Disclaimer: I own nothing Harry Potter related. Characters, concepts, and much of the dialogue belong to J.K. Rowling. I make no profit off of this story (please do not sue me).

Differentiation

"Before you try to kill me. I'd advise you to think about what you've done... Think, and try for some remorse, Riddle..."

"What is this?"

Of all the things that Harry has said to him, beyond any revelation or taunt, nothing had shocked Voldemort like this. Harry saw his pupils contract to thin slits, saw the skin around his eves widen.

"It's your one last chance," said Harry, "it's all you've got life... I've seen what you'll be other- wise... Be a man... try... Try for some remorse..."

It was in that moment that Harry knew nothing could be done. Trying and still failing to under- stand even the concept of remorse left Voldemort without a whisper of a chance at redemption. Knowing this, the spells were cast.

"Avada Kedavra." "Expelliarmus."

And then he was gone. And Harry knew, he knew that what was once Lord Voldemort, or even Tom Riddle was instead appearing in Kings Cross Station, a pathetic, naked, weeping bundle of half man.

After hearing this last exchange from across the Great Hall, Hermione knew what Harry had done, what he had sacrificed by giving Voldemort a chance to reunite his soul and redeem him- self. She knew that Harry had given him forgiveness, and she feared that she was the only one who would ever know.

Hermione remembered telling Harry long ago about Horcruxes.

"Is there any way of putting yourself back together?" Harry had asked.

"Yes," Hermione had said, feeling hollow inside, "but it would be excruciatingly painful."

"Why? How do you do it?" asked Harry.

"Remorse," she replied. "You've got to really feel what you've done. There's a footnote. Appar- ently the pain of it can destroy you. I can't see Voldemort attempting it somehow, can you?"

And still, Hermione in the moment knew that Harry hadn't given up yet. He knew that Riddle would've read the same book, and gave him a second chance.

Hermione understood this one some level, that it was more the healing process for Harry, but still, she knew that there was happiness in Voldemort disregarding the offer.

As Harry turned to leave the Great Hall, his eyes sought her out. A look of understanding passed between the two.
The exchange said that Harry had tried, therefore he will forever be better than Tom, and though they might share several abilities, the person behind the scar would always be the defini- tion of Harry Potter.

A/N: Reviews please. Should I add on to this concept? Do you want Harmony or just a Harry centric story? Thanks for reading :)