The 19 Years Book 1: The Art of Healing

Chapter: 2 – Moping Around the Castle

Date: May 1998

Author's Note: Wow! Thank you all for all the reviews so far! I am glad that we could finally get this going again. Thank you for the reviews thus far and I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original characters!

After what felt like years, Harry woke up. At first, Harry didn't move. He just lay in his familiar bed, relishing the comfort he felt. Harry sighed before he finally pushed himself into a sitting position. As he did, he felt a pulling sensation on different parts of his body. Harry rubbed his head, noticing he had a particularly itchy scalp. As he started moving a little more, Harry realized that he was sore everywhere. Not only that, but Harry found he was covered in grime, dirt, and blood. Wondering how long he had been in his bed, Harry opened his bed hangings and looked around. The boys' dormitory was deserted but the other beds showed signs of being slept in.

Deciding he might as well get out of bed, Harry slowly stood up and stretched. He looked down at himself and saw that the clothes he was wearing were destined for the rubbish bin. Sighing, as didn't have any clothes with him, he was about to relegate himself to wearing them another day when he remembered Kreacher.

"Kreacher." Harry spoke softly.

A second passed, where Harry thought that maybe Kreacher had died in the battle when there was a crack and the little house elf appeared. "Master!" Kreacher bellowed and raced forward. Harry suddenly felt the little elf's hands around his knees. Before Harry could return the gesture in any way, Kreacher backed up from him and peered up at him with his big eyes. "Kreacher has been worried about yous! You have asleep for awhile sir."

"I'm sorry I worried you Kreacher." Harry replied touched that Kreacher was worried about him. The little House Elf had come a long way from just a few kind words.

"Oh Kreacher understands sirs," Kreacher told him earnestly. "But yous is awake now! Can Kreacher be getting yous anything?"

Harry nodded grinning. The thought of a change of clothes was like heaven on earth. "Can you get me a change of clothes? Talk to Hermione, she might still have some of my things with her. And you could bring a few sandwiches up here? I'm starving." Harry added as his stomach growled.

Kreacher bowed low and nodded. "Yes Master. I'll be back soon." With a crack, he disappeared.

Harry made his way over to the bathroom and started the shower. He peeled off his dirty clothes and stepped into the shower. Harry let the warm water run over his body and soak into his muscles. He took inventory of all the cuts and bruises over him and noticed the worst bruise was on his chest where the Killing Curse had hit him. The hot water felt like absolute heaven on his abused body. Harry stayed in the shower a long time before he finally stepped out, finally feeling clean and fresh. He stepped out to find a nice fluffy towel and a stack of clothes waiting for him. Harry dried himself off and then dressed, making sure to take care not to cause himself too much extra pain.

Harry left the bathroom and emerged in the dorm he had slept in for six years. The first thing he saw was a ginger haired tall lanky fellow sitting on the edge of his bed. "Good to see you're up mate. I never would have thought that you could sleep for so long." Ron flashed a grin at his best mate.

Harry grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head. "How long was I out?"

"About thirty six hours." Ron answered with a flash of a smile.

Harry stared at him in shock. "What- wow."

"Yeah. You gave Mum quite the scare. I think she was afraid you died or something. She was checking on you every few hours and I think she was ready to wake you up in a few minutes."

Harry shook his head at Mrs. Weasley's antics. Harry hoped that he hadn't caused her too much trouble. His grin faded as he looked at Ron. "How are you doing Ron?"

Ron looked at his best mate and Harry could see the grief in those eyes. He was coping, but just barely. "I'll be ok, but it's just so much." Ron finally answered in a soft voice.

Harry looked at his feet and felt the familiar feeling of grief and guilt threatening to swallow him whole. He nodded in agreement. "I know. I'm sorry Ron. If I had gone to Vold-"

"Don't you dare!" Ron growled interrupting his friend. "Don't be sorry Harry. I know you're feeling like it's all your fault, but it's not. F-Fred gave his life because he knew that what he was fighting for was bigger than him and was worth his life." Harry watched Ron rant. He got off the bed and walked up to Harry and placed his hands on Harry's shoulders and looked at him. "Nobody down there blames you for what happened. They know what was at stake when they came to this school to fight, and they knew what could happen. It. Is. Not. Your. Fault. Don't insult their memories by believing it's your fault. Alright mate?" Ron spoke to him firmly and his eyes were a little watery but also firm.

Harry got the message Ron was trying to tell him. Harry nodded, speechless. He appreciated Ron's little speech but it was so unlike him that all Harry could do was stare at him. "I promise." He managed after a few seconds as it was clear Ron was waiting for an acknowledgement.

Ron nodded and sat back down on the bed, satisfied with the answer. At that moment, the door opened and three women came in. Two of them instantly caused Harry to smile at the sight of them.

"Harry!" Ginny and Hermione yelled together. Hermione rushed forward and wrapped Harry in a hug, squeezing him tightly.

"Harry dear, you're awake!" Mrs. Weasley was obviously relieved. When Hermione finally let Harry go, she also came forward and gathered him in a bone crushing hug. "We've been so worried about you. Have you had something to eat yet?"

"Looks like Kreacher brought up some sandwiches for Harry," Ron said looking at the plate next to Harry's bed. "He just got out of the shower though so I don't think he's actually eaten yet."

Harry just nodded when Mrs. Weasley sent an inquiring look at him.

"You go ahead and eat dear," Mrs. Weasley instructed and gave him a little push toward the platter of sandwiches.

Harry moved over to the plate happily, his stomach growling as he went.

Mrs. Weasley watched him closely to make sure he was eating before turning her attention to the other three. "Make sure you all have your things together, we'll be going home tonight." She told them sternly.

"Who's going to help repair the castle?" Ginny asked out of curiosity. She saw Harry's inquiring look and asked the question that he couldn't since his mouth was full of sandwich. At her question, Harry shot her a quick thankful look before turning back to Mr. Weasley.

"McGonagall has already hired the crew who will be doing that," Mrs. Weasley replied looking at her daughter. "And several of the professors are planning on staying here to help as well."

"Do you think Hogwarts will be able to open for the next school year?" Hermione asked in an obviously hopeful tone.

"With the teachers here to keep the repair crew in line, I'm sure it will be." Ron scoffed with a slight laugh.

"McGonagall will make sure that most of the castle is open for the students at least," Mrs. Weasley agreed with her son. "The Board of Governors want to have the school open for the next school year so I imagine they will push hard for the repair crews to stay on track."

Harry swallowed his sandwich and helped himself to another one as Hermione sat on his bed next to Ron. "Well, maybe we can stay and help?" Her eyes slid to Harry for the briefest of seconds but her statement included herself and Ron. Both felt somewhat responsible for the destruction of the castle. It was because of them that Voldemort and his Death Eaters had come here for the final battle after all.

"Nonsense," Mrs. Weasley made a dismissing motion. "They have it under control and won't need the help of children. You'll just get in their way." She added as she turned towards the door. "Harry dear, when you are done come down to the Great Hall. Ginny come on."

"Mum, I'll come with the others." Ginny tried to protest.

"Now Ginny," Mrs. Weasley's tone was stern and final.

Ginny huffed and rolled her eyes but went with her mother. Ron and Hermione watched the two leave with somewhat surprised expressions on their faces. Harry had frozen mid bite at her words.

"'Won't need the help of children'?" Ron quoted with surprise. "Was she not at the battle? Did she not see what we did?"

"Ron," Hermione scolded softly. Her heart wasn't really in it though because she felt like Ron and Harry. They weren't children. They may be young and barely adults in the eyes of the Wizarding Community, but they were not children. Not anymore. "Your mum is just trying to keep her family together," Hermione added when neither boy said anything.

Harry set his sandwich down half eaten. His appetite had disappeared suddenly when Hermione said family. It made him think of Fred. Remus and Tonks sprung to his mind as well and he realized that he would never see them again. "Don't worry about it mate," Ron said clapping him on the shoulder misreading Harry's sudden mood change. "She'll see reason. We'll come back and help. It's partly our fault that the castle is in this state after all… McGonagall will probably give us detention if we don't." He tried joking.

"Ron!" Hermione hissed in anger as Harry recoiled a step. It was obvious that he had not thought of that. And now that Ron brought it up, Harry realized it was true. It was his fault that the school was in this state. He had brought Voldemort and his goons here. If they had been able to sneak into the castle maybe the battle wouldn't have had to be fought here.

"Come on Harry," Hermione linked her arm with his and pulled him from the dorm after shooting a glare at Ron who mouthed sorry back at her with a sheepish expression.

"Where we going 'Mione?" Harry asked as she pulled him out of the common room and down the hallway.

"Hospital wing," she answered while tightening her grip on him.

"Whoa! No Hermione!" Harry said trying to break away from her. "I'm fine. Really."

"Harry, you were hit with the Killing Curse!" She chided him. "Before you do anything else, Madam Promfrey is going to check you out." Hermione stated in her no nonsense tone.

Harry shook his head at her. "Hermione!" He whined while shaking his head. "I'm fine!" He protested. "Really!" He added at her disbelieving look.

"Then why are you moving so stiffly?" She asked pointedly, coming to a stop and putting her hands on her hips.

Harry sighed in frustration. "Well I have been sleeping for thirty six hours," Harry tried once more to get out of the medical exam.

"Harry mate," Ron piped up now. "Go get checked out. Mum will make you eventually and if she doesn't than McGonagall will. Just do it now and get it over with."

Harry looked at the concerned looks on his two best mates' faces and sighed before rolling his eyes. "Fine, I'll head over to the Hospital Wing now." Harry started walking again, Hermione and Ron right behind him, foiling any escape plan Harry could come up with.

When they reached the Hospital Wing, Harry saw that quite a few beds were full of people. There were also a few extra healers on hand, their robes identifying them as healers from St. Mungo's. All activity stopped when they caught sight of Harry, Ron, and Hermione entering the wing.

"It's him!"

"Harry Potter!"

"Harry Potter! He's here!" Patients and healers alike shouted and started moving towards him.

Harry immediately turned around to walk out of the ward, wanting to avoid the fanfare, but he was stopped by Ron and Hermione. They stood shoulder to shoulder and both had their arms crossed.

"No Harry. You have to get checked out." Hermione told him shaking her head.

Harry sighed and turned around again to see three healers and Madam Promfrey approaching.

"Harry Potter. What can we do for you?" One of the healers asked him eagerly.

"Madam Promfrey," Harry asked singling the mediwitch out, "if you aren't too busy, I would appreciate if you could give me a once over."

She looked at Harry with sympathy and understanding before she nodded and motioned to follow her to her office. "Of course Harry. I am done with my patients for now. Please come through here." They went through her office to a second set of doors that led to a second room that held only four beds. Three were occupied. "This is a ward for more private matters and staff. I just thought that you would be more comfortable here while I checked you over."

Harry nodded his gratitude as he sat on the bed. "Ok, first off, anything specific you're complaining of?" She asked him.

Harry shrugged. "Some soreness and stiff muscles. But I did just sleep for about thirty six hours so that's probably why."

Pomfrey pursed her lips and shook her head. "Never self diagnose Harry," she reprimanded him gently. Her expression turned to surprise in the next second. "You've slept all this time?"

Harry just nodded. "It's been a rough couple of months." Was his only explanation.

"Alright Potter, off with the shirt." Pomfrey ordered in her formidable healer tone. "Let's see what I have to work miracles on this time."

Harry grinned slightly at that and took off his shirt. A second later he was treated to a gasp as Pomfrey saw his chest and the nasty bruise there.

"Merlin Potter, what did you get hit with this time?"

Harry sighed softy before he answered her question. "The Killing Curse."

"What?!" She exclaimed in surprise, stepping back and looking at Harry trying to determine if he was telling the truth or not.

Harry told her the bare bone basics of what had transpired in the forest before the last duel between him and Voldemort. Pomfrey listened in surprise which turned to admiration for the young man before her. When Harry was done telling her what had happened, she quickly got to work. A few scans, spells, and two cups of potions later, Pomfrey was done and Harry felt loads better.

"Ok Harry, you're all done," her tone was soft and gentle. "That bruise on your chest will go away but not for a while at least." Harry nodded and redressed. "You're the only one who has ever survived that curse and it's dark magic so I can't tell you when it'll heal or even if it will heal. We'll just have to keep an eye on it. You notice it gets worse you tell me immediately understand?"

"Yes ma'am," Harry told her nodding. Pomfrey nodded in satisfaction and showed Harry out. He was met just outside the wing by Ron and Hermione.

"Feeling better mate?" Ron asked standing up.

Harry nodded while rolling his eyes. Hermione didn't stop the smirk that crossed her face at that. "Good. Come on, let's head downstairs."

"If you insist," Harry tried to tease but his heart wasn't really in it. Together, the three made their way down to the Great Hall where the others were still gathered.

~19 Years AOH~

The three had made it to the Entry Hall without any incident. According to the other two, a lot of the people who had come to fight had left yesterday or during the night. But there were still plenty who remained, most of whom had lost someone. Now, Harry stood in the doorway to the Great Hall, his friends behind him. His eyes roamed the large room, looking at everyone gathered in there. The first thing he noticed was that there were few people smiling and even more were crying. All these people had lost someone, whether friend or family. Harry stood, seemingly alone in the doorway, just looking. In one corner of the Hall, the Weasleys were all gathered together, comforting one another, and in the back, where the Staff Table usually was placed, McGonagall was moving. She talked with the people there, trying to help them as she could. All the bodies of the dead had been moved to one of the rooms off the Entry Hall. The bodies of Death Eaters and Voldemort himself were in a different room entirely.

Harry's eyes lingered on a few sad faces knowing who they had lost. Molly and Arthur were so filled with grief it was palpable, but they were trying to comfort their children. George was starring at the wall, his face totally blank. Ginny was near him, her hand on his shoulder, her head in the other hand. Lee Jordan and Angelina were nearby, both had tear streaks still on their faces. In another corner, Neville and Luna were next to each other, moving along the groups of people, offering words of comfort.

Harry felt a hand on his shoulder as his eyes left Luna and Neville. Ron nodded toward his family, his face one of reluctance but also resolve. "Come on, we should go in." He urged.

"Harry?" Hermione prodded softly when Harry didn't move.

"Yeah," Harry agreed but his tone was off.

Ron and Hermione looked at each other in concern but followed Harry as he finally entered. People took notice of his return but only murmured hellos or condolences. Harry acknowledged them, but only barely. He took a seat next to George and stayed there for the rest of the night, not speaking, only listening and getting more and more caught up in his own grief.

~19 Years AOH~

Sometime after dawn, people decided it was time. Time to leave Hogwarts and head home. Time to leave the site of the Final Battle and join the celebrations that were raging up and down the country. The Hall emptied slowly at first until only a handful remained. McGonagall and most of the teachers stayed because they were going to help rebuild Hogwarts. The Weasleys were among the last to leave. Harry had stayed in his seat all night, looking much the same as George, if not worse.

Molly looked at Arthur, unsure as to what they should do with him. She was about to approach Harry when Ron called out for her. Molly and Arthur went over to their youngest son who was joined by McGonagall, Hermione, and Ginny. "Mum, Harry should stay here." Ron said right off, not bothering to pretend it was about something else.

"Stay?" She sounded incredulous. She shook her head as she disagreed with him. "He needs to go home Ron. He needs to be around family."

"This is his home Mrs. Weasley," Hermione tried to explain.

"It's true," Ginny added, "he's always thought of Hogwarts as home."

"Hogwarts?" Arthur asked in surprise. "But what about his relatives?"

"Those people?" McGonagall snorted. "They would not be considered his family."

"I only meant that perhaps he'd like to go back to their house?" Arthur suggested well remembering the few times he had met Harry's aunt and uncle.

"You've met his aunt and uncle?" Ginny asked McGonagall surprised at the same time that her father spoke.

"Briefly," McGonagall answered nodding before turning to look at the Weasley parents. "I agree with Mr. Weasley," McGonagall continued nodding at Ron. "Harry should stay here at Hogwarts."

"He can't stay here alone!" Molly protested.

"He won't be alone," McGonagall pointed out a bit stiffly. "The other professors and I will be here."

"It's probably safest for him here Molly," Arthur told his wife. "Death Eaters and reporters are going to be hounding the poor boy. Until he's grieved and healed some from those wounds, he'll be protected here."

"The wards of Hogwarts are intact," McGonagall agreed. "We raised them again as soon as we were able."

"I don't like it," Molly said but turned to Ron and Hermione. "But you really think he'll be better here?"

The two nodded together but it was Ginny who spoke. "He'll need the familiarity and solitude that Hogwarts will offer him. Not to mention the safety."

Everyone turned to look at Ginny with some degree of surprise. Ginny's cheeks colored only a little at the attention. Only her parents didn't know that she and Harry had been boyfriend girlfriend at one point in time. Her brothers knew though.

"That, and Pomfrey can keep an eye on him. Obviously he went through something in the forest. I still don't know how he managed to convince Voldemort that he was dead, but I wager it wasn't easy on Harry. Pomfrey can keep an eye on him to make sure he really is alright." McGonagall added after a moment.

Ron and Hermione looked at each other quickly. They knew what had happened to him obviously, Harry had told them. But they wouldn't tell anyone else unless absolutely necessary. Harry would tell the others only if and when he wanted to.

"Alright, but, Minerva, you better keep an eye on him." Molly warned the elder witch sternly.

"You have my word," McGonagall promised her.

Molly nodded satisfied and gestured to the younger kids. "We need to get going."

"We'll be along in a moment Mum. Professor, could we have a word please?" Ron asked turning to McGonagall.

"Sure Mr. Weasley." McGonagall answered. Ron and Hermione waited until the others left before speaking. Ginny shot the older witch a look that said she clearly expected to be filled in later before she hurried after her parents.

"Professor, we wanted to clear something up before we left. Professor Snape was on our side." Hermione began.

McGonagall looked at the two in surprise. "Excuse me?"

"Snape was on our side," Ron reiterated.

"We witnessed his last moments and Snape gave Harry some memories. He was a spy for Dumbledore and tried to protect the students as long as he could this year."

"I knew he had some suspicious moments!" McGonagall breathed softly. "That bastard!" she growled suddenly. "He could have helped us. I could have helped him!" She turned her eyes on the two and raised her eyebrows. "So, where is his body?"

"We've retrieved it." Ron answered after sharing a look with Hermione. Clearly the two didn't think she'd believe them so fast.

"That's where you two disappeared to just a little bit ago!" McGonagall sounded like she was pleased she solved the mystery.

Hermione nodded in response and her face became guilty. "We saw how Harry has become."

At her questioning glance, Hermione explained. "Consumed by grief. He isn't in any condition to retrieve Snape's body."

"Indeed," McGonagall's gaze turned to look at the back of her favorite Gryffindor. "Tell me, do I need to worry about Harry?" She asked the two softly.

Hermione and Ron looked at each other before they looked at her. "After Cedric's death, he was incredibly angry. We later found out that that was mostly because of Voldemort's emotional influence though." Ron started.

"And after Sirius, Harry was left alone until Dumbledore came for him." Hermione explained.

"So basically, you're not sure how Harry is when he grieves." McGonagall surmised grimacing. She had hoped that these two could give her some insight.

"Unfortunately, no." Hermione agreed, her eyes falling to the floor in shame.

"Alright. Please feel free to come and visit him. I know he would appreciate it."

"Thank you professor," Hermione grinned sadly before linking arms with Ron and heading over to Harry.

At first, Harry wasn't sure what was happening but then he realized that the Weasley were leaving for the Burrow. And he wasn't. On some level, he was shocked that they didn't want him there. Well, it was his fault that Fred was dead after all. But on another level, Harry was glad to be left alone. He would be free to grieve on his own and away from the prying eyes of Mrs. Weasley. With mixed feelings, Harry watched them leave before going up to Gryffindor Tower on his own.

McGonagall watched him go, wondering what the young man would do now that all the pressure was off of him.

~19 Years AOH~

A day had passed since the last of the Hogwarts Defenders had left for home. Professors were milling about the castle, working with the repair crew that McGonagall had hired, trying to get the castle back together again. Harry was also doing his part, but he was hardly ever seen by anyone. Kreacher took meals up to him in Gryffindor Tower in the mornings and at night. When he was spotted, Harry didn't talk or make eye contact with anyone. It was an issue that all the Professors were starting to realize was serious.

McGonagall had spent the better part of two hours trying to track her Gryffindor down. She knew from the repair crew that they had last seen him in this part of the castle. The problem was, the part of the castle they were referring to was large, huge. There were dozens of rooms, nooks, and crannies that he could be hiding in. Finally, she spotted the young man in a small hallway. Before him was a large gaping hole. Obviously a Death Eater had blown it apart or a spider had come through it in the attack. She watched with surprise as Harry waved his wand and the hole quickly was rebuilt from the bricks laying in the hallway. The hole came together perfectly. She saw that the bricks that had been completely destroyed were replaced with complete new ones that Harry conjured from the dust in the hallway. The repair job that should have taken an hour by three witches or wizards took Harry thirty minutes.

When he was done, he looked at the hole, as if he was trying to find anything wrong with it. When he was satisfied that it was sound, Harry turned and walked down the hallway, looking for the next project. McGonagall drew level with the newly repaired wall and put her hand on it. She could feel the magic still coursing through the stone. A repair like that, the magic would still be present for several days before completely settling. As she examined the wall, she wondered when Harry had become so powerful. He had never shown this level of magical ability before at Hogwarts. For probably the hundredth time, McGonagall wondered what had happened to Harry in the forest.

Remembering why she had spent so long looking for Harry, McGonagall jolted herself after him. She set off on a brisk walk after the boy and caught up with him soon enough. "Harry!" She called after him. Harry either didn't hear her or didn't want to acknowledge her. "Harry!" She called again. Again, Harry didn't answer. "Harry Potter!" She called, her stern professor mode slipping into her tone. That must have gotten through to him. At least a little bit. Harry stopped and turned. She stopped just before him and drew in a breath before asking her question. She could see that the brilliant green eyes which had always contained a brilliant fire were dull now.

"Harry, I have a question for you." She started. Harry just blinked and McGonagall kept going. "Given all you know about Voldemort and seeing as you are probably the person who knows him best now, what should we do with the body?" Harry didn't look at her, just blinked once. McGonagall decided to try a different tactic. "The Death Eaters' bodies were given to their families, or at least to the family members who showed up to collect them." McGonagall surveyed Harry before continuing. "Many feel that they should be treated the same as Riddle's body." Still nothing from the young man. This was getting ridiculous. "Well, we don't want to honor his body, so what do you think if we burn it?" She and Kingsley had discussed this before and he had actually suggested the option.

"His soul is gone and it's just an empty shell now." He had said. Not that either of them cared much about Voldemort's soul but they wanted to be better than Voldemort and his followers.

Harry looked at McGonagall with a blank face. No emotion or trace of an answer was on his face. After a moment, Harry turned and walked down the hallway, looking for more repairs to do. McGonagall watched him go, completely at a loss as to what to do for him and wondering if he was going to get better with time. Merlin forbid if he was just going to get worse.

~19 Years AOH~

Five days had passed since the final battle had been fought. Hogwarts castle still lay in ruin, the grounds still held craters and bodies of dead spiders and one giant. Witches and Wizards everywhere had long since returned home or joined in celebrations taking place all around the country. Only a few people still remained at the dark castle. One of them was the woman who had just been promoted to the top job. It was her task to get the school back up and running. Minerva McGonagall stood outside the castle she had long considered her home as well as her work place. Her arms were folded and her gaze lingered on the ancient building. She wondered if the castle had ever sustained this level of damage before.

McGonagall sighed as sounds of masonry work reached her ears. The crews had been hard at work for the last two days. According to the foreman, the repair work would take all summer. With a lot of work, and a lot of luck, they'd be able to open up to eighty percent of the school. The other twenty would remain under construction during the school year. Looking at the castle now, she wondered how on earth it could be so easy to destroy something so fast but take so long to build.

"Professor!" A man shouted for her attention.

McGonagall looked over to see it was the foreman who was hurrying towards her. "Professor!" He called out as he drew closer.

"Banks," McGonagall greeted the foreman with a curt nod.

Banks came to a stop beside her and returned her greeting. "He's at it again," his tone was half annoyed and half exasperated.

McGonagall had had this conversation with him before and knew immediately what he was talking about.

"You know he is just doing what he can to help." McGonagall told him.

"And I respect that. But he's doing my job!" Banks retorted somewhat angrily.

Now McGonagall turned to face him, a stern and narrow expression on her face. "Last time, you said he was getting in your way. Now you're telling me he's doing your job. So which is it Banks?"

Banks huffed and spread his hands. "Look, something has to be done about him. He does projects that my guys are planning on and doesn't tell us about it. When we do see him, he ignores everyone and doesn't even greet my guys. Now I know-."

"If he's helping you out so much, why are you complaining?"

"I just hoped he wouldn't be so distant is all. Since we got here, he hasn't said anything or even looked at us."

"Mr. Potter is doing his part to help with reconstruction. He is repairing the castle just as you are. I think you could take a few lessons from his actions. He's getting through twice the amount of work your entire crew is." McGonagall told him before turning to look at the castle before her. "Perhaps I should hire him to do the repairs..." she let the comment hang in the air.

Banks let out a huff and turned back to go to his crew and the waiting repairs. McGonagall allowed a small smirk to cross her face at that before her thoughts turned to one Harry Potter. The young man was a robot these days. He had thrown himself into the repairs of the castle and barely said a word to anybody. According to Kreacher, Harry barely slept and barely ate. In between he was working on repairs like he was the one guilty of breaking the castle. How false that belief was! And yet, she couldn't make him see that. She couldn't even get the boy to look at her anymore. Harry had been going at it since everyone had left Hogwarts. The Weasleys believed he was mourning the people and friends he had lost.

Instead, Harry was shutting down his emotions, bottling them up inside where McGonagall knew they would eventually start to eat away at him. Ron and Hermione had shown up to today and McGonagall could tell that the other two thirds of the Golden Trio had not expected what they had found. Yesterday, McGonagall had taken a page out of Dumbledore's book and invited the young man to tea, but he hadn't even acknowledged her invitation. How she wished she could get inside his head. That way she could find out what he was thinking and how to get it through his head that everything that had happened wasn't his fault. According to Kreacher, the food he brought him often was left untouched. The last time she had seen Harry, he had deep purple circles under his eyes, telling her that his sleep was also inadequate. If this continued for much longer, she was going to call a Healer and force Harry to talk. Although, she wasn't sure that was the right way to go about it.