Chapter two

Harry Potter was sitting at one of the house tables in the ruined great hall. Hermione was sitting beside him but both of them were gazing over at the Weasley family. It was a couple of hours after the death of Voldemort, the castle and the grounds were crowded with people that had turned up after hearing that Voldemort was dead. Reporters naturally headed straight to Harry, but he had been surrounded by his friends until the staff and order members made them leave. That is when Harry sat at the table, too exhausted to say anything, all he could do was nod his thanks, Hermione sat beside him at that point, she thought she would give the Weasley family time alone, time with Fred. As the two friends sat, they never spoke, just watched all the grieving people. Finally Arthur walked over to tell Harry and Hermione they were heading to Muriel's for a few days. Hermione instantly stood up, but Harry never moved.

'I'm staying here Mr. Weasley, I can't leave this place looking like this. So I'm going to help make it right,' Harry saw the concern on the elder Weasley's face, 'I'm going to sleep, rest and even go see Madame Pomfrey, I'll do all that first. But I will come and visit, you're family and your home has been my family and home for so long, you supported me and I'll never forget that. But Hogwarts always meant the world to me, it was my home.'

'Yes, I remember Ron telling me how you felt about Hogwarts. Alright Harry, just remember you are still part of our family so we expect to see you.'

'I will, promise,' Harry gave a tired smile then hugged Hermione, 'Go be with Ron Hermione, he will need you.'

'Alright, but make sure you come over soon,' Hermione kissed his cheek then joined Mr. Weasley and the rest of the Weasley family.

Harry nodded to Ron, then watched the Weasley leave before Neville and Luna sat beside him, Neville still holding the sword of Gryffindor.

'I figured you'd heading out with Ron and Hermione,' Neville said sounding just as tired as Harry.

'No, I want to help with this place.'

'I'm going to as well. Oh I got word that they found Snape, but he was alive Harry. Seemed he had some potions on him or something. Madame Pomfrey has him in a private room, the new minister has put a guard at the door until he can face trial.'

'I need to explain, he doesn't deserve punishment, but there's so much to go into. Do you know where McGonagall and Kingsley are now?'

'McGonagall is searching for more bodies, I think the minister went to the ministry, not sure about that though. Look, you are exhausted, I'll go tell McGonagall that you're going to explain something serious about Snape and he was what, helping, good, I don't know.'

'Just tell her I've got proof that he's been helping and he never murdered Dumbledore, it was planned by Dumbledore. There's too much to go into now, and I am absolutely knackered.'

'Then stay with Luna while I tell McGonagall, eat while you can,' Neville said, then taking the sword with him left the hall.

'Hi Luna,' Harry gently bumped her shoulder and she bumped him right back.

'Hello Harry, you look terrible.'

Harry couldn't help himself, he laughed but wearily, 'I feel terrible Luna, how are you feeling?'

'I'm good, got a few cuts, but nothing serious. It's so sad Harry.'

Harry looked over at his friend, then saw her staring at the still grieving people who were gathered around the dead.

'Yeah, it is Luna. I don't mean to take anything away from them, but considering how many he had, we came out of this better than we deserve.'

'Yes, we did.'

'Thanks for your help earlier, no one even noticed I'd left.'

'That's what friends do Harry, we help each other. But you saved me, I wanted to thank you for that.'

'Never Luna, you never have to thank me for anything, you're my friend. I'm sorry you had to go through that though. Have you seen Mr. Ollivander since he left Bill's?'

'No, I came straight here to help. I will go see him in a few days, make sure he's okay.'

'Tell him I'll come see him as well, when I get a chance. But if you could, tell him I'm going to pay for Hermione and Ron to get knew wands. They can go in and see him with me, but I'm not sure when.'

'So more that lost their wands, I saw some men earlier, the minister was telling them to search all the dead and captured death eaters and snatchers. They were taking wands from them, maybe Hermione and Ron's is with them.'

'If I know Kingsley, then he will have them tested to find out who owns the wands. But I might still pay for Hermione and Ron to have a second one. I think having a spare is always a good idea. What about you, I could get you another wand as well?'

'That's thoughtful Harry, but I have my wand, that's all I need. Oh look, Neville's coming back, but he hasn't got the sword anymore.'

Harry glanced towards his friend, 'Where's the sword?'

'I gave it to McGonagall. She told me to tell you that she found a memory in Dumbledore's pensieve. She decided to have a look because she thought it was Snape's.'

'Then she will know Snape's innocent, that'll help. I will explain to you as well Neville, you trusted me and you really don't know how important that was. So after some rest, I will tell you why I asked you to do that.'

'I would like an explanation, but I knew you wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important. For now I think I should help you go see the matron, you look like you could use some healing.'

'Yep, I could, but I really don't want to move right now. I'm absolutely knackered and I think I'm stuck now, my limbs don't want to work anymore.'

'Then for a change, let your two other friends help this time,' Neville and Luna both stood up and were just about to grab Harry's arm, when they saw his face screw up in pain, they hoped he didn't have something seriously wrong with him.