Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns everything. I own nothing.

Chapter 1: The Discovery

The war was over. Voldemort was dead. The wizarding world was free once more. The word spread like wildfire and throughout all of the United Kingdom, and the world for that matter, there was great jubilation and celebration. But, at Hogwarts that jubilation was tempered with the realities of war. Death.

As Harry walked back into the castle he saw the Weasley family still huddled together around Fred's body. He could hear them talking softly and hear faint sobs. But, before he joined them he had something he had to do.

Harry walked up to Hagrid and after being wrapped in a massive hug, managed to pull himself away from the weeping, but, happy giant and say, "Hagrid, I need you to do something for me. "

"Anything, Harry! Anything!" Hagrid said excitedly. "What do you need?"

"I need you to bring back Professor Snape's body." Harry told him softly. "Bring it back to the castle to be placed amongst the others."

"Harry, are you sure about that? Are you sure he was really on our side?" Hagrid asked him as he grabbed his shoulders and looked him pointedly in the face.

Harry placed his hands on top of Hagrid's massive hands and said very calmly, "I'm positive. Everything I said to Voldemort about him being on our side was true. He gave me the last bit of vital information I needed to defeat Voldemort. I could not have done it without him."

Hagrid still was not completely convinced. "But, he killed Dumbledore!" He added indignantly, standing to his full height again.

"Hagrid, he only did so on Dumbledore's orders to gain Voldemort's trust. Dumbledore was dying anyway from a curse. Remember his burnt, skeletal hand?" he asked the giant, growing slightly agitated. "He had less than a few months to live."

Hagrid, while still looking somewhat skeptical about it all, finally nodded his head, patted Harry's shoulders and said, "I trust you, Harry. I trust you. Where do I need to go?"

Harry told him where to find Professor Snape's body and watched as Hagrid walked out of the castle. He did not trust this small mission to anyone else. He knew Hagrid would bring the body back to be placed with the others they had loss. He was determined that Professor Snape would get a proper burial and the recognition he deserved. Despite the antagonistic relationship they had had Professor Snape had sacrificed his life to save Harry and the entire wizarding world. He had died a hero and Harry would make sure everyone knew it.

Harry walked over to join the Weasley family. He placed his arm around Ginny and she immediately rested her head on his shoulder. He could hear her crying softly as he stroked her hair. He saw that Ron & Hermione were on the other side of the circle, standing in much the same position as he & Ginny were. Mr & Mrs Weasley sat in chairs that had come from somewhere holding hands facing each other. Mr Weasley was stroking her hands and talking softly with her. Harry knew they must be discussing arrangements for Fred's body and a funeral.

After a while Harry saw Hagrid walk by the doors of the Great Hall carrying Professor Snape's body. Harry whispered to Ginny that he would return shortly and kissing her on the top of the head as he left, he began to walk towards the doorway and exited the Great Hall, following Hagrid to the room where they were placing all the bodies.

As Harry walked into the room he saw that Hagrid was placing Professor Snape's body near where the bodies of Remus & Tonks. Hagrid respectfully placed his body next to the others as gently as he could and then stood back near Harry.

"He was right where ye told me, Harry." Hagrid said, his voice sounding a little thick as if he was trying not to cry. "I brought him here straightaway."

"Thank you, Hagrid." Harry said, not knowing what else to say. He really didn't know what to do either. As far as he knew the Professor had no family. He was sure the Ministry or someone would take care of a funeral and burial, but, he felt like he should do something, but, he had no idea what.

Fortunately, at this time Madame Pomfrey came bustling over in her quick, determined manner to examine his body. "Oh, dear!" she exclaimed, "Whatever happened to him?" she questioned as she kneeled down beside him.

"He was attacked by Voldemort's snake." Harry explained, "And I think his throat was slit."

"That much is obvious, Mr. Potter." Mme Pomfrey said. "Not a pleasant way to die." She continued as she examined the Professor's throat. "Severus, whatever did they do to you?" she asked rhetorically, knowing she would not get an answer in return.

Harry finally turned away and started walking back towards the Great Hall, knowing that Professor Snape's body would be well taken care of in the hands of Mme Pomfrey. She would know what to do with him until arrangements were further made. His actions were suddenly stopped by the sudden cry of "He's alive! Oh, my! He's alive!" that came from Mme Pomfrey behind him.

Harry immediately turned and ran over to Mme Pomfrey and asked how he could help. "Grab that blanket over there!" she cried as she motioned towards some supplies that had been stacked on a bench not far away. "Hagrid, help me take him up to the hospital wing!" she said to Hargrid as Harry walked away. "Quickly!" Harry heard her call. Not knowing if she was speaking to him or Hagrid, Harry quickened his actions.

As Harry returned with the blanket, Hagrid was placing the Professor's body on a stretcher, that Mme Pomfrey had summoned. Once his body was on the stretcher and the blanket over him, Mme Pomfrey waved her wand and the stretcher lifted into the air and started following her as she quickly walked towards the doorway, Hagrid & Harry following quickly behind her.

"Mr. Potter," she said as she continued towards the debris strewn stairway, not bothering to turn and look at Harry, "I need you to go get Arthur & Molly and have them meet me in the hospital wing. I hate to disturb them at this time, but, they know the precise healer that needs to be contacted to help with these type of wounds. I believe Healer Fields became rather close with them after Arthur's injuries. I need their help at once!"

Harry did not waste time turning and rushing back into the Great Hall to find the Weasleys and convey Mme Pomfrey's message. He just hoped they would all be fast enough.