All the characters belong to J K Rowling

The Parting of The ways

It was a beautiful summer's day. The sun shone brightly, the sky a Sapphire blue. But for all those gathered by the lake outside hogwarts school it was a harsh, cold and painful day. It might as well have been the middle of winter.

Standing away from the crowd under a tree by the waters edge, stood James, Lily and Sirius, heads bowed in respect for their fallen headmaster.

James was watching his son, sitting with his friends, pale faced, staring blankly in front of him. He wasn't crying at all, but the pain in his eyes told the whole story. "I'm sorry," he whispered, wishing that Harry could hear him.

Lily held his hand tightly in love and support. "You've been through so much Harry," she whispered softly. She looked between James and Sirius, tears and worry in her eyes. "Do you think he'll make it?" she asked fearfully. "I mean…I know his brave and strong, and his faced voldemort before. but I'm his mother, I have to believe he'll make it because for me there's no other option. But…now…after Dumbledore and Snape…"

"Don't mention his name again Lily," warned Sirius dangerously. "Ever. If I ever see that treacherous snake again I'll…"

"You won't do anything Sirius," said a new voice, and they all turned to stare in shock.

"Dumbledore!" they all exclaimed at the same time.

Then James smiled and nodded in greeting. "Hi".

"Good to see you again as well James," Dumbledore answered him. "It's good to see all of you. But you won't do anything because like it or not, we can't do anything for them any more. We've been allowed this one chance to say goodbye, and then, as they say, all good things must come to an end". He paused then and turned to look at the crowd.

"It's up to them to find their way…it'll be ok Lily," he finished kindly. "I'm sure Harry will be just fine".

"I wish I could tell him that," said James. "There are so many things I wish…."

"He knows it all James," Dumbledore told him. "Believe me, he knows. Come on then…it's time to be going".

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Harry looked away from what was happening out towards the lake. Then something happened. There was a slight breeze and the sunlight shone down in just the right way…and then he thought he saw….but it was impossible. There was his mum and dad, and Sirius and Dumbledore! All standing there in a golden light….

"Ginny…" he whispered excitedly. "Look, there…do you see that?" People were turning round to stare at him, to tell him to be quiet. He knew it looked odd, he shouldn't behave like this at a funeral but…. "Look right there!"

Ginny turned and frowned at him. "See what? Harry…are you feeling alright? I know how hard this is for you, but..." she started to whispered. "Hey…the sun's bright over there isn't it?"

But Harry didn't hear her. To Ginny, Ron and Hermione's amazement, Harry was smiling.

The last part of the conversation between his dad and Dumbledore floated to Harry on the wind, and then Dumbldore turned to face him. He lifted a hand in a wave goodbye, and then they all faded into the sunlight.

For the first time in a long while, Harry had hope that he'd make it through this. The people he loved were watching over him and guiding him, and he'd be with them again one day. But until then he had to fight. It was in that moment that he came to terms with his destiny. He was going to fight voldemort and anything else that came after him, and maybe, just maybe, he'd win.

The End