Chapter Ten: Last Minute Goodbyes

Harry and Ashlyn were standing in the Headmistress' office, waiting for her to finish writing a letter to the Order. When she finally set her quill down, she looked up at the two.

"Yes, Mr. Potter, Miss Richardson?" she folded her hands and set the on top of her desk.

Harry cleared his throat, "Professor, we were wondering, is there any word on Luna? We're worried and we want to know if she has been located."

McGonagall looked tired, "Potter, Miss Lovegood, has not been seen, but Remus and Nymphadora are on the trail. We are determined to find her. So, don't you worry about her, alright? Are you two ready to leave for your mission in the morning?"

Harry nodded, "We have a few last minute things we need to take care of, but other than that, we are all set."

"Alright, Potter. I wish you both luck, and I look forward to hearing about how it went."

Harry swallowed hard, "Of course, we will let you know as soon as we return."

The headmistress stood up and hurried to them. She hugged Ashlyn first and then Harry. She whispered in Harry's ear, "Good luck, Harry, I have faith in you." And then she smiled and dismissed them.

Harry and Ashlyn left the room with a mixture of emotions. They were afraid of their upcoming mission. They worried about Luna and all the other people they were leaving at Hogwarts. They were also happy, because if their plan succeeded, then they would forever be rid of Lord Voldemort. Harry took Ashlyn's hand in his as they slowly walked down the halls of the enchanted castle of Hogwarts. They were enjoying their last few hours there at the castle, for they would be leaving before any other student woke up. When they finally reached the portrait hole, they sighed.

"Ashlyn, you remember what we have to do tomorrow right?" Harry asked, looking down at her, his eyes full of worry and concern.

She nodded, "Of course, how could I forget? But, Harry, do you remember what you said when you and I first began to plan this? You said that you were willing to do whatever it takes to destroy him, right?" he nodded, and she bit her lip and looked away for a moment before she turned back to him, "Then, will you promise me that whatever I tell you to do tomorrow, you will trust me and do it?"

He nodded, "I trust you wholeheartedly, but-"

"Harry, please. Promise me!" her eyes were watering and she looked completely serious.

"I promise, Ash. But don't worry. Everything is going to be fine. We're going to come back here tomorrow and be known as heroes."

Ashlyn nodded, but still looked worried. He put his hands on her shoulders, and leaned in close to her face, "Ash. We can do this!" he smiled and then stepped closer and moved his arms to around her waist. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest. Then she looked up at him, and he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. It was a soft, gentle kiss, but then grew into a more passionate one.

They heard someone clear their throat loudly and they broke apart at once and looked around. There was no one around so they looked up at the Fat Lady, who had been staring down at them, impatiently. They laughed and said the password together, and then clambered in. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were the only three still left in the common room. Ashlyn squeezed his hand gently.

"I'm going to bed, see you in the morning." She whispered and hurried into the girls' dormitories.

Harry watched her go, and then walked over to the three waiting for him. Ron looked pained as he began to speak.

"So, you're leaving tomorrow?" he asked, his voice choked.

Harry nodded, "Very early in the morning."

Hermione burst into tears, "Oh, Harry!" she jumped out of her chair and ran to Harry, grabbing him into a tight, long hug. She kissed the top of his head, "Please, please be careful!" She squeezed tighter, and then let go and hurried back to her seat beside Ron.

"Yeah, what she said," Ron said, sheepishly, trying not to look too worried or upset.

It was now Ginny's turn to speak and the other three looked over at her as she spoke up, "Harry. We may not be on the best of terms right now. But these two have told me what you're going to do. And I don't want you to leave with our relationship like this." She stood up, and so did he. She went over to him and wrapped her arms around him, he smiled and wrapped his arms around her and they hugged tightly.

"Thanks, Ginny. It means a lot."

She smiled and backed away, "I'm going to bed, now. Good night you lot."

She waved and then hurried up the staircase, following the same path as Ashlyn. Hermione and Ron looked over at Harry, who was still smiling. He shrugged, and then motioned for them to come over to him. He wrapped his arms around the two of them and squeezed them in tight. He would miss them terribly, but he would either be back real soon, or never again. The latter made him swallow uneasily. After a moment, he broke the group hug and looked at his two best friends.

"Thanks, you two. For everything. You have helped me so much these past years. Your friendship means the world to me. I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world." They smiled and tears welled up in all three of their eyes.

It took a moment, but Harry finally found his voice to tell them goodnight. Hermione burst out crying, hugged him and kissed his cheek again, and Ron hugged him before he went up the stairs.

Harry smiled as he lay down into his bed. He had two best friends, Ginny, and Ashlyn. Just knowing all of this, he felt like he could go up against a hundred Death Eaters and Voldemort himself, and win!

Of course, feeling like he could, and actually being able to our two completely different things.

In a few hours he would find out what Harry James Potter was truly capable of, and if that was enough to survive.

Only the next morning would tell.