"You could have just asked you know." Harry whispered into her ear, causing a huge blush to flow over her.
"I didn't want to hurt you by lying on your injuries...I didn't want to wake you..." She whispered, her back still towards him.
Harry just smiled and kissed the back of her neck before lifting up the quilt, covering them both, before wrapping his arm around her and holding her close to him, falling asleep with her in his arms.
Chapter 2 - Old Friends and Explanations
Ginny woke first the next morning. Opening her eyes, she found herself lying on her back, her hand in was entwined with someone else's, their other hand behind her neck.
She couldn't help but smile as she she turned her head to see the sleeping face of Harry next to her. Her smile increased as she turned to face him. The covers had fallen down to his waist and Ginny got a sudden reminder that he was shirtless. Her face turned bright red as she looked back up at his face.
He was wearing a small smile. A smile that caused a wave of happiness to flow through her. She finally had him back. No dark wizard to keep them apart this time.
With a quick look over her shoulder to make sure Ron and Hermione were still asleep, Ginny moved her hand over towards his face, brushing the hair away from his eyes, revealing his scar on his forehead. Ginny stared at the scar, her fingers tracing lightly over it, following the outline.
"Morning." Harry's voice said groggily as Ginny startled, quickly moving her hand back, her face blushing again.
"What time is it?" He asked, leaning in to kiss her.
"Nearly ten." Ginny replied, thanking god Harry's eyesight was too bad to allow him to notice her blush.
Sitting up, he reached for his glasses, putting them on before looking around.
"Looks like them two are up." Harry said, nodding towards Ron's bed.
"Huh?" Ginny asked, rolling over quickly to see the empty bed. Oh god... I didn't even here them... I'll have to ask Hermione what they saw...
"Gin?" Harry asked, waving his hand in front of her face.
"Yes? Sorry. Go and shower. I'll meet you downstairs." She answered, standing and lightly kissing him before walking towards the door. With a turn, a wink and a wave, she left Harry to change and shower.
Walking down the stairs to the common room after his shower, Harry heard the familiar sound of Ron and Hermione arguing.
"I don't care Ron! You should trust the pair of them!" He heard Hermione call as he reached the bottom of the stairs.
"I can't do anything about it. But I don't have to like it." Ron retorted, crossing his arms.
"Well, that can't be good." Harry added, leaning against the wall at the bottom of the stairs, his arms also crossed.
"LISTEN POTTER!" Ron said walking over to Harry, an angry look on his face. "I don't like that you and Gi-"
"NO YOU LISTEN RON!" Harry shouted over him, startling both Ron and Hermione, standing up so he was full height. He was still a few inches shorted that Ron, but he was intimidating none the less. "I'm not sure if were officially back together, but I want to be and I think Ginny does too. THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!"
Ron tried to retort but Harry cut him off again.
"NOW! THAT'S MY SISTER YOUR WITH!" He shouted, pointing at Hermione. "AND I SWEAR TO ALL THAT IS GOOD AND HOLY ON THIS EARTH, RON, IF YOU EVER HURT HER AGAIN, I WILL PERSONALY HUNT YOU DOWN!" Harry shouted.
"I'VE NEVER HURT HER! UNLIKE YOU WHO HURT GINNY LAST YEAR!" Ron shouted back.
"You know why I done that Ron." Harry said in a dangerous tone.
"YOU STILL HURT HER!" Ron shouted again. "AND I'VE NEVER HURT HERMIONE!"
"You mean like when you left us to fend for ourselves?" He replied in a strong but quiet tone, leaving Ron with no reply.
"Tell Ginny I'll find her later." Harry said to Hermione, pausing in front of her as me moved towards the portrait hole. She just nodded in reply and gave him a reassuring smile.
Hermione watched him leave the common room before turning to Ron who was still staring at the wall where Harry was standing. Defyingly not looking at Ron, Hermione walked towards the stairs of the girls dorms, but she saw a pair of legs standing at the top of them.
"Ginny?" Hermione asked, looking up to see her friend with a furious look on her face.
Ginny didn't even look at Hermione, she just barged past, pulling her wand out as she lowered the stairs.
"STUPEFY!" She screamed, firing a stunning spell straight at Ron, who deflected it and fired his own stunner which Ginny dodged.
"EXPELIARMUS!" The voice of Hermione screamed, disarming Ron and catching his wand easily.
"STUP-"
"EXPELIARMUS!" She called again, disarming Ginny before she could fire her stunner.
They both looked at Hermione and took a step towards her, but she just lifted up her wand and pointed it at Ron, Ginny's wand was in Hermione's over hand and pointed straight at the younger witch. Ron's wand was safely in her back pocket.
"GINNY! STOP!" Hermione's ordered, her voice full of anger.
"Take this." Hermione said, handing back her wand. "But attack Ron again today and that wand will be in two before you know it." She ordered. "Now, go and find Harry before he hexes something to oblivion."
Ginny reluctantly agreed and started walking towards the portrait hole. She paused while passing Hermione, giving her a quick hug before running of to find Harry.
"Herm-"
"Don't you even say a word!" Hermione snapped at Ron, before throwing him back his wand, her face dropping instantly.
"Ron." Hermione started in a quiet voice. "I need to know..." She started, tears running down her face. "I need to know... I need to be sure." She continued, unable to say what she needed to.
"What Hermione?" Ron asked, taking a step closer to her, but she took a step back.
"I need to know... to be sure... that when things get tough... when we're struggling... when they aren't going your way..." She paused again, taking deep breaths. "That you won't take off again.." She finished in a whisper.
"Hermione, you know I wou-" Her tried to reason but was cut off again.
"I don't know Ron. That's the point." She said, lifting her tearful face to look at him. "You left both me and Harry at the moment we needed you most." She watched his face fall. She was braking her own heart... but she couldn't be with Ron is she was going to spend the whole time worrying he was going to take off.
"If you can't stay with your best friends when their lives depend on it... how can I be sure you'll stay around this time?"
"But Her-" Ron began, but again was cut off.
"I want to be with you, Ron." Hermione explained. "But I can't be with someone if I'm going to spend the whole time worrying their going to leave me when things get tough." She finished while turning to the portrait hole. "I'll wait for you..." She said as she pushed the portrait open and left Ron alone.
Hermione cried as she ran. Her tears soaked the front of her clothes as her legs carried her towards the grounds. Towards the tree that she saw Harry and Ginny in during their sixth year. She new she would find peace there. She just sat under the tree and cried.
After leaving the common room, Harry sprinted straight out into the grounds of Hogwarts. Luckily, he managed to avoid being seen by anybody. Leaving through the gates, Harry thought he was clear to go straight to his favourite tree without being see.
"HARRY!" A voice shouted to him as he jogged towards the tree.
"Damn." Harry said quietly as he turned around to see who had called him. His heart sunk. The remaining Creeveys were calling him cover.
"Hello Harry." Denis greeted as when he caught up to him. Harry noticed his voice wasn't the same happy cheerful voice it always was, but it was quiet and hurt.
"Hey Denis." Harry said, placing his hand on the young boys shoulder. "Hello Mr and Mrs Creevey." He greeted when they too caught up. "I'm sor-"
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Mr Potter." Mrs Creevey said sternly.
"You were Colin's hero." Mr Creevey started. "I'm just glad he managed to become your friend before .. h- he."
"It's alright." Harry quickly interrupted, saving the man from saying his sons death. "I was planning on coming to see you." Harry began. "Just to thank you, and the boys." His head bowed, he wished he had been friendlier towards Colin.
"We were planning to talk to you at the funeral.." Mrs Creevey said quietly. "That's if you want to come?" She finished, looking up carefully at Harry.
"I'll be there." Was all Harry replied, leaving a small calm silence.
"Colin would be pleased, Mr Potter." Mr Creevey replied with half a smile.
"Harry, Please." Harry said, not liking being so formal.
"There was another reason we needed to see you today, Mr P- Harry." Mrs Creevey said with a small smile. "We witnessed your escape from your house earlier in the summer."
Harry looked confused for a second before she continued. "Escaping on brooms, I believe."
"Oh. Yeah." Harry said as he bowed his head. That was the day he lost Hedwig.
"Well, you flew straight over our house." She said carefully, not wanting to upset Harry even more. "The boys were out the back." She continued, causing Harry to look up in curiosity. "And while they were unable to save your broomstick as it fell towards our garden, Colin managed to save this." She finished with a small smile as she pulled a golden owl cage from behind her. Harry first wondered how he didn't notice that earlier, but his thoughts were dragged away as he recognised the cage.
"Hedwig..." Harry said softly as he took the cage, tears streaming down his face.
"There is no need to be sad, Harry." Mr Creevey said gently. "Denis here," Mr Creevey continued putting his hands on his sons shoulders. "Managed to save something else."
Harry's face shot up. His eyes were lit up in hope.
"Come on out girl!" Denis shouted, knowing Colin would be loving this moment from here ever he is.
Harry's eyes searched the sky. He looked all around him, until he saw her.
"HEDWIG!" Harry screamed. His eyes the happiest they had been in a long time. Not knowing what else to do as his oldest friend flew towards him, Harry hugged Denis.
"Thank you." He whispered. "Thank you all for looking after her." Harry said, beaming as he hugged Mr and Mrs Creevey.
"No Harry." Mr Creevey started.
"Thank you." His wife finished as Hedwig flew straight down onto Harry's waiting arm.
"Hedwig!" Harry said happily, tears running down his face as he stroked his friends feathers. Puling the bird close to him, Harry hugged her gently, allowing her to nibble his fingers affectionately, her large eyes looking straight at him.
"We must leave you now, Harry." Mrs Creevey said softly.
"I'll be there for Colin."Harry said, lifting Hedwig onto his shoulder. "And thank you. I can't thank you enough."
The Creeveys smiled and nodded before heading back to the castle, leaving Harry and Hedwig alone.
"I'm glad your alright Hedwig. I'm sorry I dropped you." Harry said softly as she nibbled his ear.
"HARRY!" A voice called out, causing him to turn. He saw Ginny running towards him.
"Want to go and see an old friend Hedwig?" Harry asked as the bird shot of his shoulder and flew towards Ginny.
"My God!" Harry heard Ginny shout. "Hedwig!" She exclaimed happily, letting the bird rest on her shoulder before walking towards Harry.
"How?" Was all she could say her eyes beaming at Harry's happiness.
"Colin." Harry said softly, knowing Ginny was a good friend of Colin. "She fell towards him and Denis. They've looked after her all year."
Ginny smiled. "He would have been ecstatic. Looking after your owl all this time."
Harry couldn't help but chuckle.
"I'm sorry about Ron." Ginny said after a moments pause, where Hedwig had flown onto Harry's shoulder. "I heard it all."
"Is he still alive?" Harry asked, trying to keep his happy mood. He was met with a frown by Ginny, but he knew she was holding back a chuckle.
"Thanks to Hermione." Ginny began, taking Harry's hand into her own. "Yes."
"What happened?" He asked, a smile on his face, he had both Hedwig and Ginny.
"We both shot stunners at each other. Me and Ron." She explained. "But Hermione disarmed us both. "This past year has really improved her skills. She was quick. Anyway, she gave me my wand and told me to come and find you before you hexed something to oblivion." She finished with a smirk.
"Is my temper really that bad?" Harry asked with a grin, but her was met with a hoot from Hedwig. "Thanks girl." He said, receiving another affectionate nibble on the ear.
They walked in quiet towards their tree. They had spent a lot of their time when they were together just sitting in and under the tree, they found peace there, with each other.
"Harry." Ginny said sharply, stopping in her tracks.
"Huh?"
"Is that Hermione?" She asked in a whisper, pointing to a figure sobbing by their tree.
"Yeah, I think. What happened?" He asked looking at her, but she just shrugged.
"Hedwig." Harry started taking the bird back on to his arm. "We my need you to cheer her up. Can you hide in the tree till I call you?"
Hedwig blinked twice and nibbled his fingers before flying to hide in the tee above Hermione.
"Come on." Harry said, taking Ginny's hand and pulling her towards Hermione.
"Sis?" Harry asked carefully as they approached the crying girl.
"Harry?" Hermione said softly looking up. He smiled back at her before he was engulfed by a hug that he had received many times in the past. He just held her, letting her cry into him, Ginny placing her arm on her back.
"What happened?" Harry asked as he sat Hermione back on the floor. Harry and Ginny were on either side of her, each holding a hand of hers.
She was the only girl in the world that Ginny would happily step away from Harry for. She knew Hermione loved Harry and she knew he loved her back, but she was no threat. They were family to each other. The only wizarding families they both have. If she was honest, she was glad they were so close. She was part of a family of nine. Harry and Hermione only had each other, although they might as well be a part of her family.
"I can't be with him." Hermione said after a moment. "I can't trust him any more."
"Wha-" Ginny started to ask, but she saw Harry put a finger to his lip. He would explain later.
"He wont leave you again, Hermione. You know that." Harry began, squeezing her hand.
"I don't know that." Hermione said bluntly. "That's the issue." She looked up at Harry. Ginny realised she would have to be filled in later but she done what she could to comfort her friend.
"He left us Harry." Hermione continued. "When we needed him most. When our lives were on the line. He left." She let a few more tears fall, not even bothering to stop them. "I can't spend the rest of my life worrying about him leaving."
Harry pulled her into a hug, one she fully appreciated and continued sobbing. Harry looked over her shoulder to Ginny who seemed to be smiling softly.
He caught her eye and she pointed up, to where Hedwig was.
"Hey, Hermione." Harry said, pulling out of the hug. "We've got something to show you." He finished, failing to hold in his smile, Ginny just didn't even try.
"What are you two smiling at?" Hermione asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Just this." Ginny answered.
"Come on down girl! You know Hermione." Harry said with a smile at the confused Hermione.
There was a moment where nothing happened. Hermione started looking around, until she saw a owl looping around the tree towards her.
"No..." Hermione said in shock as she stared at the owl. "Harry!" She shouted as she saw saw the white of the feathers.
"How?" Was all she could say as the owl swooped towards her.
There was a silence as Hedwig landed on Hermione's shoulder. She just stared at the owl, a look of disbelief on her face as Hedwig nibbled her ear.
"Colin caught her." Harry said softly as Hermione began stroking her feathers. "When I dropped her she fell towards his garden."
"Welcome back, Hedwig." Hermione said softly as she lifted the owl towards Harry. "We've missed you."
"We better get going. We have to explain last year to everyone." Harry said softly, his face looking down. Ginny grabbed his hand, Hermione took his other one.
"Just once more Harry." Ginny said softly, squeezing his hand. Harry nodded and turned to his sister.
"You alright?"
"I will be after this is over."
"You don't have to come you know." Harry said softly.
"I'm going Harry. You know you'll need me there." She said in a tone that stopped Harry arguing back.
"I know." Harry said softly. "I've argued about you joining me every other time. Didn't want to stop that now." He said with a small laugh.
"You can go to the owlery, if you want Hedwig." Harry asked after a small silence. Hedwig just hooted but stayed on his shoulder.
"Well that's decided." Ginny said with a small smile. "I'll see if we can get some food for you." The red-head finished as the three of them walked trough the main doors.
They found the Hogwarts staff all standing in front of the doors to the Great Hall, apparently waiting for them.
"Ah, Mr Potter." Professor McGonagall said, walking over to them. "Are you ready?"
"Yes Professor." Harry replied with a nod.
"Is that Hedwig?" Professor McGonagall asked, slightly shocked.
"Yeah," Harry replied. "Colin saved her during my escape."
"I'm glad to hear more good news." She replied and Harry could have sworn he saw a small smile on her lips.
"Harry dear!" Mrs Weasley exclaimed as she hurried over through the crowd of teachers.
"Hedwig?" The woman stopped. "I thought? She was? Oh I've missed that bird." She finished with a smile as she move forward to hug Harry, Hermione and Ginny.
"Come on guys." Bill called over to them. "Kingsley got us an old class room."
"I'll catch you guys up." Harry said as he moved his hands from Ginny's and Hermione's, much to their discomfort.
"I wont be long." He finished, kissing Ginny and Hermione each on the cheek be fore heading into the Great Hall.
Looking around the hall Harry found who he was searching for easily.
"Mr Lovegood." Harry said with a smile as he approached him and Luna.
"Mr Potter." He replied, with a bow of the head, trying to hide his shame.
"Hey Luna." Harry smiled.
"Oh, Hedwig's back." She replied. "Such a beautiful owl."
Harry just smiled and turned back to her father.
"We're about to explain the full story of everything." Harry began. "And I'd like Luna to be there. If you don't mind." He added quickly.
"Of course." Xenophilius replied instantly.
"And I would like you to be the one to publish the official story." Harry added. "If you don't mind."
"Of -Of Course." Xenophilius stammered. "But why me? After all I've done?"
"You were one of the only people to believe me." Harry began. "And I don't blame you for trying to save Luna." Harry smiled. "and Luna's a good friend, so it'll make her happy too."
"Can you wait by the door?" Harry asked her as he jogged over to where Neville was sitting.
"Hey Nev." Harry called, patting his friend on the shoulder. "We're telling the story of last year." He said quietly. "You coming?"
Harry smirked at Neville' shock but he pulled his loyal friend to his feet.
"Why do you want us to be there Harry?" Neville asked as he, Harry and Luna started walking away from the hall.
Harry smiled as he pulled out a piece of parchment from his pocket. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." He said to the map before turning to Neville. "You both fought with me. Even though it was of no concern to you. You helped me, at a risk to your own lives." He said bluntly. "I can't ever thank either of you enough, but I can at least explain to you why we were fighting in the first place."
Luna beamed as she continued to skip along side them, Neville had a look of shock on him as they approached the class room.
"Is everyone here?" Harry asked as He, Luna and Neville entered room.
"Yeah." Charlie answered.
"Unless you can think of anyone else?" Bill asked.
Harry looked around to make sure everyone was here. He didn't want to have to tell this story again. The full Hogwarts staff were there, The Weasleys were all there, Kingsley, Neville and Luna made up the rest of the group.
Harry moved to the front of the class, Ron and Hermione followed to be on either side of him. He lifted his arm and Hedwig flew towards a windowsill and happily waited there.
"Ok. A few things before we start." Harry said to the group. "Nothing we say here is to leave this room. I'll be telling Luna's father a diluted version to release to the press in thanks for all his support." Harry paused and gave a smile to Luna who was beaming. There was a murmur of agreement from the group. "Secondly, I don't know about these two, but things happened last year that I never want to remember. So I ask you, unless there is a valid reason, don't ask any of us to repeat it after today." The group nodded, but looked a little concerned. Finally, and this is very important." Harry said, looking over everyone's faces. "What we need to tell you is not going to be pretty. Some of you will be shocked and disgusted with it. But I ask, if you hear the beginning you must stay to the end. You either hear it all, or none at all." He paused and looked towards Hermione who nodded.
"It will do nobody any good to only know part of the story. We wont think any less of you if you don't want to hear it." He finished. The full group seemed to be ready to hear it, except for Mrs Weasley.
"Ginny dear." She started softly. "Do you-"
"Mrs Weasley." Harry said, before Ginny could get angry. "If I don't tell Ginny here, I'll tell her another time. But I really don't want to have to relive it twice. Please." He looked at the woman who had been like a mother to him.
"As you wish, dear." She finished with a sad smile.
"Ok, the story begins before many of us were born." Harry started. "Professor Dumbledore was giving an interview to Professor Trelawney over the new divination position." Harry explained how Severus had over head half of the prophecy and told it to Voldermort, this making him hunt down Harry. "The funny thing is," Harry said. "Is that is might not have even been me. The prophecy said,
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies ... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not ... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives ... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies ..."" There was a small pause as he let the others think about this.
"Voldermort only heard the first half. He only knew that the person to defeat him would be born to parents who had defied him three times and who was born at the end of July." Harry paused again. "There was another person who was born to parents who defied him three times, and was born at the end of July." Harry paused and looked straight at Neville.
"Me?" Neville said softly.
"Yup." Harry said. "But make a mental note, he chose the half-blood, not the pure-blood as the one who is the greatest threat."
"But why did he attack when you were a child?" Bill asked from the back of the room. "Surely it would have been easier to wait till you were both a little older, then kill the most promising wizard." He finished, ignoring the looks he was getting.
"That's almost word for word what I asked Dumbledore." Harry said. "But Voldermort did not know that he would mark me as his equal, he did not know that he would help me get power he knows not."
Bill nodded in response as Ginny asked another question. "How did you survive, when you were a baby? I've always wondered."
He smiled back at her. "Love." Was all he said, getting looks from the room.
"Are you telling me, that you managed to survive all these years because you can love?" George asked, slightly confused at love being Harry's greatest weapon.
"Yup." Harry replied. "When Petigrew betrayed me parents and Voldermort attacked, My mum and dad tried to hold him off." Harry gulped before continuing. "My dad was killed as he shielded my mom long enough to get me upstairs. My mom refused to stand aside. Voldermort had no interest in killing my mom, he only wanted me. But she refused, so he killed her." There was a silence in the group as Harry took a deep breath, Hermione gave his hand a squeeze before he continued.
"Killing my mom, turned out to be one of his greatest mistakes. It turned his most loyal subject against him, and it also made me invincible to him. My mom's love for me created a shield around me. And for as long as I called the home of my blood, my home, he could not get near me."
"So that's why you had to stay at the Dursleys?" McGonagall added, getting a nod from Harry.
"I think it would be easier to begin explaining why the rebounded killing curse didn't kill him." Harry said with a sigh.
"Do you mind?" He asked looking towards Hermione. She just smiled and looked towards the room.
"Who knows what a Horcrux is?" She asked, getting shocked looks from the teachers and Kingsley, but confused looks from the rest of the room.
"Well, its a way of making your self immortal." She began. "When you murder another being, in cold blood, your soul becomes torn. Voldermort managed to take part of his soul and place it in another object. Meaning if his body was destroyed, he could not die as his soul was safely in another object." She sat back down as Harry smiled at her and stood up.
"It was actually Ginny that gave Dumbledore the idea to search for Horcruxes." Harry said looking straight at the girl he loved. "That diary contained a piece of his soul, and with your help, we managed to destroy it. It's not easy to destroy a Horcrux. You have to destroy it beyond all magical repair."
"So stabbing it with a Basilisk fang killed that part of his soul?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah," He answered back. "That was the first of six known Horcruxes."
"SIX?" Kingsley shouted in a voice none of them knew he had. "My god."
"You said known?" Charlie added.
"Yeah, You'll find out about that soon."
Harry began explaining about how Sirius was innocent, how he was the creator of the Marauders map along with Lupin and James. He continued explaining the story of the Triwizard cup, how Cedric had died, and how Voldermort rose.
"So by using your blood to resurrect himself," Bill started. "He was able to physically touch you?"
"Yeah." Harry said. "But cause I still called Privet Drive, home. He could not get me there."
"This was also another mistake by Voldermort." Ron added, his first contribution to the tale.
Harry explained his duel with Voldermort, and Priori Incantatem. "They appeared, supported me. And distracted him long enough to escape with Cedric's body."
Harry paused as he remembered that night.
"Our fifth year," He continued. "Was when it all started."
He explained he trial in detail, about how Hermione and Ron convinced him to train the DA. He explained how Voldermort had implanted some of is magic into Harry, such as parcel tongue. How the connection allows Harry to spy on Voldermort, thus saving Mr Weasley's life. He explained how Voldermort worked this out and used it to trick Harry to taking the Prophecy and handing it over.
"Why didn't he go and get it himself?" George asked.
"Why would he?" Harry replied. "The ministry was happily ignoring him, there was no need to make them know he was there."
With the help of Hermione, he explained that it was Umbridge who send the Dementors after him, and how Hermione had led her into a herd of Centaurs. He explained the battle in as much detail as possible, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Neville and Ginny also told their part. With help from Neville, Harry explained how the Order arrived, then Dumbledore. He mentioned that Bellatrix was the one to kill Sirius, and how he threw caution to the wind for revenge.
"I chased her," Harry explained. "I floored her and tried to torture her. But he was there, he urged me to do it, to give into my hate, to forget my normal side."
"Dumbledore arrived and fought him." Harry continued. "They duelled for a while, but the Aurors were on their way, Voldermort knew he was out of time, so he tried to possess me. In a hope Dumbledore would kill me to save our war effort." There was a pause in the group as they waited, only Ron and Hermione knew what happened.
"He did possess me." Harry said, looking more at Ginny than anyone, she also knew what it was like to be possessed. "But it is here that I realised that love is the power he as not." Harry paused as the whole room watched him.
"I thought I was going to die. I wanted to die, to stop the pain. But then I saw the faces of these two." Harry said pointing to the two next to him. "The memory of Ron on the train, my first friend. I remembered how happy I was when Hermione walked into the hall after being petrified. Sirius, Lupin, Ginny, your whole family, Luna, Neville. They all came rushing into my mind. That's why I'm still alive now. My love for you lot caused him actual pain. The most intense pain he had ever felt."
Harry continued his story, he explained his sixth year. Skipping most of it and just focusing on his lessons with Dumbledore. He told about him and Dumbledore learning about Voldermort's past, about his family, how he wasn't so different from Harry. He explained that Dumbledore was cursed by finding a second Horcrux. One that would have taken his life is Snape hadn't acted so quickly.
"Thanks to Professor Slughorn, who gave us a vital piece of information. We learned that Voldermort wanted to create seven Horcruxes. We also knew he was only creating them from his most personal and important murders. I was to be the death to create the final Horcrux." There was a pause as Harry took a drink of water Hermione had conjured earlier.
"I'm sorry, Harry m'boy." Slughon said quietly.
"Don't worry professor. He already knew that seven would be possible, he just wanted to make absolute sure. He would have tried regardless of what you told him." Harry explained. "You just gave us his biggest secret. Not even his death eaters knew of the Horcruxes."
Slughorn just nodded and Harry looked to Ron for help.
"It was the night Dumbledore died when we finally found the location of the third Horcrux." Ron explained. "However, Harry knew Malfoy was planning something. He had been tailing him all year." Hermione stood up and continued the story.
"Dumbledore asked Harry to help him find the final Horcrux. So Harry being Harry gave me, Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna a bottle of Felix Felisis." She finished, deciding not to mention Harry's map to the staff of Hogwarts.
"Why did you have a bottle of Felix Felisis?" George asked, clearly trying to hide a smirk.
"He won it in potions." She answered with a pout.
"Still not happy about that?" Harry asked amused.
Hermione just stuck her tongue out and continued. "Anyway, Harry told us to use the DA coins. The ones I had put a Protean Charm on. We used the-"
"A Protean Charm?" Bill asked. "In your fifth year? How could you do that?"
Hermione looked pleased but continued with the tale.
"Harry had given us orders to make sure all five of us got some of the potion. And told us to watch the room of requirement."
Hermione explained the story from her side, how Malfoy had gotten past them, and the fight braking out at the bottom of the astronomy tower. She paused just before people Snape arrived and let Harry tell his side.
Harry explained his and Dumbledore's trip to retrieve the Horcrux. How Dumbledore drank the potion and still saved Harry from the Inferi.
"We arrived back at Hogsmeade." Harry told them. "Dumbledore flew to the astronomy tower, told me to hide down below with my cloak on. He bound me. I was frozen solid to watch the whole event."
"It was Malfoy." Harry said bluntly. "Voldermort had forced him to kill Dumbledore for the failures of Lucius, threatening to torture his mother." So Malfoy cornered Dumbledore. He disarmed him, but he couldn't do it, he was lowering his wand when the rest of the death eaters climbed the stairs."
"We watched then go straight through." Bill said repeating the conversation they had the year before. "As you know, Snape arrived, killed Dumbledore. Then you saw me chasing him. Turns out, the Horcrux is a fake. A certain R.A.B stole it and tried to destroy it. So we had to hunt that down too. The rest you know."
Harry sat down and placed his head in his hands.
"Wow." George said. "And I thought my years here were adventurous."
Nobody spoke after George, they just waited for Harry. But it was Ron who spoke.
"That's everything we've been up to since I met the bugger." Ron said pointing at Harry. "I think he record he holds is nearly dying 17 times in one year. Well it was up till that point anyway."
His words were met by glares from Hermione, Mrs Weasley and Ginny, the rest seemed rather shocked he was still alive.
"Still is the record." Harry said softly to Ron, who looked down ashamed.
"We decided to explain everything up to last summer. So we don't have to explain things again." Hermione explained. "You'll have to think about some of the stuff we've explained during the story of last year."
"From my year with Dumbledore we knew most of the Horcruxes." Harry continued, finally looking up, but avoiding Ginny's eyes. "We knew of the Diary, the Ring, The locket, we were sure of Nagini the snake. The only one's we didn't know were something belonging to both Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Like me, Voldermort saw this place as his home. He felt that artefacts from here would be the best for his Horcruxes."
"Dumbledore left us each a gift before our journey." Harry said. "Hermione got a book of Beedle and the Bard, Ron got Dumbledore's Deluminator, and I got the first snitch I ever caught. I was also left the Sword of Gryffindor. However it was apparently not Dumbledore's to give away so it stayed at Hogwarts. These all come in handy so remember them."
With the help of Ron and Hermione, Harry explained the attack at Tottenham Court Road, and their flee to Grimmauld place. He explained them figuring out that R.A.B was Sirius's brother.
"I don't believe it." George said out loud after Hermione told them Kreacher was different now.
"Kreacher." Harry said out loud, which was followed by a loud crack.
"Kreacher is most pleased to see Master Harry being well again. And Master Ron and Miss Hermione. What can Kreacher do for the noble Harry Potter?"
"Could you bring us some food please? And some owl treats?" Harry asked with a smile.
"Of course master." Kreacher finished with a bow and left.
"My god." George said.
Kreacher appeared a few moments later with some sandwiches and a box of owl treats for Hedwig. Harry thanked him before asking him in a whisper to start cleaning Grimmauld place.
Harry left out Lupin's visit to see them, deciding that was for more private ears. He explained that Kreacher, with the help of Dobby, captured Mundungus Fletcher. How Umbridge owned the locket and how they planned to get it back.
Hermione explained their plans to get into the ministry and they each explained their parts in rescuing the muggle-borns.
"I knew it!" Mr Weasley exclaimed. "I knew Runcorn was acting differently." Harry smirked but let Hermione explain their escape to the forest of Dean.
They explained their struggles to survive as they had such little food. Harry was prepared to skip over Ron leaving, but he had other ideas.
"We took turns wearing the locket. To ensure its safety." Ron said, his voice braking. "The locket affected me the worse. I was saying things I never thought I would. I was shouting at the pair of them. Screaming at Harry for only catching one fish for the day. At Hermione for not cooking it right. I was an arse." Ron paused and looked over to Hermione who was looking at her feet.
"I can't remember when it was." Ron continued. "But I was sitting on guard when Harry and Hermione had discovered something. They were talking happily, finally they had a break through. And I snapped. The Horcrux amplified my fears, I thought they were choosing each other and leaving me. So I decided to leave." Ron bowed his head as he prepared for the verbal abuse he was about to receive. It was not pretty.
His mom had screamed for several minutes but she began to run out of steam, Ginny on the other hand kept on going. It took the combined efforts of Charlie and Bill to keep her still and from attacking anyone. She just kept on screaming at him. She demanded to know why he betrayed his best friends.
After five minutes of Ginny screaming, cursing and hexing Ron, Harry had enough. He stood up, walked around the front desk to stand directly in front of Ginny.
She started screaming at him. She was furious he was taking Ron's side, but Harry didn't listen, He placed a his hands on each side of her face and kissed her. He kept kissing until she became more interested in the kiss than being angry.
Pulling away, Harry looked into her eyes. "We're fine. We survived. Ron returned and save my life."
Ginny just crossed her arms and pouted. "Fine. But you can't protect him forever Harry."
"Well." Bill started. "Now we know who to call when Ginny gets angry."
"Lets just hope Harry never causes the anger." Charlie added, sitting back down and waiting for the story to continue.
"I asked Hermione if she wanted to leave too. She was affected by the Horcrux, but she stayed loyal. She chose to help Harry in his moment of need. So I left alone." Ron finished, explaining how he was captured, but managed to escape and flee to Bill's.
Harry continued the story, he didn't need to explain what effect it had on the other two. They could see it in Hermione's eyes.
"We sat in silence most days. And, unknown to us, it was Christmas Eve when we decided to visit Godric's Hollow."
"As you know, we were hunting Horcruxes. But we had no way of destroying one." Hermione continued. "That's why we need the sword. The only way to destroy a Horcrux is to put it beyond magical repair. We only know of three ways." Hermione finished.
"Basilisk venom, Killing Curse and Fiendfyre." Ron finished, still getting glares from Ginny.
"What good would the sword do?" Percy asked from the back.
"I used the sword to slay the Basilisk." Harry answered. "Being goblin made it infuses anything that can make it stronger. Such as Basilisk venom."
"We had a feeling the sword might be in Godric's Hollow. The birth place of both Harry and Godric, makes sense." Hermione continued. "We thought Dumbledore might have left it with Bathilda Baggshot, so we gave it ago."
Harry took up the story. He told how the visited his parents graves. Harry just grabbed Hermione's hand and squeezed it as he spoke. Harry's voice broke after he finished telling about the grave of Ignotus Peverell. He was glad when Hermione took up the tale.
"Are you taking about the tale of the three brothers?" Ginny asked.
"Yes." Hermione replied. "It's all true."
"The wand?" Charlie asked. "Dumbledore." Harry replied.
"The stone?" George asked. "It makes an appearance, but much later." Harry replied again.
"The cloak?"Bill asked. Harry just put the cloak over himself.
"The cloak belonged to Harry's grand father." Hermione explained. "Invisibility cloaks wear off eventually. But after at least three generations, this one works perfectly."
Hermione continued to explain how Bathilda saw through the cloak and asked them to follow her. Hermione explained the full story of the time in the house. Harry clutched his arm when she began to explain the snake attack, but she broke down in tears when she mentioned destroying Harry's wand.
"I was angry to start with." Harry said, squeezing Hermione's hand. "Ron had left, I had been bitten by Nagini, we had no way to find Horcruxes, or a way to destroy them." Harry sighed and bowed his head. "But I know that if it wasn't for Hermione, I would be dead."
Hermione smiled a little as they both continued the story. Harry told of how a silver doe led him to a frozen lake where the Sword lay.
Ron explained how he saved Harry and how Harry told him to destroy the Horcrux. They continued the story. How they heard PotterWatch for the first time, how they decided to visit Luna to see if her father knew anything about the symbol that appeared on the grave and Hermione's book.
"So Dumbledore knew you would research this symbol?" McGonagall asked.
"I think he knew that I would be drawn to it, Professor." Harry explained. "And how Hermione would keep my feet on the ground. But I started to have connections with Voldermort's mind again. I saw him looking for he Elder Wand. He moved all around Europe looking for it.
"We remembered seeing the symbol on Luna's father during the wedding." Hermione explained. "So we risked a visit."
Harry watched Luna carefully as Hermione and Ron explained their trip to Luna's house and their meeting with her father. How Xenophilius told them Luna would be home soon.
"I went looking for Luna." Harry said after a small pause. "I passed her room and noticed it hadn't been slept in. It was covered in dust. So I knew something was wrong."
"We found out she had been kidnapped." Hermione said, sensing Harry was struggling to continue. "And the only way to return her to safety was to give Harry to Voldermort."
"We hold no grudge against your father, Luna." Harry said, directly to Luna, who had tears streaming down her face. "We feared for your safety."
"Harry wanted to go and rescue you." Ron added.
"But we had no idea where you were." Harry said sadly.
"And if we failed and been killed." Hermione continued. "The war would be lost."
Luna just nodded, tears still streaming down her face, as Harry explained how he accidentally said Voldermort during a conversation and they were captured.
"Hermione put a stinging hex on me to disguise me." Harry said. "But they partially recognised me, so they took us to Malfoy manor."
"Hermione was separated from us. She was taken with Griphook to be interrogated by Bellatrix about the sword." Harry continued after a small pause, he knew both Ron and Hermione would not be able to continue. "Me and Ron were taken to the dungeons. Where, we found Luna, Dean Thomas and Mr Ollivander."
"We weren't there for long. As Do-Dobby came to save us." Harry's voice left him, he looked to Ron for help. Ron looked up and Bill and nodded. Bill knew what was coming.
"We could here the screams of Hermione," Ron said softly. "Harry asked Dobby to take Luna, Dean and Mr Ollivander to Shell Cottage. He did and me and Harry managed to over power Petigrew who killed himself. I don't know why.."
"He owed me a life debt." Harry said softly.
"Right. Anyway, we fought up to the room Hermione was in. Harry disarmed Malfoy, threw me a wand and we started to duel." Ron continued, his voice was starting to fail him too. "Belatrix grabbed Hermione, but Dobby arrived again and dropped a chandelier on her. I managed to grab Hermione and Harry grabbed the sword and Griphook. And Dobby took us away."
There was a pause as everyone watched Harry. Tears were falling freely from his eyes and he made no effort to stop them.
"Dobby loved Harry." Hermione said softly. "In Dobby's eyes, there in no living thing that is greater than Harry. His death probably effects Harry more than any others."
"Whad'ya mea-" Ron started but Hermione interrupted.
"I'm sorry, Harry." Hermione whispered as she placed his hand in hers. "Everyone who died in this war fought for their own families," A tear left Hermione's eye. "Fr-Fred, T-Tonks, Professor Lu- Lupin." Hermione paused. "They fought and died for everyone and everything. Dobby died for Harry."
There was a long pause. Nobody wanted to speak. Hermione just held Harry's hand as everyone thought about those they had lost. It was Hedwig that brought everyone from their thoughts. She seemed to know that her master was upset and lifted of the windowsill and landed softly on his knee. Hermione let go of Harry's hand as the bird landed.
"Hedwig?" Harry asked softly. The bird just replied by nestling her head into Harry's neck, nibbling his finger affectionately. "Thanks girl." Harry whispered and he was responded by a soft hoot and another nibble of his fingers.
"Ho-" Ginny's voice called out. "How?" She whispered. "How did Dobby..."
"Belatrix." Harry said, his eyes not leaving Hedwig. "Threw a knife as he apparated."
"From what she was saying when she tortured me." Hermione said softly. "We knew something was in her vault."
"She seemed furious and petrified the sword had been stolen, and she mentioned something else." Ron added.
"Griphook told us the sword in the vault was a fake." Harry continued, his eyes still on his oldest friend. "The one we had was real."
"So you still had two known Horcruxes to destroy?" Bill asked, realising the part of the story where he entered.
Harry nodded as he continued. "We planned with Griphook to brake into Gringotts, in to the Le Strange vault and back out again."
"You mean..." Neville said in awe.
"You actually broke into Gringotts and escaped?" George added.
"On a dragon." Harry replied.
"How did you manage that?" Charlie asked, clearly a little impressed.
"Shear luck." Ron answered.
"But back to the story." Hermione said as Harry continued talking.
"We jumped of the dragon and landed in a lake. That's when I knew we had to go to Hogwarts." Harry explained. "As you know, I have visions when Voldermort was particularly angry. And he wasn't best pleased when he found I had not only learned about his Horcruxes but I had collected the most well guarded one." Harry paused and took a drink. "He thought about the locations of all his Horcruxes, and the last one was Hogwarts."
"So we apparated to Hogsmeade." Hermione said. "Under the cloak, but they noticed out apparition. And Harry's patronus."
"We were being attacked by dementors." He added, explaining his actions.
"Aberforth covered for us." Ron continued. "And showed us the passage to the Room of Requirement."
"That's where we met Neville. And then you lot in the Room." Harry said.
"However, we still needed to destroy the cup, and find the final Horcrux-" Hermione began.
"That we didn't know of." Ron interrupted.
"And kill Nagini." Hermione finished.
"That's where Luna comes in." Harry said, smiling at Luna.
"After Neville had contacted the DA, and then the whole Order and their families Ginny asked Luna to escort me to the Ravenclaw tower where I could see the Diadem." Harry continued.
"That's were we met Professor McGonagall." Luna added.
"Yup." Harry continued. "I stood up for her against Alecto and Amycus Carrow. I found out what the diadem looked like, got warning that Voldermort was on his way and headed back to the Room of Requirement."
"That's when Snape fled and Harry returned to the Room of Requirement." McGonagall added.
Harry told them how Ron had climbed into the Chamber of Secrets, stole a couple of Basilisk fangs and Hermione destroyed the cup. They explained the fire in the Room of Requirement, the Diadem's destruction and the last Horcrux. He explained how they tried to kill Nagini, but Voldermort put a shield around her.
"Now, this is important." Harry said. "Voldermort, being the fool he was, was under the impression that you had to kill the owner of the elder wand to gain its allegiance. Snape kill Dumbledore, so Voldermort killed Snape. Makes sense right?"
There was a murmur of agreement.
"You don't have to kill a wizard to defeat him." Harry said.
"So... What your saying is," George started. "Malfoy was the one to defeat Dumbledore, when he disarmed him."
"And you defeated Malfoy." Ginny added.
"So Voldermort wasn't the owner of the Elder Wand." Bill added.
"You were." Luna said.
"I am." Harry corrected. "But back to the story. Voldermort left Snape's body, he was dying, but not dead. He gave me his memories. He was working for us the whole time."
"What?" A collection of voices called out.
"It's true." Harry stated. "His love for my mother drove him to defy Voldermort. He would do anything to protect my mother. Dumbledore gave Snape a means to destroy him, through me."
The room was silent, not believing a word.
"Dumbledore was dying." Harry said. "When he destroyed the ring. Remember his hand?"
The group was still silent. "He would have died at the end of the year. He asked Snape to kill him. To keep up his image, to protect Malfoy, and to save Dumbledore from suffering."
Harry paused as he let the knowledge sink in.
"Protect Malfoy?" Kingsley asked, reminding Harry of his presence. "Snape's soul already damaged through previous murders, Malfoy's was not." Kingsley nodded in understanding as Harry made to continue.
"Remember the Doe I seen in the forest?" Harry asked. "It was Snape's. He placed the sword in the lake for us to get."
There was a couple minutes pause before Harry continued.
"To answer your earlier question, Charlie. I learned what the seventh Horcrux is form Snape's memories." Harry said with a sigh.
"It was me."
Harry paused and lowered his head, just lifting his eyes enough to see the reaction of the crowd. Hermione was fighting back tears, this was the third time of going through this story and she was still fighting tears. Ron's head was lowered, Harry didn't want to know what he was thinking. The staff were looking rather pale faced, Kingsley even seemed to be rather disturbed.
George, Percy, Bill, Fleur and Charlie were just staring at Harry with their mouths open. Mr Weasley looked like he was torn between fear and sadness. Mrs Weasley had tears running down her face, her mouth was hung open. Neville looked rather sick. Luna had tears running down her face openly, her mouth was in a frown, he was rather warmed by how much she appeared to care.
Ginny's face was white. She had frozen with her mouth open, shaking slightly she had given up trying to hide her tears and let them fall.
Looking up Harry looked at all the faces. "There are only three known ways to destroy a Horcrux."
"Basilisk venom." Ron said softly.
"Fiendfyre." Hermione said softly.
"And in the case of living Creatures, either a natural death or the Killing Curse." Harry finished.
"Dumbledore knew." Harry said after a few minutes. "He knew that even if I never heard the prophecy, It would still come down to me and Voldermort. I would not stop trying until I killed him, he would not stop trying until he killed me." Harry paused again and looked over towards Hedwig who was back on the windowsill. "It's the difference between being dragged to the battle, kicking and screaming. Or walking into the battle, with my head held high."
"Dumbledore knew that when the time was right, I would willingly sacrifice myself to save you all." Harry said softly, not even bothering to stop his own tears. "He killed me instantly. I was sent to another plain or something, I don't now how to describe it. That's why he let me tell these two." Harry said pointing to Ron and Hermione. "He knew that I had to die. So these would finish the job. I passed Neville on the way down and told him too." Harry said, looking up at the ceiling. "Remember how he used my blood to bring himself back?" Harry asked looking around the pale faces. "While my blood ran through his veins, I had a chance to come back." Harry paused and watched everyone carefully, their faces hadn't changed much, except for Luna's, she seemed to work out what he was going to say and her frown was smaller.
"I could have stayed with my parents, with Sirius, Remus, Tonks, Fred, Dobby, Dumbledore. With everyone I've ever lost." Harry paused and took a deep breath. "But I knew I had a job to finish. Voldermort was still alive, and I would not lose anyone else."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Ginny asked softly, her teary eyes looking straight up at him.
"Gin," Harry said before sighing sadly. "If I walked up to you during the hour he gave us. Just after Colin, Fred, Tonks, Reums-." Harry gulped and continued. "If I walked up to you after we had lost all them. And told you that the only was to win the war was for me to walk down to Voldermort alone and let him kill me..." Harry paused and looked straight at her. "Would you have let me go?"
There was a silence as Ginny stared at Harry. New tears were forming and flowing down her face before she bowed her head and shook it.
"Of course not..." She whispered.
"I wanted to see you." Harry said, looking up at the group. "I remember seeing Neville near the door. I remember looking for Ron and Hermione in the crowd, for the Weasleys. For you Luna." Harry looked up at Luna, she seemed just as upset as Ginny. Her first true and real friend. And he sacrificed himself to save her. "But I couldn't...If I had, I wouldn't have left."
"And you know the rest." Harry finished with a whisper as he put is elbows in his knees and his head in his hands.
The room was silent. Only Luna moved, she stood and started to run towards the front, where she threw her arms around Harry and cried. Harry was shocked to say the least, but he returned the hug of his good friend.
"Luna." Ginny's voice said form behind, she was looking angry at her friend in the arms of her boyfriend.
"No, Ginny." Luna said between sobs. "He's the first true friend I've ever had. The first person to go out of their way to say hello, to make my day. And I've just found out he's died to save me. And he still survived!" Luna said, her voice getting louder with each word. "I think I'm allowed to hug him!"
Harry nodded to Ginny, as Luna started to quieten down. She slowly pull back away from him and walked quietly back to her seat. Harry's eyes found Ginny's, and they watched each other, trying to find comfort in each others eyes. Until Hermione conjured a chair between Harry and Ron.
Sitting down, Ginny's hand instantly found Harry's as he looked back to the group.
"Thi-" Harry tried to say but his voice wasn't there. Taking a deep breath, he tried again. "This is the last chance for any questions about this whole thing." Harry said, only just loud enough for the others to hear.
"You mentioned the Resurrection stone, Harry?" Charlie asked quietly.
Harry nodded before taking a deep breath. "Again Dumbledore arranged it for me. And, I don't think I've ever been as grateful as I felt then." Harry paused and took a couple of deep breaths, Ginny and Hermione both squeezing his hands. "He left me the snitch." Harry said softly. "As you know snitches remember the touch of the seeker who caught them."
Charlie nodded as he watched Harry with a look of sympathy, he wasn't sure if he wanted to hear this.
"Dumbledore left a charm on the snitch, to only open when it needed to." Harry said, he hadn't told Hermione or Ron of this.
"I open at the close..." Hermione whispered. "You mean..."
Harry nodded. "If you remember how I caught my first snitch. It was with my mouth." Harry said as the crowd nodded softly. "I had to place my lips against it and I said, 'I am about to die.' The stone was inside it."
"So there was a point were Dumbledore had all three Hallows?" Bill asked.
"Yeah." Harry nodded. "But he couldn't control the three of them. He was doing it for the wrong reasons. Which is again a reason he depended on Hermione to keep my hot head from running after them."
"What do you mean?" A confused Ron asked.
"Dumbledore tried to unite them for his own personal reasons." Harry said. "The cloak would not work for him, the stone would not bring anyone back, but he was fit to wield the wand."
"How did they work for you?" Kingsley asked.
"The cloak is mine." Harry said. "I am the direct descendent of the third brother. It was past from father to son, mother to daughter, all the way to me. And I'll continue the line." Harry said simply. "It will work better for me than it will for anyone else. It can't be summoned or charmed away form me. But it can be from others."
"Like Dumbledore and unlike Voldermort. I do not seek power. I became the master of the wand and it knew I was not going to seek power. Not going to brag or boast about it."
"However, unlike Dumbledore, who wanted the resurrection to end his personal guilt over his sister. I wanted it to give me the strength I needed to sacrifice myself for others. The stone gave me the power to die." Harry finished, a small smile appearing on his lips at the memory of his mom and dad.
"Where are they now, Mr Potter?" Kingsley asked in his calm tone.
"I have the cloak. It's mine." Harry started. "I dropped the stone somewhere in the forest, I have no idea where or any plan to go and look for it. I don't need it any more."
"And the wand?" Ron asked from beside him.
"I'm going to put it some where." Harry said. "No I wont be telling any of you." He added noticing Ron's look.
"If I die a natural death, the wand will die too." Harry finished.
"I agree with, Mr Potter." Kingsley said. "Now, I will require a meeting with you Harry to discus what stays in this room, and what the world will know." Harry nodded in response.
"I've asked the Quibbler to post the full story, sir." Harry said, noticing the huge smile on Luna's face.
"No need for 'Sir', Harry." Kingsley said. "And I respect you judgement. Until we meet again." He finished, holding his hand out for Harry.
"We shall leave you with your friends, Mr Potter." Professor McGonagall said as the rest of the staff followed Kingsley out the door. McGonagall paused and squeezed his shoulder, smiling before leaving.
"Alright." Hermione said as the door closed behind McGonagall. "There are some extra things we need to tell you."
Hermione paused and looked for Harry for permission to explain everything. "What most of you wont know is that Harry and Ginny were dating before Dumbledore died."
The response was as expected. Small groups of people started muttering, Bill and Charlie throwing Harry glances, Mr Weasley was unsure, but Mrs Weasley seemed to be glad.
"How long had they been dating? Why did nobody know? " George asked, clearly trying to hide a smirk.
"About a couple of weeks up to Dumbledore's funeral. And you didn't ask." Hermione answered with a shrug.
"I broke up with Ginny at the funeral." Harry said quietly, his head down. "That's why I was quiet on the train and station. She doesn't agree with it, but I would have given up if she was taken hostage for being with me." Harry couldn't look into her eyes, he just kept his head down.
He quickly started to explain Remus' visit to Grimmauld place. How Harry forced him to go back to Tonks. Ron stood up and explained his reasoning for leaving.
"No screaming this time Gin." Harry said from next to her as Ron started talking.
"Well, what if I want another kiss?" She asked with a small smirk, causing Harry to go red.
After Ron had finished, Luna put her hand in the air for a final question.
"You don't have to put your hand up, Luna." Harry said with a small smile. "But ask away."
"If you don't mind me asking..." Luna said as she looked down and started playing with her hands. "Who did you call with the Resurrection Stone?"
Everyone became quiet and watched Harry, they had all been curious but they were too scared to ask. They were surprised to see Harry wore a small smile at their memory.
"First, Professor Lupin came out." Harry started. "Then Sirius, both were younger than I remember, both looked happier then I have ever seen them." Harry paused as his eyes started to blur with hidden tears. "Then my dad came out. He told me he was proud of me. How brave is was for sacrificing myself for you. How he had watched me fight over the years." Ginny squeezed Harry's hand as he spoke, he seemed a mixture between happy and sad. Happy at the memory, sad at the fact it is only a memory. "Then my mom came out."
Harry leaned back in his chair, his head falling back. Looking up to the ceiling of the room, Harry brought his hands to his face, then through his hair.
"She was beautiful." Harry said, more to himself than anyone else. "The most beautiful person I've ever seen." Harry's eyes were stinging with tears, some already falling down the sides of his face. Everyone noticed, but no one dared speak.
"I remember wishing I could spend the rest of my life with them." Harry said softly, giving up on hiding his tears. "I would be happy. I've never felt that much love towards me, just by the two of them looking at me, they only smiled, said how proud they were, but I could feel it. I probably never will feel love like that again, until the day I die." Harry finished, bringing his head forward to look at everyone in front of him.
"What about me..." Ginny said in a soft whisper. "What about my love for you?" She asked just as quietly, looking up at Harry.
"Ask your mom, Gin." Harry said, putting his hands against his eyes. "Ask her if there's any stronger love than the love a mother has for her child."
Ginny turned her head to her mother, they locked eyes and Mrs Weasley just shook her head.
"He's right dear." Her father said. "I know your mother loves me with all her heart." He placed his hand over his wife's. "But she loves our children more." He smiled at his only daughter. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
Ginny just shook her head in anger and started to walk to the door, pulling it open with her wand. The door slammed shut. Everyone turned to see Harry pointing at the door with the Elder Wand.
"Ginny. Listen" Harry said in a tone that left no space for comebacks. "All of you. Listen." Harry said as he looked around the room.
"What's the one thing your family has lacked all these years...the only thing?" Harry asked, but Ron stood to confront him.
"Sit down, Ron." Harry said, lowing the wand to his direction. "I'm only going to say this once." He ordered, tears streaming down his face.
"Money!" Harry said. "I'm sorry to be blunt. But I need to get this across before one of you tries to kill me for upsetting Ginny." Harry paused as he looked at the surprised faces on the Weasley's.
"Your family has everything. Love, respect, laughter, Happiness, Everything! Except money." Harry said, this time with less anger. "I am the richest person in this country. With the combined wealth of the Potter and Black estates, I'm probably richer than the ministry it's self." Harry paused to let this fact sink in.
"But I would give that up. Every! Single! Galleon! I'd live in the Shrieking Shack eating only rats for my entire life! Never leaving that Shack!" Harry paused again and started to walk towards the door.
"If I could only have my mom and dad back." He said in a quiet tone, before leaving the room.
As the door slammed shut, Ginny made to chase after him.
"Ginny!" Hermione said. "Leave him be." She ordered. Everyone turning to look at the bushy haired witch.
"He has to mourn the loss of his parents all over again." Hermione froze and made her way to the door. Holding her arm out for Hedwig who instantly landed on her arm. "No one will ever love him as much as his mom and dad did, as they do." She opened the door, but turned back to the room.
"How do you get to comfort him?" Ginny asked from behind, her own tears falling.
"I don't." Hermione said simply. "I have no idea what he's going through, I don't want to make things worse." She started to walk through the door again but was brought back again.
"Where are you going then?" Ron asked.
"I have mourning of my own to do." Hermione said, looking back, tears falling freely down her face. And with that she left.
She was follows by a quiet Luna and Neville who left in silence, wanting to leave the Weasley's alone together.
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