Disclaimer: HP belongs to JKR, I'm just playing with it.

My first fanfic, hope you like it.

Harry Potter had True Courage

There were now two kinds of people who talk about Harry Potter. Those on the 'dark' side, and those on the (ex) light side.

What the dark side said was simple:

"He was a stereotypical, brash stupid Gryffindor who could never have saved you."

But the light was a little harder to define. There were three sections, really.

Section one - Denial

Remus paced the flat.

"He is going to come back right? Harry's just off training somewhere, learning how to beat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

This was said all in one breath, frantically. Minerva McGonnagall looked around at Remus' flat and sighed. The flat itself was a tip, and Remus wasn't looking much better. In other words, Remus looked like a mess. Actually, on looking round, so did the rest of the Order of the Pheonix. She probably looked one too.

Except for the resident potions master and spy, one Severus Snape. He just sat there, smirking. McGonnagall sighed, again.

Section two - Anger/Betrayal

"Where is the stupid boy? Why the hell isn't he back by now? Mad Eye Moody raged.

"I think that it's time to face it" Professor Snape sneered. "Mr Potter is not coming back."

Others agreed, saying that Potter was a coward and that one day, he would regret it.

This time, it was Ron and Hermione who stayed silent. They knew why he left.

Section three -Acceptance

"He did the right thing." No one questioned or disagreed with Tonks.

Molly sobbed out "It was too much for my poor boy to handle. For anyone to handle."

"We agree -"

"in fact we -"

"always thought -"

"that we would -"

"lose the war ."

" I find myself agreeing with the twins," muttered Kingsley. "I mean, did anyone ever give Harry any extra training?"

Hermione and Ron glanced at each other before standing quickly exited the antechamber that was just off the Great Hall.

"Everyone, quiet, please. The war is over. Voldemort has won."

At this, the hall filled with murmurs. Ron winced out of habit at the name. Hermione continued, undaunted.

"Harry Potter was brave - a true Gryffindor. For years he has done his best to save you. All you did was make up lies about him, insult him and lie down for Voldemort to walk all over you. Harry stood up to him for you. By now he has faced Voldemort seven times. Has anyone here ever thanked him for it? No. Harry Potter was a true Gryffindor. He was ready to take the accusations when he left. He was brave enough to run."

Hermione finished her speech, her voice cracking a little.

Ron and Hermione decided together. It was time. Together they slipped off their necklaces and put on the silver ring that had been dangling off each of them.

The activation phrase was whispered simultaneously.

"Take me to Harry."

Finis