DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR HIS CHARACTERS.
ALL RIGHTS TO JK ROWLING.
CHAPTER ONE THE RETURN OF THE POTTER
'Let's finish the way we started. Together'. Two figures had jumped off a tower and were enshrouded in dark and white smoke as they descended to the destroyed courtyard of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. One figure was white, ghostly and vain with wickedness coursing through his body. The other was a man who looked battle worn, but filled with courage and hope. A blood curdling yell was heard and a clink of silver. The dark figure froze. The boy seized this opportunity and blasted his opponent with righteous anger, causing the wand of his opponent to fly to him and the figure drop down dead.
Harry James Potter, just aged 17, after a lifetime of hell, had just defeated the Dark Lord Voldemort. 'Neither can live whilst the other survives' he shouted aloud raising the wand he obtained. The wand, the most powerful in the world, was his. Suddenly, a scream was heard: "HARRY!" he turned and found himself being clutched by Hermione Granger, his adopted sister and dear friend. "YOU'RE ALIVE!" She was hugging him, kissing his cheek and crying so loudly. He just was in so much pain, but he didn't mind. "HERMIONE! OW! THANK MERLIN…!" "YOU BLOODY GENIUS, HARRY!" said a familiar voice, rushing to him. Ron Weasley, Harry's best mate and Hermione's other half, was relieved to say the least. "RON!" said Harry, half crying and half laughing. Ron was equally as emotional as he pulled Harry into an embrace. They took Harry to the tomb of Albus Dumbledore, where Harry restored his wand to its former glory. He sealed the Elder wand back in the tomb and did an enchantment protecting the site.
The Golden trio then returned to the castle. They were soon joined by their friends, Neville Longbottom, clutching a sword, Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas, and all were so thrilled to see their fellow Gryffindor alive. Harry was then met by Arthur Weasley, who ran to him and hugged him, half sobbing. "H-h-h-Harry, m-m-m-my dear boy, you've won! You've beaten him!" Molly, matriarch of the Weasley's wasn't far behind, preparing to offer a hug to harry. "Oh, Harry, thank goodness you're still here!" she was also sobbing. Harry's green eyes just shone at her. Fleur, Bill and Charlie Weasley had also come to Harry. "Well done Harry!" said Charlie, furiously shaking Harry's hand. "Quite the hero, eh, Harry!" said Bill, thumping the hero's back with as much enthusiasm. Fleur, Bill's wife, ran to Harry and hugged and kissed him. "Oh, mon Dieu, 'Arry, thank Merlin, you is living still!" she wept as she clung on to Harry. "Ok , Fleur, it's ok, I'm here, ma soeur!" came Harry's choking. Just then, an unwelcome sight, thought Harry. It was Percy, but it didn't look like Percy. He was worn, battered and unkempt. He fell on his knees, sobbing and humbly saying: "Harry, p-p-please, forgive m-m-me. Fudge made me d-d-d-doubt you, and I-I-I.." but before he could continue, Harry had picked up Percy by the shoulders and hugged him. "Percy, what matters is that you came at last." Harry looked around at the family, horrified. "Where's Fred? George? Where's Ginny?" All looked so saddened. "Please don't tell me…" he started, but Ron and Hermione grabbed him and took him to a private room. "H-ha-HARRY!" shouted a red-headed single eared man, coming to hug Harry. "George! What happened?" "Fred… Freddie…" But before George continued, he broke down, Ron and Percy had to pick him us. Harry was then horrified by what he saw. Fred's dead body lying there. Harry shuddered. "Percy had come to join the fight; he joined Fred to fight two death eaters. One shot a killing curse aimed at Percy but Fred got in the way. He fell and Percy shot at curse at both death eaters, killing both" said Hermione, trying not to cry. "Fred…"said Harry, trying not to cry and placing a hand over Fred's heart. "Harry? Is that you?" said a voice. Harry turned from Fred's' body and turned to a long red haired girl with porcelain white skin. Her face was purpled with blood and many a sleepless hour, but her eyes were the same. "Ginny…" said Harry, rushing to her. She held out her arms and clutched the man she loved as he came into her. She held his face. "I thought you were d-d-d-d-dead, Harry, I thought he killed you?" said Ginny, sobbing. "A long story which will wait until we're comfy, eh?" soothed Harry. Ginny just grabbed him and kissed his scar on his head. He groaned in pain, clutching his heart and fell backwards. Ginny looked and saw the shirt ripped open and covered in blood and there she saw a lightning bolt over the heart. "HARRY! OH MERLIN!" She screamed, hand over her mouth. Bill, Ron, Hermione and Fleur saw the commotion and rushed over. They were equally horrified. "Oh la la, 'Arry! Vot 'appened to you?" said Fleur, eyes aflame with worry. "HOLY MERLIN!" cried Ron. Molly just turned white as Hermione summoned several chairs. George nearly fainted and summoned water. Neville, Arthur, Charlie and Percy, all white faced helped the hero into a chair. When Harry was sat he was being tended to by Fleur, Hermione and Ginny.
Harry just stared at the panic stricken faces of his friends and began to explain his state. "Well', he began. 'It was in the Forbidden Forrest and I had gone to face Riddle. I used the Resurrection stone to see my parents, Sirius and…Remus. The said that they'd be there to support me as I faced Riddle. He and I met and he shot a killing curse at me". Ron just stood there shaking and going white. "HE KILLED YOU!?" screamed Bill. Harry held up his hand to calm Bill. "I had to sacrifice myself to give opportunity to finally finish him off. My thoughts at the moment were you guys, especially Ron and Hermione". And turning his gaze to Ginny he whispered "and you, Ginny", Ginny was just crying her eyes out. "Remember how I got the scar on my head? Well this scar's the same thing, really. I was a horcrux, the one that Riddle never meant to create". Harry pointed to his chest. Fleur looked at him, holding his hand. "Vos love,'Arry, zat gave you ze mark on your 'ead". "True, my mother's love. But it was my love for you all that got me this one" he said pointing to his heart. Ron was still gobsmacked "But bloody hell, mate, you were dead, how are you still here?" Harry looked at Ron and explained that he was in a state of limbo. All of the horcruxes had just been destroyed and he saw Dumbledore and chose to return. "When my 'dead body' was returned to this place, I heard Neville speak, I heard your cries, but Neville's bravery proved a real awakener. He spoke for you all. He is a true Gryffindor." "Which is why I had the sword that killed the snake?" said Neville half shaking, half smiling. Harry just smiled at Neville. "Nev, you took over the DA and I'm grateful, you had the courage of Godric himself, killing the snake and allowing me to destroy the darkest wizard of the age" he said, yelling in pain. "The real task starts now. The healing. The rebuilding. The renewal." said Harry. Hermione held her wand over Harry's heart. Fleur, Molly and Ginny held theirs as well. Ron said to his friend. "Relax, Harry, they're going to do something". Harry just looked worried. Hermione hovered her free hand over Harry's heart. "Harry, we love you, so this is going to hurt, but it's more potent than dittany" she said reassuringly. Fleur, Molly, Ginny and Hermione then glared at the curse and chanted "Vulnera Sanentur". A glow of gold emitted from their wands. Harry felt a tingle throughout his body. He felt no pain. The sensation was warm, fuzzy, sweet. George had taken the upper part of Harry's clothes and repaired them. Charlie had got some bandages and lotions and got Fleur and Ginny to bind up Harry's injuries. At that point Harry fainted with exhaustion.
Arthur then levitated Harry, summoning Hagrid and took him to the common room. "Is 'e alright, Arthur?" said a worried Hagrid. 'He will be, he's just zonked out' came the senior Weasley's reply. Harry, unbeknownst to him, had Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Neville place him carefully in a bed in the Gryffindor common room. Just then, Minerva McGonagall had entered and came and sat with Harry. Ginny was sat placing moist cloths on his head and had removed his glasses. "How is our hero doing, Miss Weasley?" asked a concerned professor. "He is exhausted, professor, he is covered in injuries and he has another scar over his heart this time" explained Ginny. "Och, the poor dear." exclaimed the professor, hand to mouth. "But we've cancelled out the curse over it." "Who did, Ginny?" "Fleur, Mum, Hermione and I, we used a spell of healing. His love caused him to sacrifice himself for us and we owe him so much" said Ginny looking adoringly at Harry. Just then, Kingsley Shacklebolt came in, removed his hat and knelt next to Harry. "Harry Potter, you hero. You have done so well." He said putting his hand on Harry's. "As temporary minister for magic, I here to say thank you on behalf of the ministry and the Order of the Phoenix". He rose up and looked at Ginny. "Look after him, Ginny". "He's not short of people who want to care for him" said Minerva. "Can we help you, Kingsley?" "Ah Minerva, I'm here to tell you that you are herby elevated to the post of Headmistress of Hogwarts". Just then, a voice came from the bed, "Good on you, Professor!" said a weak Harry. "Harry, my dear boy!" said the adults rushing to a battered Harry. "I'm ok, guys, really." But the Auror and the teacher were so relieved. Harry explained the situation. Minerva just sobbed and Kingsley mopped his brow, eyes wide open. "So, you see, he's gone. Tom Riddle is no more" finished Harry, head on pillow. "What a tale-a true tale at that, too" said Kingsley, still shocked. "So Severus was on our side?" said Minerva. Harry had summoned a pensieve and showed how Severus Snape was a double spy for the death eaters and how he loved his mother. Ginny was shocked, so Harry grabbed her hand and said to her; "It's ok, Gin, it's over".
Ron and Hermione came and sat with Harry whilst Ginny was getting some rest herself. Ron looked terrible, but was glad to see Harry still alive. Harry patted his friend's hand and said "I know mate, but you are not the only one who has lost someone." Hermione looked at Harry and asked who on earth he was talking about. Harry looked at her and said one word. "Teddy". "Teddy Lupin?" said Ron, shocked. "Remus and Tonks wanted me to be Godfather to him" said Harry mournfully. "I must face up to the fact that he is my family now, but I need to meet him". Hermione rushed down stairs to get two figures. Andromeda Tonks and a baby boy. Harry sat up and smiled at the woman. "Aunty Andi, I'm so sorry…" But the witch smiled at him and said "I know Harry, you brave chap. Look who I've got" and instantly, Harry noticed a child with Bubblegum-pink hair, like his mother. The baby was placed into Harry's shaking arms. The eyes of the baby's opened, and his hair turned black.
Harry gazed into those eyes. They were Remus's eyes. Harry just smiled and said quietly to the boy in his arms; "Hi Teddy Lupin, I'm Harry Potter, your god-daddy. I knew your mummy and daddy and your daddy was a best friend of my daddy and…" just then he paused as a little finger wrapped around his thumb. He was there mouth hanging open and a tear started to formulate. Hermione and Andromeda were bawling their eyes out and Ron was trying to keep his composure. "I think he likes you, Harry" he said grinning. Harry just laughed and looked at Teddy and whispered to him. "I declare to you, Edward Remus Lupin, that I, Harry James Potter, will protect and guard you with my life and make sure you will grow up knowing your parents and having a better life than I have had." This became all too much for Andromeda and Hermione who rushed to Harry.
Hagrid and some of the Weasley's came in to see the hero. Molly saw the baby in Harry's arms and cried 'Harry…' Arthur tried to calm her down. Fleur, Percy and Ginny came forward. Percy was the first to speak. "Who is he, Harry?" "This, Percy, is my Godson" said Harry, looking at the Weasley. "Godson? You don't mean…Teddy do you?" said Percy, his heart melting still. "Not Tonks and Remus's boy?" "The same". Fleur was just mesmerised and Ginny came and sat by Harry, who was still half crying. Percy came nearer and made a document appear out of thin air. He beckoned Andromeda to appear. "He needs as much care as possible from his grandmother and godfather", began Percy. "And other family members" said Harry, looking intently at the scribe. "Write this. 'I, Harry James Potter, in conjunction with Andromeda Tonks, vow for the whole of my life to protect Edward Remus Lupin, Son of Remus and Nymphadora, lately departed. And furthermore, I vow to provide care and any necessities that will rise from henceforth". "So be it" said Percy, offering the scroll to Harry. Fleur and Ginny also offered to sign it and Andromeda and Arthur also signed it. Percy got his wand out and said: "I, Percy Ignatius Weasley, member of the Wizenmagot, do hereby verify and ratify these documents." And with at tap the documents were sealed and sent to the ministry. Fleur put her hand on Harry's shoulder and said to him. "Ve owe you so much, 'Arry, let us 'elp you, sil vous plait?". "Come on, Harry, my dear, you need all the help you can get!" added Molly. Hermione, Ron and all present nodded. Ginny pressed her nose to Harry's cheek. "You're not alone, Harry". She kissed it, making him blush and smile. "OK you can help" he said finally. Little did he realise he was not on the bed, but floating in a moment of joy. Fleur and Ginny had to pin him down. Teddy was returned to his grandmother by Ron. Harry was about to get up, but found he was on the receiving end of a Weasley pile up. Not from Molly, but from Ron, Percy, Bill, Fleur, Charlie and George, with Ginny and Hermione holding his hands.
When Harry eventually got up, he was embraced by Hagrid, his friend. "Harry Potter, you are the bravest man I know. Your mum and dad would have been proud" said Hagrid. "Thanks Hagrid" said Harry, beaming at his old friend. Seamus, Neville and Dean came to support Harry down the steps to the great hall. "Ready, Harry?" said Neville, standing on the Right of Harry. "Yep" said Harry, nodding at Seamus, standing on his left. Dean was in front to clear the way. When they had got down stairs, Harry was greeted by many faces. Luna Lovegood came up to Harry and hugged him. "Well done Harry, we're all proud of you" she said. Harry just smiled. Oliver Wood and many of Harry's old Quidditch teammates came and congratulated him. "Harry, you are one remarkable man!" came a voice. It was Angelina Johnson. She was half crying and half laughing. All of Harry's friends and allies wanted to make sure he was alive. Even Mr Argus Filch, the squib care taker added his voice. "Well done, Mr Potter, Well done." Harry just beamed at him. The teachers were next. Professor Slughorn, Trelawney, Sprout and Flitwick all came to Harry to offer their thanks. "I knew it, Potter, I saw it in my inner eye" said Trelawney, shaking his hand. "Sure you didn't use Felix Felicis?" said Professor Sprout, hugging Harry. "He's Lily's son, he doesn't need luck, Pomona! Well done Harry!" said Slughorn. Even Professor Flitwick was impressed. "Well, Harry, you have done it, you've rid of him for once and for all!" Harry was just overwhelmed by support. But all the Slytherin students that remained just glared at Harry. But Draco Malfoy came to Harry and bowed to him. Harry asked him-why. "Because you saved me from a fate worse than death. Even if I'm put into Azkaban with my father, I'll still be a relieved man that Voldemort has gone". "Call him Tom Riddle, Draco, he is no more" said Harry. Draco just respectfully bowed and instructed the Slytherin house not to harm Harry Potter. Harry then reached the people he knew and love and sat with them, knowing that he didn't for the moment, have to be alone.