Author's Note: My goodness! Y'alls reviews keep me going… thank you for all your comments and encouragements. I'd really love to thank fifespice and twilight016 for reviewing on every chapter! That means a lot, you guys… every one of my reviews does.

The last chapter may have been a little confusing… sorry bout that. I went back to look at it… I forgot to put dividers in. I edited that, so… yeah! Its definitely easier to read.

Its time to shift gears in this fanfic. The gang has just graduated from Hogwarts, so I'm gonna jump into the future a little. Didn't want to confuse anyone further! The title of this fanfic will also make more sense with the next two or three chapters. Hope you enjoy, and please keep on reading!

Chapter Ten: The End

Harry moved through the trees cautiously, silently praying that he would survive this hellhole. Except for the slight crunch of leaves as he stalked down his prey, no other sound could be heard; no birds, no animals, nothing. The forest was dead, devoid of life. Gritting his teeth, his breath came out ragged. Voldemort had done this.

Briefly, his mind shifted to his former life, as it often did on lonely patrols of the night. Harry's first urge was to push it away, but he ignored it; he welcomed the sight. He needed to take his mind off of the throbbing pain in his head as he became closer to him. As he loomed nearer, flashes of his loved one's soaked his vision. Hermione, sitting in the common room with a book in her hands. Ron, procrastinating over a homework assignment at the last moment. Even Ginny smiled at him in his memories, as pretty as ever. Harry grinned, then quickly moved to the last memory.

Draco, with his arms around Harry's waist. Kissing him with as much passion as he'd done five years ago. Harry's jaw clenched as he realized he'd been gone five years, five long years without seeing the ones he cared about most. A single tear slid down his cheek as he concentrated back on his task. He couldn't bear to think of Draco right now.

He didn't want to think he didn't love him anymore.

He stopped at a riverside, eyes locked on his target. He could see him now, could feel the hatred in the air. The slain bodies of his supporters lay around him as he stood looking at the moon. As Harry lifted his wand in dueling stance, he only thought of one person.

Draco.

Harry was now a couple of feet away from him. A cold washed over his senses as he shuddered; the presence alone was still enough to send fear coursing through his body. He lifted his wand once more, casting the curse that would kill him.

A shrill screech pierced the once silent night as bright green light met the tattered black robe. Harry's body spasmed as the inhuman scream engulfed him, not allowing him to think. A hooded figure stumbled toward him, hand outstretched, as it dissolved slowly.

Harry knew 'Avada Kedavra' alone wouldn't kill him. Without a thought, he raised his own hand and touched it to Voldemort's face.

The smell of burning flesh hit the air as Voldemort's mouth twisted in pain. Harry pulled his hand away quickly as white-hot heat burned his own fingertips. He tried to step back, but the outstretched hand got to him first.

With utter precision, Voldemort stroked Harry once down his forehead.

Now it was his turn to scream; his head seared as if he'd been shot. He could feel a part of his mind spark, then grow still as it seemingly melted. Harry fell to the ground, unable to see or hear. He could feel blood soak the front of his shirt as a hole appeared from his chest. Teeth clenched, he managed to roll over on his back.

And waited for his sure death.

Harry lay on his back, eyes turned toward the stars as he bled deeply from a wound in his chest. His eyelids fluttered momentarily, before closing for what he was sure was the last time. As the star-streaked night sky was blocked from his vision, he had a fleeting thought: now he would finally see his mother and father. Weakly, Harry struggled to stay alive. Turning over on his side, he forced his eyes open, revealing the robe that once belonged to Voldemort only three feet away from him. He couldn't help but smile as he died slowly. That robe belonged to the creature that was no more.

The war was finally over.

And he, Harry James Potter, had been the one to put an end to him. That final battle was the reason he was dying now. Harry closed his eyes again, relishing the victory as a low moan escaped his parched lips. A sudden sharp pain knocked the wind out of him, making him gasp for breath. He knew it was the end. All around him, the bodies of dead Voldemort supporters decorated the vast country field. Harry felt his heart quiver, then stop completely. His vision became black and fuzzy around the edges.

"Quick, he's over here," a male voice whispered anxiously. Harry recognized that voice as his lungs stopped functioning. Heavy footsteps could be heard beside him.

"He's dying," the same voice stated plaintively, swiftly taking a pulse from Harry's wrist. "Stand back; I'm going to give him the Breath of Life."

A collective murmur surrounded him, but complied with the speaker's orders. The voice muttered a few words, and Harry felt a sudden warmth to his body.

That warmth turned quickly to fire.

He felt as if he were burning, his skin melting in the unbearable heat. Right then, Harry knew he was dead; even wished he were. As quickly as that fire came, though, it was gone, replaced with a trickling cool sensation.

Harry sensed his heart tremor, then beat once. Twice.

He felt himself being lifted into the air, and placed on a hovering stretcher. The stretcher was then attached to a broomstick.

"Step back, Weasely, I'm taking him," this time the voice sounded possessive, protective. Recognition hit Harry almost instantly. It was the voice of the one he loved. He tried to turn his head towards the source of the voice.

A hand stroked his cheek, caressing his jaw line. "You can move around soon enough, love, but for now you must rest up." Harry smiled into the warm hand, feeling safe. He felt cool lips brush over his. "Soon enough."

Harry smiled again. He knew the one he loved would come and save him.

Author's note: Alright! this chapter was easier to right, considering half of it was already written. as usual, hope you enjoyed, and please review! and don't be afraid to criticize or comment. i need critics too!

One more thing... i'm thinking about starting another fanfic. any suggestions on pairings? if you review, please put any of your suggestions there too! thank you!