So I'm back with a new chapter, though I don't know whether anyone still wants to read it or not. Yet, I am uploading this chapter for some special people who liked my story. I accept it myself that I'm not a very good writer but with every chapter, I am improving, at least I think so. When I don't get the same reviews from you'll, it really disheartens me. Please try to review and tell me how much of a good or bad writer I am. I would like to dedicate this story to a very special friend who has really helped me to write this. Thank you friend, I will always remember you as a best friend and my fellow Potterhead.

Disclaimer- i am not Jo and not nearly as talented.

Enough of the sermon, let's get back to the story

"I'm sure Albus, something definitely was fishy. She looked so much like her. The same eyes, the same hair. She just wouldn't get off my mind. For a minute I felt it was HER."

"Can't be headmistress, it is not possible."

"Isn't it possible that, maybe you know, there IS a possibility, isn't it?"

"I'm afraid I really don't think so."

Professor McGonagall was shocked beyond words at her latest encounter with Alisha. She returned to her office and without wasting a minute wanted to discuss this theory with the ex-headmaster. She was talking to Dumbledore but was staring at the floor until now. At Dumbledore's firm No she looked up. The sparkle in her eyes was indicating her excitement at the new possibility of events.

"Besides at this moment you need to be resting, preparing for a really hectic day tomorrow. I suggest you give this topic a rest for some time and…"

"No Albus, you do not seem to understand," she said. The sparkle in her eyes quickly giving way to the stern look she always donned.

"If she is what I believe, Harry will be ecstatic. He has no more family. What if she really is his elder sister?"

She bent her head and resumed her stare at the floor. The question that had been troubling her was finally out. She knew it sounded stupid, yet she couldn't help herself in believing that it might be true. She looked up again to find the headmaster staring at her from his moon shaped spectacles, even in painting, giving the feel of X-raying a person.

"Headmistress, you really reckon that James and Lily would have hidden their first child from us? If not the world, they would have definitely told you or me about her. They would have been elated to share it with us"

"But Harry was born a year after their marriage. What if this girl was born before their marriage? What if she was their illegitimate child? They definitely wouldn't want the news to leak. It would have been the talk of the town."

"Still it doesn't explain why they would have hidden this from us." He gave a sigh, drew a deep breath and continued, "If you remember, a year before James and Lily got married, I had sent James for an order related mission. The same year Lily had taken ill and went to stay with her parents. I don't see how your logic proves to be right."

McGonagall looked, to say the least, hurt, at Dumbledore's words. He had shattered all her hopes.

"How did she look exactly? Please be specific," said Dumbledore

"She looked just like Lily I told you that, just the same. She had flaming red hair, bright green almond shaped eyes and…"

She glanced at the sleeping portrait next to that of Dumbledore's. Severus Snape, the previous headmaster was fast asleep. As soon as the war was over, Harry made sure that his portrait got its rightfully deserved place. It wasn't already there because Snape had resigned from his post before he was killed. McGonagall stared at his portrait for some time and jerked her head and murmured something that sounded like "impossible"

"Is that it, headmistress?"

"Yes. Yes very much, that's it"

Dumbledore nodded, lolled his head on one side and said" goodnight"

McGonagall noticed this gesture of leaving and she stood up from her seat, wished the headmaster good night and left the office.

Unknown to these two, Snape's portrait was listening to their conversation with rapt attention.

The next morning at Hogwarts,

Harry, Ron and Hermione were at the newly made quarter that was made by McGonagall after the war. It was located in one of the many turrets of Hogwarts, between the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor towers. It was made for students, who were unable to complete their N.E.W.T.s or O.W.L.s as they were either into hiding or were declared as muggle born and were not given the permission to attend Hogwarts. Needless to say, Hermione was one of them, but Ron and Harry had decided against it.

Hermione was completely immersed in her newly bought book 'Potions for Masters'. It was all a bit weird to Harry. Even after the war, Ron and Hermione were just the same, as though the war had never happened. Hermione was still reading and Ron was still eating. He had just opened a newly bought box of 'Chocolate Cauldron'. The trio had gone to Diagon Alley a few days back to buy Hermione's books, clothes for all three of them (as after the Horcrux hunt, all their clothes were pretty much worn out)and some other stuff.

Harry was very confused about his friends' relationship status until sometime back when he had eavesdropped them in a very intimate act. After that day, they were clearly always there for each other. Maybe their closeness had strengthened their love. Harry was very happy for them. His and Ginny's relationship felt as good as never before. She was always listening to all his talks, be it about what happened in the Horcrux hunt or his personal feelings. This was what Harry yearned the most. He wanted someone to listen to him peacefully, to love him selflessly. Ginny was perfect for him. He truly loved her and she loved him back.

Unable to stand the silence, Harry asked,"So you surely will take the N.E.W.T.s?"

Hermione looked flabbergasted as if Harry had asked her 'what were 2+2'. "Of course I will, and I don't see any reason why you'll two shouldn't take it too." She glanced at Ron, and Harry saw pleading in her eyes, clearly asking Ron to stay back with her.

"We are just too tired, Hermione. We want to rest.",said Harry.

Ron swallowed his mouthful of Chocolate Cauldron and said, "Are you mental? It's not only about being tired. If I ever appeared for them, I would probably make a record in scoring the least possible N.E.W.T.s", he said. Hermione gave a small smile and said,"Yeah, you are right"

"In fact I think you should rest for sometime too." said Harry, feeling a bit left out from their conversation.

"I am resting Harry. You see, my body is tired but my mind has rested all the time I was with you'll. I need to use it to its fullest now."

"Right, or else it might RUST" Ron was clearly upset by Hermione's refusal to Harry's suggestion. He continued, "You planned every ruddy thing on our journey. From the charm on your purse, the premature packing of our rucksack, the brainwave of Kreacher still having the locket, planning to get into the ministry, saving my life, to the idea that Gryffindor sword destroys Horcruxes and what not. You did it all."

"It all sounds really good when you say it like that. I didn't realize I was so important"

"Important? We survived because you were with us Hermione. You were much more responsible for the end of Riddle than any one of us." said Harry. Hermione had tears in her eyes.

"Thank you." she said and wiped her eyes with the hem of her shirt. Ron, who until now was sitting at the window, crossed the room, put his hand on her shoulder, and patted her.

"So where will you'll be going?" she asked without moving Ron's hand from her shoulder. In fact, when he tried to withdraw it, she held it back. Ron blushed. his cheeks and ears going as red as his hair.

'We will be going to the Burrow first and then to Grimmauld place. And maybe after a month or so, we'll be gone for Auror training. In fact we would have left sooner if McGonagall hadn't persuaded us to wait till the beginning of the New Year at Hogwarts.",said Harry.

"That woman's got a lot of skill for persuasion." Said Ron.

At that very moment, a hazel brown owl flew into the room from the window. It was Athena, Hermione's new owl that she had brought from their trip from Diagon Alley. Harry often said that Athena was the most intelligent owl he had ever seen, so it was only perfect for Hermione. Harry didn't buy a new pet and intended to remain so at least for a year, as he missed Hedwig a lot. She was his only friend and support in the muggle world with Dursley's. Athena was carrying a very similar looking envelope. Hermione opened the envelope with trembling hands and Athena flew out of the window, knowing very well that her owner needed some lone time with her friends.

"Any luck?" asked Ron

"No.", said Hermione and as Harry had expected, Ron patted her on the back.

Ron read the letter and handed it to Harry, it read:

To Miss Hermione G.,

We have cleared the south of Australia and are moving towards the last stage of our search mission i.e. the west of Australia. We still have found no trace of your parents. The last stage will begin tomorrow and will end (tentatively) by 25 June. Hope to bring you good news next time.

Walberg detective agency

Fresh tears were flowing out of Hermione's eyes, for the second time today. The three had gone to Hermione's house the next day after the war, only to find it locked. The neighbors said they had moved to Australia,almost 5 months back and it was not possible for them to search the entire of Australia. Therefore, Hermione had appointed a wizard detective agency to find them, but her memory charm was so strong that so far, even they were unable to find Wendell and Monica Wilkins.

"They'll find them soon, don't worry" said Harry. Hermione gave faint smile and soon gained her composure. All was unusually quite as everyone including the Weasley's, Luna, and Neville had left today in the morning. The Weasleys had left after the war only to return, as maximum volunteers were needed to repair and reconstruct Hogwarts. They left (even Ginny) today morning. Ginny would be coming back to complete her final year at Hogwarts. Luna, finally found her dad at Arizona as he had managed to escape from Azkaban, and went home with him. Neville was very happy, as his grandmother had never been so proud of him. He and Luna were still together and very happy to say so.

Harry too was very happy to have such amazing friends.

Thank you so much for reading this chapter. i think it is the best i have written so far. please review if you'll liked it too. i am desperate to get some reviews. thank you again