*I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER! I HAVE TAKEN ONE QUOTE OUT OF THE LAST BOOK JUST TO START OFF MY STORY*


Chapter 1 – The War Is Over

The sun rose steadily over Hogwarts, and the Great Hall blazed with life and light. People were running towards Harry, their hero. Swarmed by people, Harry had to fight his way through the crowd to reach Ron and Hermione.
"Do you want to go for a walk?" Ron and Hermione nodded, and the Golden Trio set off around the grounds of Hogwarts. When they were walking around the lake, Hermione burst into tears.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" Harry asked while Ron sat her down on a rock.
"It's really over, isn't it?" Ron and Harry looked at eachother, not knowing what to say to her. After a few seconds that felt like hours, Harry spoke up.
"Yes, yes it is Hermione. Voldemort is dead and the Death Eaters have been sent to Azkaban. All the Horcruxes are destroyed and we can finally live a normal life." Hermione stifled a nervous laugh. "I guess we can, can't we." She looked up at the castle before continuing.
"I think I'm going to come back. I feel like I need to finish my education. I have so much more to learn. What about you?" Ron laughed out loud, which made Harry laugh and soon all three of them were laughing. After a few minutes of laughter, Harry broke the silence.
"I think I will too. Even if Dumbledore isn't here, I still think it wouldn't be right not returning."
"Same," Ron mumbled. Harry had a feeling that Ron was only returning because he wanted to please his mother.
"Should we tell McGonnagal? I mean, she's going to have to send us letters with the seventh year book list and all that."
"Yeah, that's a great idea Harry. Let's go do it now. Coming Ron?" Ron continued to sit on the grass. Harry knew that he was mourning the loss of his brohter Fred.
"I'll catch up with you later." Hermione walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. She whispered something into his ear and walked back over to Harry.
"He'll be fine, Hermione. Don't worry." Hermione burst into tears again as they walked past the Forbidden Forest. It was hard to believe that only a few hours ago in the Forest, Voldemort had failed to kill Harry, yet again. Harry put his arm around Hermione and gave her a squeeze. She placed her head on his shoulder and Harry felt her warm tears sink through his jumper. When they reached the castle, McGonnagal was outside.
"I've been wondering where you got to, Potter. Miss Granger, if you wouldn't mind going into the Weasleys while I speak to Harry alone." Hermione lifted her head and was about to make her way into the castle when Harry grabbed her hand.
"Actually, Professor, before that, Hermione and I would like to talk to you for a minute if you don't mind." McGonnagal looked taken aback but merely said "Alright Potter." Harry cleared his throat and opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
"What Harry is trying to say, is that Ronald, Harry and I would like to return to Hogwarts next year so as to complete our education." Harry squeezed Hermione's hand in thanks and she returned the squeeze.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Potter. I was going to talk to Miss Granger and Mister Weasley after. So, if you wish to return next year, I would be delighted to take you in." She smiled at Harry and added, "Thank you for saving the wizarding world Harry. Albus would've been proud."
"No problem Professor. But I couldn't have done it without Hermione or Ron." McGonnagal smiled again and then turned and walked back into the castle. Once she was out of earshot, Harry faced Hermione.
"Thank you Hermione. Not just for that, but for everything you've done over the past seven years. I owe you- not one- but a hundred!" Hermione laughed, but Harry continued. "I'm serious Hermione. You've done a lot for me. You helped me get the Philosopher's Stone, you figured out what was hidden in the Chamber of Secrets, you helped me save Sirius, you helped me with all the tasks in the Triwizard Tournament, you helped me fight against Umbridge, you tried to discover what a Horcrux was, you helped me find the Horcruxes and let's not forget all the homework you helped me with. Seriously Hermione, you're the best!" And he hugged her, and she hugged back.
"Thank you Harry. You're a great friend." She was crying again, but Harry didn't care.