As Voldemort raised his wand, Harry looked on with acceptance. This was what his life had been leading to. The Boy Who Lived, the sacrificial lamb. He almost sighed as the jet of green light shot towards him.

Then nothing. Harry Potter was gone.

Light gently pressed upon his eyelids, comfortingly warm air caressed his skin. For the first time in many years, Harry awoke without an ache or pain. Whether from his scar, body or mind.

A feeling of peace filled him as he slowly opened his eyes and took in his glowing surroundings. A world built of mist and cloud yet oddly corporeal, greeted him. It all felt distinctly familiar, he just couldn't quite place it…

'Hm mm' a voice sounded behind him.

Harry whirled around to be greeted by the bespectacled face of Albus Dumbledore, his piercing blue eyes twinkling softly and a smile playing upon his lips.

'Professor, I…How…Where am I?' stuttered Harry, though already knowing deep down where he was.

'My dear boy. No, man! After all you have done, you are most certainly man. Well done, I am so very proud of you.'

Dumbledore enveloped Harry in an uncharacteristic hug, which Harry hesitantly returned.

'To answer your question Harry, we are between worlds. Voldemorts horcrux has been detached from your soul, as you can see over there' Harry peered in the direction he pointed to see the deformed, infant like form shuddering under a bench. 'You now have the choice to, as they say "go on", or you could return to the world. I suggest the latter.'

'Ahhhh, so that's where we are. Kings Cross Station'. The pieces finally fitting together. How poetic it seemed that the place that had first led him to Hogwarts could either return him there or take him on.

'Sir, why do you suggest that I return? Haven't I done enough? I have lived through hell these last few years. I have been broken, over and over again. I have lost so much and so many. I have ached, both physically and mentally, all because of this bloody quest to rid the world of Voldemort… And now he's gone. And I feel no pain. I know that if I "go on", then I will see my parents. People I should, but have never known. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can return. There are those who can finish this for me. Don't look at me like that Albus. Why should I shoulder all the responsibility. You may think me a coward, but I am not. I gave my life. Willingly sacrificed myself without the knowledge of whether I would be able to return. And you know what. I choose peace. I choose my parents. Sirius. Remus. Hedwig. I'm…I'm sorry.'

Harry stood panting (if that were possible in limbo), and stared defiantly into his Headmasters eyes, challenging him to argue and try to persuade him to return to the war-torn wizarding world.

Surprisingly, he didn't.

'Harry, you brave man. You have every right to choose your path! I will not stop you. You have sacrificed so much for our world, I understand your need for peace and "the next great adventure''. I only warn and remind you that you will be leaving your friends in uncertainty and battle back there.'

'I know Sir, thank you for understanding. However, I know that my friends will do what needs to be done. I trust them. And I know I will see them again someday.'

'Very well. If you are ready, then I think you have a train to catch.' As if by magic, an elegant pearlescent steam engine materialized. It let out a melodic whistle, calling Harry to board.

With a smile, the two wizards walked towards the doors. Harry started to climb on board, turning to assist Dumbledore who stood on the platform.

'I'm sorry Harry, but this is a journey which we all take on our own. But do not worry, I will see you again soon.'

Taking a step back, the doors closed upon Harry.

'Goodbye Sir, thank you.'

Goodbye Harry, you brave man.'

As the wheels started to turn, Dumbledore disappeared into the mist. Finding everything suddenly cloudy, Harry rubbed his eyes, only to find that the carriage was filled with a blinding white light.

Then Harry Potter knew no more.

Hello everyone!

So this is my first multi-chapter story, I hope you like it!

I'd love your opinions, but please keep them nice and constructive. No one wants insults thrown at them!

I am very excited to see where this story goes!

I can promise you all now that I most probably won't be a weekly updater.

Please review, follow and favourite!

Much love,

Emily