin arrived he was in the living room of his uncle's house.

"Did you manage to sleep a little, Harry? Now, in full light I can see the bags under your eyes".

"I slept just fine, don't worry" lied Harry. "Shall we go? Are we apparating, or else?"

"Portkey, Harry, and then a carriage will wait for us in Hogsmead".

Remus took out an old glove. Harry put a finger on it and after a moment he felt the usual tug at his navel.

The Main street of Hogsmead appeared were the living room had been just a second before, and the carriage was already waiting. Harry shivered seeing the dragonish, blind horse pulling the carriage. It was a Thestral, and it was invisible to all who haven't witnessed death.

Harry was able to see them since the death of Cedric Diggory. Also, with six of those, he and his friends reached the ministry to rescue Sirius at the end of fifth year.

Lost in his thoughts, he was startled to see that they arrived in front of Hogwarts' massive doors.

"We are requested in the Headmistress office" said Remus.

They arrived in front of the gargoyle, and the adult said the password "Animaga".

Minerva was behind her desk waiting for them.

"Mr Potter, it's a pleasure to see you. May I ask you why I didn't get a reply to my letter?"

"The point is, professor, that I won't be back this year".

At this, Minerva pursed his lips in a tiny line, as she always did in anger. As she was beginning to speak, a familiar voice interrupted her.

"Minerva, I'd like to be able to talk alone to Harry. I would strongly appreciate if you and Remus went outside for the moment".

Harry thought he might break his neck, due the haste to turn his head. That was Dumbledore's voice. However, he found himself staring in delusion at the former Headmaster's portrait. He didn't even notice Minerva and Remus leaving.

"Harry, how nice to have you back. I heard your wish of not coming back to school this year. I understand you. But I won't say that you have my approval".

"But… sir, surely you don't think I could stay a whole year without researching for the remaining Horcruxes".

"No Harry, you misunderstood me. You can of course begin your quest, but within this walls. Your presence will encourage the other pupils to be back, but the real reason it's different. I would like you back to help defend the pupils. Think of it, Harry. You are the most capable student, even better than a lot of the staff. And I strongly recommend you to rebuild the D.A. For that purpose, I agreed with Minerva to let you use the Headmasters' private library. Obviously you will be free to leave whenever you will find the location of a horcrux".

This was a lot to digest. Of course he was pleased of the high reputation he had with his former tutor. Come to think of it, he thought that he could find no mistakes in Dumbledore's logic. But a good idea formed nonetheless in his mind.

"Sir, you convinced me. But I have a request: I'd like to be admitted, with Ronald and Hermione of course, to the Order of the Phoenix".

"I knew you were to ask this, and I've already convinced Alastor, the new Head of the Order, to accept you and your friends. Your first meeting will be on August 5th. But there is another thing to discuss. I understand it could be difficult for you to witness again a certain... fact, but I'd appreciate if you saw a few of my memories, with my pensieve. There's a lot you still have to understand concerning my death".

"Of course, Sir, I'll do it".

"Perfect, my dear boy! I've already arranged with Headmistress McGonagall for you to have my memories. You can view them as soon as possible. The Minister agreed to let you and your friends have permission to use magic even if you're not 17 yet. You already know how to enter a memory" he said with a twinkle in his eyes, remembering a fact of 2 and a half years before, "and to get out you just have to think about the room you were in. Now, you may reach Remus. I've instructed him and a few other Order's members to train you. He will take you back to your home to pack your belongings; then you will go to live to headquarters".