A/N- I can honestly say I don't know what happened to this story. One minute I'm writing the end and the next moment this long epilogue emerges. Crazy. This is inspired by a story entitled, "It's Good to Feel Remorse" by Rihaan. In Rihaan's story the ritual is botched because...well those reasons are different than my own. I read the story the first time and thought, "This is an interesting concept." And then I started imagining a different method, a different way. And then Ares appeared. I have 2 other stories I'm working on in which the war god appears and he's really, really fun to write. I'm having fun with him.

Okay, summary- This story takes place in the third task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It begins in the graveyard. The italics are Harry's thoughts and yes, only he can hear the war god. I have to say, I think the thought of Harry getting divine assistance from a god of war would explain his ability to survive situations he should really die in and his sudden prowess with swords and surprising magical power that emerges. If you find Voldemort's death scene short that's because, from Harry's perspective, it happens quickly and he blacks out. The explanation for the death is within the story and I think I explained it well. (but you never know so let me know if I didn't) But for those that don't know blood transfusions during an organ donation are not uncommon as it helps to make sure the recipient's body doesn't attack the organ and outright reject it.

The phrase from Ares that Harry says to Gringotts is Euripides, btw. Oh and Amelia Bones' monocle sees through potions disguises and invisibility cloaks. Currency conversion comes courtesy of HP Lexicon.

"Go limp," came a voice. Harry Potter's head whipped around. It was the only part of his body that could move as he was currently tied to a tombstone in a graveyard. No one was there. "You can't see me but you will soon. Go limp, Harry James Potter. Trust me. I will not steer you wrong."

Go limp? I'm fighting for my life!

"He can't hurt you if you willingly offer your blood. You can't say that Harry. Just go limp and in your heart willingly give Voldemort your blood."

I don't want him to have my blood!

"Adults have lied and ignored your well-being. Hermione Granger never has. She knows who is most important. She writes you letters and gets them to you even when your mail is being taken from your owl. She is your true friend and you were very upset when you couldn't rescue her from the Black Lake."

H-how do you know this?

"I've been watching over you since Voldemort first came after you. I was there to protect you when your mother's love wasn't enough. I was there to keep you alive when Quirrell attacked you and you discovered the power of your mother's love. I was there to push Fawkes toward you to prevent your death in the Chamber of Secrets. I was there to give you the instincts to stop those Dementors from killing you. You can trust me Harry. Do it now or all of my efforts will be for naught. If your blood is forcibly taken Voldemort will return more powerful than ever before. Go limp Harry. Please."

It was the please that had Harry obeying. No one had ever said please to him other than Hermione. And judging from the deep male voice, a voice that seemed to be filled with power but not force, strength but not domination, it belonged to a man that Harry assumed was a warrior. A real one, like the warriors he'd read about in history books and books about mythology.

Harry Potter went limp and when Peter Pettigrew approached him, "Blood of the enemy, forcibly taken, you will resurrect your foe!" With all the feeling Harry could muster, he willingly gave his blood for Voldemort. The blood entered the cauldron and then there was a loud explosion, a scream of pain, and the world went black for Harry James Potter.

Harry looked around. It looked like he was in paradise. "H-hello?"

"It's a pleasure to finally see you in the flesh, Harry." Harry whirled around to see a tall, handsome man approaching him. "I am Ares, God of War."

Harry was pretty sure he was calling on his inner Hermione when he said, "Don't you mean Greek God?"

Ares laughed, "Not at all. I am a god for all, not just the Greeks. They named me, true, but only because the Oracle told them my name. In other languages it varies but I have come to prefer Ares. It suits me the best. I answer to all and watch over many wars the mortals lead; but you have long held my eyes' focus."

"Why? I'm nothing special."

"The fact that you say that proves the opposite," Ares put an arm around him and led him through the grassy area, "Now Harry, I want you to understand what just happened to the one called Voldemort. You willingly offering your blood turned the ceremony on its head. The love of your mother was not in your blood. That is utter nonsense. Her love is all around you, an aura if you will. When you let Peter Pettigrew willingly enter that aura your blood was no longer the special thing Voldemort thought it was."

"Wait but you just said that there was no love of my mother in my blood but Voldemort thought…"

"Voldemort did not think that your blood was full of your mother's love. He thought your blood would inoculate him against the aura. He was many things but he understood that much. Wizards really don't grasp blood magic."

Harry thought about organ transplant recipients, "So he thought that my blood would make it so that the aura wouldn't attack him, rather accept him."

"Exactly! I don't care what your professors say, there's a brain there and it works brilliantly. It wasn't your blood that ended Voldemort. It was you, Harry. Your will defeated him. The ritual requires hate from the enemy. You did not give him that hate that he required to live. And that, Harry Potter, is how you defeated Voldemort."

"So he's really gone? Then why am I here? Am I dead?"

"Yes he's gone. You're here because a piece of the bastard's soul was trapped in your head." Harry's hand moved up to his scar. "Yes, it was there. Those headaches, those visions? I'd imagine it all makes sense now." Harry nodded. "As for your death…no you're not. This is an intermediate plane, a paradise between the haven of the gods and earth."

"Where will Voldemort go?"

"Hades is happy to say he will be in the River Styx. Poor man didn't have the toll to pay for passage." Ares was able to say that with a straight face but Harry saw his mouth twitching to avoid laughing. Apparently even gods of war had manners. He thought Hermione would like that. "You should make a move for Hermione Granger, Harry."

"Is she my soul mate?"

Ares did laugh this time, "Oh you mortals. Soul mates…they're an interesting philosophical theory but they're not real. People want them to be because of the illusion of forever."

Harry's eyes cast downward, "So I don't have a soul mate?"

"No one does," he said. "The heart wants what it wants, which means any woman or man could fall for anyone or even no one. Love is a complicated thing Harry. You'll figure that out as you start dating. All that matters is that you're happy. And having watched you over the years…well do I have to tell you who makes you happiest? Or whose face you consistently put a smile on?"

"Hermione," Harry smiled. "But Ron likes her."

"Does she like Ron?"

"Not that I know of," he said, "she went with someone completely different to the ball. Ron did ask her so if she really wanted to go with him she could have said no to Viktor."

"And she would have if a certain Harry Potter had asked her." Harry looked at him and Ares shrugged, "When you're immortal pillow talk tends to be about the mortals. After awhile you know everything about each other. Mortals keep it interesting." Harry grinned. Aphrodite was watching over Hermione then. "Hermione wants to feel wanted, Harry. She wants to feel needed. Do me a favor and make her feel that. I have a bet with my father Zeus about it and I'd love to win."

"So can I go back now?"

"Sure can," Ares waved his hands and a portal appeared, "go to Gringotts and tell them the following phrase, 'Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head,' they will take you to a vault. There in the vault you will find some things to help you. Take Hermione with you. And enjoy the villa."

"Villa?" Harry asked. Ares just winked and pushed him through the portal.

Harry woke in the graveyard. His head no longer hurt. He found his footing and looked around. Cedric's body was lying over near the cup. He moved to it. "Please don't be dead Cedric."

"Do you really think we'd let him die? Hades says you're welcome, and thanks you for the soul of Voldemort. He's wanted that for half a century."

Harry smiled at Ares' voice and sure enough, Cedric had a pulse. Cedric groaned and Harry helped him up, "You okay?"

"Where's Voldemort?"

Slowly Harry explained the whole thing to Cedric, who noticed Harry's scar was now very light and that the exploded cauldron certainly backed up the story. They took Pettigrew's body and dragged it over to the cup, which they both grabbed.

Harry was willing to bet that Hermione had also had a visit by a deity. He could think of no other reason that the normally restrained Hermione would jump on him and kiss him so passionately all of a sudden. Not that he was opposed to it. He happily returned the kiss and held her so that they wouldn't fall since her legs were currently wrapped around his waist. "I thought I'd lost you," she whispered when she pulled back.

"I thought the same," he responded. Hermione kissed him again for that. She eventually let go of Harry to see that they had an audience. Harry pulled her into a hug to not let her take anything back, "You're stuck with me now Hermione," he whispered.

"No place I'd rather be stuck," she smiled. Harry returned the smile.

Cedric just shook his head and looked at Harry, "Some help with this heavy lug?"

"That's Pettigrew! You got him!"

"Well I didn't kill him," Harry said. "That was the blowback."

Dumbledore looked positively gobsmacked when he got through the crowd while Moody looked enraged. "Wh-what happened?"

"The trophy was a portkey that took us to a graveyard where Voldemort and this slime were waiting," Harry said, looking at Hermione. "Voldemort's dead."

Hermione looked at his scar and traced it, "Your scar is lighter."

"I'll tell you why later," he promised her quietly before speaking louder, "Now that Peter Pettigrew has been found can we please clear my godfather of his murder?"

Dumbledore's face turned from pale to red while Hermione flicked her wand to levitate Pettigrew. Cedric looked at Harry, "Why didn't we think of that?"

"Because Hermione is a genius," Harry grinned proudly. "Plus we probably both have concussions."

Cedric soon found himself wrapped in his mother's arms. He looked at his father, "Dad can you contact the head of the DMLE?" Cedric looked at Harry and Hermione, "Might as well tell the story just once right Harry?"

"That'd be ideal," Harry nodded. Hermione led them inside, Pettigrew's body in front of her. Harry stayed with Cedric but both boys stayed directly behind her. They were unaware if anyone else was behind them. Following the group was Dumbledore, who still looked gobsmacked, Cedric's parents who were confused, Moody was terrified and angry, McGonagall was relieved and in shock, Snape was still recovering from the pain that the dark mark had caused him when Voldemort died but was feeling quite relieved. The Weasleys were a jumble. Bill was impressed and had hurriedly sent a note to Gringotts when Harry had said Voldemort was dead. Fred and George were both calculating how much gold they won in the Harry & Hermione pool, Ginny was feeling rather angry with Hermione not to mention highly jealous of the other girl's very public kiss with Harry. She couldn't even talk to Harry yet without blushing and Hermione had swooped in to steal him from her. Ron was furious. Potter took the girl, the title, and the money.

Once they were in the Headmaster's office Hermione dropped Peter unceremoniously onto the floor before calling for Harry's friend Dobby and gently whispering something to him. The elf lit up and nodded, saluting her before he vanished. She looked at Harry before pulling him into a hug, "You are never scaring me like that again Harry, do you understand?"

"I promise," he said, squeezing her against him. He made a mental note to thank Ares.

"Name your son after me and I won't ask for any more gratitude than that." Harry mentally rolled his eyes. Still, it was a better name than Bilius or Albus at least. "And don't you forget it," Ares said.

He looked at Pettigrew, "He was next to the cauldron when it exploded. I'm amazed he's in one piece."

"The explosion took out alot of gravestones," Cedric nodded. He leaned in to whisper to Harry, "Did you…I know I died Harry. I got hit by the killing curse. Then this man appeared, tall and with this black robe. Said he was Hades."

Harry smiled, "You're not crazy Cedric. Ares talked to me." Cedric sighed with relief, "Still, I think the only person we should tell at first about that is Hermione. Ares said something to me that would explain her running at me like that."

Cedric nodded his head in agreement and they stood together, Hermione resuming her hold on Harry as though reassuring herself that he was safe. Harry noticed Cho wasn't there. "Where's your girlfriend?"

Cedric looked around. That was odd, now that he thought about it. "I don't know," he said. He looked at Hermione, "How did you get there so quickly?"

She blushed, "As soon as Dumbledore said that you'd both been taken from the maze I think I just…well I snapped. I got out of the stands and began laying into them about jeopardizing your safety and using you as bait but not even knowing where the hell you were," Hermione was working herself up into a rage and Harry hugged her to him, "As soon as I saw you I was so relieved."

"Yeah I think we all saw that," Cedric teased. She blushed but didn't let go of Harry.

The fireplace soon roared to life and Amelia Bones was in the room, "Amos you said you had something to report?"

"These two do," he said, nodding to Cedric and Harry.

"Mr. Potter," the monocle wearing woman smiled, "I'm Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." She was about to say something else when her eyes moved over Moody, "Aurors arrest that imposter!" The two aurors that had arrived with her seized Moody immediately and she walked toward him, "Headmaster Dumbledore Mad-Eye Moody is supposed to be a friend of yours. Do you care to explain how you didn't recognize your old friend has been replaced by a man using polyjuice?"

Everyone stared as Alastor Moody, now bound, transformed into a younger version of Barty Crouch. "Barty Crouch Jr.; I daresay the mystery of who put Potter's name in the goblet has been solved," Snape said, looking at Dumbledore who appeared ready to pass out from all the surprises.

Amelia Bones glanced at the Weasleys, "May I ask why you are here?"

"We're Harry's family," Molly said, affronted.

Bones looked at Harry, "To my knowledge your only family is a family of three muggles."

"My relatives, yes ma'am," Harry nodded.

"Then why are the Weasleys here as your family?"

"I don't know ma'am. Mrs. Weasley was incredibly rude to Hermione this year and hasn't apologized. She sent my girlfriend a howler after that ridiculous article by Rita Skeeter." All the ministry officials in the room, Fudge included, made a face of disgust when Harry said her name. Molly's face turned red. Harry looked at her, "Quite frankly I have no time for people who belittle and publicly shame another person for their own disturbing reasons. My family is dead. I don't know why the Weasleys are here today," he said. "When they told me that my family was here I was incredibly confused."

Amelia looked at the Weasleys, "Please leave the room."

Molly's face had only become redder, "Why Harry how can you say that after all we've done for you?"

"You know all about the abuse I've gone through at the Dursleys. Your family car had the bars from my bedroom window attached to it. The proof of what I've gone through right there. You did nothing." At the word abuse Fudge, McGonagall, Bones, and even Snape's eyes all narrowed. "And I've never asked you for anything. I didn't even know you and you were sending me Weasley sweaters to ingratiate yourself and your family towards me; the way you've treated Hermione this year is the end for me. I won't forgive that. I simply can't."

Fred and George were both glaring at their mother now while the other two Weasley children were staring at Harry as though he was out of his mind. Hermione squeezed Harry's waist in gratitude.

Amelia flicked open the door, "Leave, now."

"Hermione's not family either!" Ron yelled.

"Not yet," Harry corrected him. "I intend to change that as soon as I'm of age."

Ron missed the implications but Molly Weasley did not. Sputtering she left the office with two aurors making sure that they left. Amelia conjured furniture for everyone to sit on, "Now then Mr. Potter, Mr. Diggory. Can you tell us what happened?"

Cedric let Harry take the lead. Harry left out that Cedric had died, merely stating that the boy had dived to avoid the curse and hit his head on a tombstone while Harry had gone the other. With Cedric unconscious and presumed dead Pettigrew had focused on Harry. Hearing what Pettigrew said about the blood being forcibly taken Harry had went limp and chosen to offer the blood up to Voldemort. This drew gasps from the crowd before Harry explained that the ritual, rather than revive Voldemort, failed. The explosion of the cauldron knocked Harry unconscious. When he woke up Pettigrew was dead, there was soot everywhere from the cauldron's explosion and subsequent fire, and Cedric was still on the ground. Cedric eventually came to and untied Harry before they made sure Voldemort was gone. With no trace of the cauldron itself and a dead Pettigrew they grabbed the man and took the portkey back to Hogwarts where Hermione launched herself at Harry.

Cedric added in details about what happened before he was unconscious when he could and once the story was finished Harry gazed at Hermione lovingly and pulled her into a hug, "You're my girlfriend now right?"

"Yes Harry," she answered, kissing his cheek. "You're stuck with me Potter," she added, echoing his earlier words. Harry grinned in response. "I do have something to tell you later."

"We'll find some place private," he promised.

As Harry and Hermione had their private conversation Amelia Bones was ripping into Dumbledore even as she drew up a quick document proclaiming Sirius Black's innocence and contacted a reporter she trusted to disclose what had happened. The ministry would disclose that Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory had been abducted from the tournament to a ritual that would have brought back Voldemort. However the ritual was botched (they wouldn't say how) and Voldemort was destroyed forever, as was his loyal follower Peter Pettigrew who was responsible for the deaths of the Potters and the framing of Sirius Black.

Harry was just fine with the story being told. It took the spotlight off of him for once and he felt pretty great about finally telling Molly Weasley what he'd always thought about her. Hermione, Harry, and Cedric were excused shortly after Amelia told them to keep quiet about what happened. Since none of them wanted the truth to get out they didn't mind that order. Harry called for Dobby and asked for a place where no one could overhear them. After the little elf had explained about the Room of Requirement they headed up there where Harry told the true story of what happened to Hermione and Cedric, including the visit from Ares. Cedric in turn told about his brief visit with Hades, who'd told him to wait because he'd soon be returning to his body.

Hermione smiled and kissed Harry gently, "It figures that Aphrodite would blab about my long-standing attraction to you."

"How long?"

"Since the end of second year," she answered.

Harry blushed but smiled and pulled her into a hug, "I'm sorry I didn't notice."

"You know now, that's all that matters," she leaned against him, "Aphrodite spoke to me. She swore you'd come back. I didn't need much prodding to want to tell you how I feel." Harry smiled and squeezed her tightly to him. "I'm just glad it's over now. For good," she added.

"Me too," he sighed, content. "What did you tell Dobby when we entered the office?"

"That the great Harry Potter would be in need of a house elf and by taking care of the great Harry Potter's godfather and making him presentable it would be impossible for said great Harry Potter to refuse his request for employment," Hermione beamed. Harry rolled his eyes at the 'great Harry Potter' bit but smiled at the way she'd sent Dobby to tend for Sirius.

"You're going to let me get a house elf?"

"You're paying Dobby for his services," she said, looking at him, "What was with the Euripides quote Ares told you?"

"I don't know but I intend to find out. Think we can steal off to Gringotts?"

"Of course we can," she kissed him.

Harry and Hermione returned to Gryffindor Tower to much adulation. Harry, though, was having none of it. Obtuse to this they all clamored for a speech. Harry, after a shared glance with Hermione, agreed. He then proceeded to let them all have it, "You all believed the worst of me," he said. "You believed that I was a cheater and a liar simply because it was convenient. It appealed to your eagerness to see the worst in me. You treated me like shite until the first task when I was suddenly a hero again. Then you all proceeded to find a new target in Hermione. That continued through the second task. Hermione, who has always been loyal to me had her reputation dragged through the mud. Not a single Gryffindor, save me, stood up to defend her. The girl who helps all the younger students, who is always happy to help tutor people and offer help on your homework. You all stood by as she was attacked, both verbally and physically, and did nothing. Then comes the third task. The only person who stood up for me after I was abducted is the amazing woman next to me." Hermione squeezed his hand, "I'm sick of people getting close when it's clear skies around me but shrinking away as soon as a cloud appears in that sky. I can't speak for Hermione but as far as I'm concerned none of you will ever count as friends. Not after the way I've been treated. And I can certainly promise that I won't be playing quidditch next year. Find a new seeker. I'm not playing for a house that wants me solely for my fame and prowess on a broom."

Hermione looked at the room, "I'm with Harry. Get help for your academics somewhere else. I'm not helping anymore."

With that said Harry took her hand and they exited the common room, heading down a hallway and into a classroom where they called for Dobby, "We need the Marauders' Map and my invisibility cloak Dobby."

Dobby nodded and vanished, returning with both items. Hermione smiled, "How is Sirius doing?"

"He's is freshly showered and I is delivering him to Ministry like Miss Mione asks Dobby to do. They is going through paperworks with Winky waitings for him to be done."

"When they're finished have Winky take him to Gringotts," Hermione said, "Which is where I'd like you to take the two of us." Dobby watched the couple put the map and cloak into Hermione's bag before he took each one's hand and popped them out of Hogwarts.

Gringotts' goblins were quite surprised to see two human suddenly pop into the atrium. Upon recognizing them a goblin approached them, "Mr. Potter we are honored by your presence."

"Uh, thanks," he said, looking around, "Umm, I have a message that is supposed to grant access to a vault? How do I do that?"

"Speak to that goblin," the security goblin pointed at a teller. "We thank you for your defeat of the Dark Lord."

"You're welcome," Harry said before walking over to the teller with Hermione. He looked at the goblin, "Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head."

The goblin's eyes widened, "I must go to get the key to that vault. I can have you escorted to a room to wait if you are not opposed, Mr. Potter."

Harry looked at Hermione, "I think that'd be nice. We've been a bit busy today. Some quiet would be nice."

"This way," the goblin led them into a conference room before exiting.

The new couple sat on a lounge together and just relaxed against each other. "I'm tired," Harry said, yawning.

"Not a surprise," Hermione said, "I'm so glad you're still alive," she settled against him, her head on his chest. "I don't think you'll be sleeping alone tonight. I need the knowledge you're alive still."

"I can do that," he smiled, "and I'll even behave myself," he added.

"Well I knew you'd do that," she teased. "You are my Harry after all. You might be telling off people who've turned against us but you haven't changed that much."

"They all had it coming," he muttered.

She smiled, "I'm not suggesting otherwise, Harry. Though I was surprised to hear it all coming out of you."

"I did die, in a way," he said. "I went to the other side. I just came back," he ran a hand over her back, "all of that meddling, the ways Mrs. Weasley and Dumbledore have treated me set me on a path to die. I didn't die because a god stepped in. A god whose sole focus was to make sure I lived and Voldemort died. Without Ares I'd be screwed, Hermione. Voldemort would be back and I'd have seen Cedric die."

"At least the Ministry seems to be happy to go after Dumbledore for how you've been treated and the things that have happened to you." Harry nodded. That was true. Amelia Bones had certainly torn Dumbledore a new one. "So do you know anything about this vault?"

"Just that Ares said to enjoy the villa and to make sure I brought you with," he shrugged.

"To the villa or the vault?"

"Both, I think," Harry looked at her, "how much gold do you think I have in my vault?"

"Harry I've never seen your vault," she said, squeezing his thigh.

"Right, the Weasleys have," he sighed, "I've never even talked to your parents. Not much of a boyfriend am I?"

"I forgive you," she kissed his cheek, "Don't beat yourself up about it Harry. We have all the time in the world for you to get to know my parents."

Their trip down to the vault revealed the keys to what Harry assumed was the villa as well as plenty of books and art. There was a large selection of weapons through the ages which they decided to not touch for now as well as rare books, both muggle and magical, from a time long before the founders of Hogwarts had existed. There was no money in the vault but Harry figured he would be disappointed if there were.

After looking at Ares' vault, which was what they called it, and claiming a collection of journals along with the keys and a few other things, they headed down to Harry's vault. Harry asked the goblin how much gold he had from his parents and the goblin smirked, "This is just a trust vault put together by your grandparents," the goblin explained, "But the vault has approximately 594,426 galleons 15 sickles and 14 knuts in it."

Hermione did the calculations in her head and gasped. "Almost three million pounds," she whispered to Harry.

"And that's just my trust vault? How much is my family worth?"

Sensing what his client actually wanted to know the goblin answered, "Including all the galleons gained through the spoils of war you're worth well over 200 million galleons."

Harry's head whipped to look at Hermione, who grew pale as she whispered, "That's over a billion pounds Harry."

Harry was astounded. He sat down on the floor of his vault before looking up at the goblin, "What do you mean the spoils of war?"

"Riddle's death eaters placed their vaults at their master's command. You defeated Riddle. Consequently all of the moneys placed into the possession of Voldemort have gone to you."

"Like separate vaults?"

"Oh no the entire Malfoy vault has gone to you among others," the goblin smiled and Harry felt a bit like throwing up. He had somehow come into more gold than he'd ever know what to do with. "You have a financial advisor who was put on your accounts when you turned eleven. His father took care of your parents' vaults before that. His name is Ragefist. If you like he can come up with a working tally and inform you of everything you own including properties of these foolish humans."

"That'd be useful." Harry lifted his head, "Could I have a meeting with him about it?"

"Certainly. We will contact you via owl when he is prepared."

"Great, thanks," Harry stood and pulled Hermione into a hug, "I have some ideas for the money but I need advice. Do you think your parents could offer that? I'd like human and goblin advisors. I've never had money before so I think a bit of counsel from three people and goblins looking out for me and my future would be of great use."

She smiled, "They'd be happy to do that Harry. They were hoping to have you spend the summer with us anyway." Harry grinned. He'd love that. "I don't know about you Harry but I'm starving. How about we meet Sirius and get some dinner in the Alley before returning to school?"

"That sounds great."

Up in the bank Dobby and Winky were waiting with Sirius who looked very good. Dobby had done well. Sirius hugged them both and thanked them repeatedly. Dobby then looked at Harry hopefully and Harry sighed before claiming Dobby as his elf, though he had wages of six galleons a week and one day off a month. Winky already had Sirius as a master and while she wouldn't accept wages Hermione convinced her to accept an allowance of six galleons a week as well. An allowance she could spend on her new family or even on herself and/or Dobby. With the realization she could buy things for Sirius, Harry, and Dobby the elf accepted the allowance. Hermione counted that as a victory.

Harry got the address of the villa from a goblin before they all decided to go eat dinner. After dinner Winky and Dobby would take Harry and Hermione back to Hogwarts and Sirius intended to go introduce himself to the Grangers and explain what had happened that day.

Harry studied with Hermione for the remainder of the school year as she prepared for her finals. He found himself being flirted with by many girls now but his eyes only saw Hermione, leaving his fangirls highly disappointed. Their time in Gryffindor house was now very uncomfortable. Dobby and Winky (on loan to them since Sirius was staying with the Grangers) popped them to the Room of Requirement every night where a bedroom with a large bathroom appeared for them. Harry hadn't slept alone since the night of the final task and he was enjoying it. The night after the task Hermione had slept curled against him with her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Harry knew it reassured her that he was okay but truthfully it made him feel pretty good too. Knowing Hermione was safe, especially given how angry so many girls were despite Harry's quite public declaration that she was the only one for him and the fact that some of those girls were Gryffindors meant that Harry was very aware that they could hurt Hermione in the girls' dorm and he couldn't stop them. Sleeping in the Room of Requirement kept them both safe.

Finals came and went and Harry spent the remaining days of the semester with Hermione intermittently snogging and hanging out. He wondered what would come of Malfoy and the other children of Death Eaters. The blonde idiot had already stormed up to him and threatened him. Harry had responded in kind, pointing out that he had taken out Voldemort and taking down his lackeys would be easy. Draco had paled and fled.

The day before they were to head home Dumbledore called Harry into his office. Suspicious, Harry asked Hermione to go with him. When they entered the office Dumbledore looked at Hermione, "You're excused Miss Granger."

Harry held her hand, "Hermione stays."

Dumbledore offered them seats but Harry insisted on standing, "Yes Mr. Potter I hope you understand how paramount it is that you return to your home this summer."

"I have many homes since the defeat of Voldemort, Headmaster. Care to be more precise?"

The old man's cheeks pinked, "Obviously you must return to the Dursleys. They are your only family, after all."

"Actually I have a freed godfather, a fancy villa, and a beautiful girlfriend who I can't wait to see in a swimsuit," Harry corrected, his eyes looking longingly at Hermione who blushed. "Oh and enough money to do literally anything," he added as an afterthought.

Dumbledore shook his head, "Regardless it is best that you stay with your aunt and uncle."

"For who?" Hermione asked.

"Excuse me Miss Granger?"

"Who is it best for? Not Harry. He's underfed, dressed in his cousin's rags, treated worse than a house elf and beaten. It is not in Harry's best interests to return to the Dursleys. You would take him from a place where he is loved and lock him up with deranged monsters who think that because he's different it's their responsibility to treat him like scum."

"I am far older than you and wiser…."

"Your wisdom saw Voldemort teaching here our first year, a basilisk running rampant and Voldemort nearly returning by killing a student the second, a mass-murdering animagus hiding right under your nose for years in our third and this year you not only let Harry get signed up for the tournament somehow you didn't even help him even though he was the youngest and didn't know as much magic as the older contestants. Forgive me if I think your wisdom is questionable at best and horrible at worst." Dumbledore's mouth was moving like a fish's mouth, though no sound was coming out. Hermione took Harry's hand and they left the room.

They headed back on the train in a compartment with Cedric. Harry wouldn't call it a friendship but they had a bond, having gone through what they had together. When they arrived they exited the train and Harry and Hermione moved through the barrier quickly to see her parents and Sirius waiting for them. Hermione only released Harry to hug her parents. They were in the car when Mrs. Granger looked at them, "So what's this business about you two sneaking out of your dorms to sleep together at night?"

Both teens blushed and Sirius started laughing. Harry's eyes immediately moved to Mr. Granger who was smirking. At least they weren't killing him. "We didn't feel safe in Gryffindor Tower," Hermione explained. "The girls are all jealous that he and I are a couple and…well no one is there to look out for me at night."

"We had to cast lots of shield charms the past couple weeks," Harry nodded. "But the first night was because Hermione needed to be comforted that I was alive and not dead." He suddenly looked at his girlfriend, "If we go back to Hogwarts I want out of Gryffindor house."

"I'm with you on that one," she smiled, squeezing his hand. "How about Hufflepuff? Susan Bones is nice enough."

"Yeah but Ernie and Justin are obnoxious."

"We could go to Ravenclaw," Hermione suggested. "Padma is nice and she doesn't hold Ron against you. We have Arithmancy and Ancient Runes together. Plus she's the opposite of her twin sister."

Harry thought about the boys in their year that were in Ravenclaw. They'd never called him the heir of Slytherin, at least. "I guess Ravenclaw could work."

Hermione smiled, "At least that's decided. So where is that villa located?"

Harry took out the parchment, "Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head," he said, waving his wand over the parchment. "It says that it's the island of Etebos. Where's that?"

Sirius frowned, "I've never heard of it." The Grangers shook their heads, having never heard of it either.

Hermione suddenly smiled, "Of course you haven't. That's the point. The vault, the island, it's all thought to be lost. We got it because of that."

He smiled before suddenly hearing, "Have the Grangers pack to go on vacation. Make sure your wardrobe has swimwear and light summer clothes. The villa is waiting."

While Harry was rather used to Ares popping into his head occasionally that didn't change how weird it was to suddenly hear the god's voice. Hermione squeezed his hand, "Are you okay Harry?"

"Yeah I just…had a visitor," he whispered. Hermione nodded in understanding and leaned against him, "We should get me a new wardrobe Hermione."

"We will," she kissed his cheek and Harry smiled. This was nice. A much nicer start to his summer than any other he'd ever had.

(A/N- This is where the epilogue kicks in. It was trying to take the story in a different direction, and maybe I'll let it on my own computer, but I needed to quiet the beast that is the rabid plot bunny.)

Harry watched his girlfriend apply sunscreen to her legs and arms. She was so beautiful. This had been the greatest summer of his life. Hermione was his girlfriend, they got to spend their days together even if their nights were to be spent alone (sleeping together, even if it was innocent, was not going to happen according to her parents and Sirius even if it was Harry's house), and they were on a beautiful island with their bedrooms in a beautiful villa. And Harry and Hermione, whose rooms were next to each other, had found a secret panel that separated their bedrooms which enabled them to move back and forth with no one the wiser. They kept that quiet but made use of it, snuggling together at night in one room or the other until it was time to separate so no one knew about it.

It wasn't that Harry didn't want to respect her parents' wishes; it was simply that having slept so close to one another for two and a half weeks made them both unable to sleep without the other. Their bond was tight and while they did behave themselves, something that they both admittedly occasionally struggled with, they needed those moments. They'd agreed to keep quiet about it. The adults with them didn't know about Ares or Aphrodite either.

The Grangers had proved great at offering advice on financial matters, which was good because Harry didn't trust Sirius with money. Harry had invested in many muggle companies and then with help from Ragefist set up a charity for orphans. Orphans that Harry learned were locked up in St. Mungo's because no one wanted them since adoption in the wizarding world didn't exist. The whole group had gone to visit and Harry and Hermione, as well as the Grangers, were outraged. Sirius had Gringotts clean out his family home Number 12 Grimmauld Place and redecorate it before they'd moved the kids into it. Hermione helped Harry buy books for them to read, then Winky suggested that house elves, in particular nanny elves, would be the best to care for the orphans. They agreed and she and Dobby had found house elves that were all unemployed and happy to take on the orphanage. The goblins found tutors, mostly other goblins, to educate the kids and Harry used the funds of the Death Eaters to set up an account for them all to go to Hogwarts when the time came.

The rest of the wizarding world found themselves dealing with the fact that so many purebloods were now penniless and were or soon would be imprisoned. Amelia Bones was armed with a list from Gringotts of Death Eaters whose vaults were pledged to Voldemort's cause and at first confused as to why the goblins would let such a thing happen she quickly realized that the goblins were happy to let the humans hang themselves. Also delivered to the DMLE were all of the dark items stored in those Death Eaters' homes and vaults. Many vowed vengeance on Potter or claimed the Imperius curse but Severus Snape testifying about how one came to claim the Dark Mark had those pleas falling on deaf ears.

Dumbledore went to the Dursleys to see them being evicted from their home by goblins. He then found himself arrested for trying to interfere. Rita Skeeter found herself out of work as Harry had learned that he suddenly owned the Daily Prophet. He happily had the reporter and editor fired with new people put in their places. People who were expected to tell the truth.

Dumbledore's efforts to contact Harry were fruitless. No one, not even Fawkes, could find him. The aging headmaster was adamant that Harry must understand that he must not change things in their world so suddenly but found that impossible. He then tried to have a law passed through that would name him the executor of Harry's fortune only to find himself locked up in Azkaban for attempted theft, actual theft, and child abuse. The Ministry of Magic happily let the goblins take care of Dumbledore.

Fudge kept his head down but Amelia knew that he was on his way out. A woman by the name Delores Umbridge wanted to become Minister but Amelia would rather die than see that happen. She made clear her plans to run against Delores who immediately backed down. Between the trials of all the Death Eaters who had managed to avoid Azkaban the first time and her plans to run for Minister of Magic Amelia Bones had a very busy summer.

Hermione looked over at her boyfriend, "Enjoying your view?"

"Oh most definitely," he grinned. She leaned over and kissed him, "I was just thinking about all the changes and how different things could be if I hadn't willingly offered up my blood."

"Well I like things as they are now," she handed him the sunscreen and untied her bikini top to leave her back bare, "do my back?"

"If my lady insists," he sat up and rubbed the oil into her back slowly, enjoying taking his time, "I like things now too. Are you okay with my immense wealth?"

Hermione tilted her head in thought before answering, "I'm glad neither of us knew about it before we did. Otherwise I'd worry about what you and others might think of me. And you're using a good portion of that to help other orphans which I think is wonderful." He smiled. Hermione made her opinion of that quite obvious as she'd snogged him after he'd told her the idea. "I'm also kind of relieved that you have something to fall back on. I mean honestly you're never going to be able to be 'just Harry' and have a normal job."

"I would think you'll have a similar problem," Harry said, "being the future Mrs. Potter and all."

Hermione was about to respond when Dobby popped in, "Hogwarts letters for Master and Mistress," he said, placing them on the towel before popping out.

"Mistress?"

"I think he knows you're my intended," Harry smiled.

Hermione turned to look at him, "Harry are you sure you want that?"

"Very," his hands moved to her waist, "don't you?"

She smiled and pulled him into a hug, "Yes. More than anything. But don't go overboard on a ring okay?"

"No guarantees," he whispered, "you deserve the very best."

"I got that when I got you," she pointed out. Harry smiled and they kissed. "I suppose you have a point," she continued, "being Mrs. Harry Potter, even if I kept my own name, wouldn't give me the freedom I'd have if I was with a guy who didn't take out a dark lord and turn the wizarding world on his head."

"Life would be dull then," he grinned.

They opened their letters to see that Hermione had been given the prefectship. Hermione looked at Harry, and he shook his head. Hermione frowned, "How are you not a prefect?"

"Don't know but I'm not. Not like it matters right?"

"True, we're leaving Gryffindor house," she stretched and lay down on the blanket, "Should I turn it in now?"

"You could hold off and wait. Maybe we'll find out who the male prefect is. Besides I'm all for shaking up Hogwarts like we have everywhere else." Hermione laughed at Harry's eagerness and they settled on the blanket together, "There is one thing," Harry said. She looked up at him and he continued, "Ares wants us to name our son after him."

Hermione looked at Harry for a long moment, "Well my mother's name is Helen, my father's name is Jason. Mythological names run in our family. Ares we can get away with. But there's no way in Hades that I'm naming a daughter after the goddess of love or a goddess of fertility."

"Oh I'm in agreement with that," Harry promised. "Besides I think their egos are smaller than Ares' is."

"I heard that you puny mortal," the words were intended to be harsh but Harry heard the humor in the war god's voice. "I think Psyche would be pleasant."

"He votes for Psyche."

"The goddess of the soul? Appropriate," she acknowledged, "but we'll see."

"I'm in no hurry for kids. We're like a big brother and big sister to the kids in the orphanage and I'm sure there'll be more to come. Like the kids of Death Eaters?"

That hadn't occurred to Harry. "Huh. Well we can't punish them can we? They're not at fault for their parents' behavior."

"The goblins should be able to come up with a plan," she lay down on the blanket, "we'll ask them when Ragefist comes for dinner tonight."

The goblins, at Harry's direction, set up an account for the purebloods whose parents were now in prison. Harry made sure they had a small amount of pocket money but certainly nowhere near what many of them were used to. Two weeks before classes began Harry met all of them in Gringotts and explained how he'd come into their money. The realization that their pureblood parents had willingly given their fortunes to Voldemort and lost them when Harry defeated him had many of them floored. Harry and Hermione, along with her parents, had each child write a list of things they needed before going through them. A few were second years who wanted brooms. Harry asked for their position and then chose brooms that would be suitable. They weren't the fastest or most expensive but they would work well for school quidditch.

Each child was given a pouch with the adequate gold for their transactions and they went off to the alley, mostly in pairs or small groups. Draco Malfoy was among those few who were highly confused about Potter's generosity but also incredibly grateful; a feeling they weren't used to experiencing. Still he recognized that some of the youngest students would be lost and took a small group of them with him into the alley.

When Draco offered up his own extra gold for a pet cat for a little female first year Harry felt like he'd finally received his reward. Harry handed Draco the money for the pet, "Doing good isn't too horrible is it Draco?"

"What's this for?"

"You gave up your own money and a chance for anything you wanted to make a little girl feel a bit safer and at home her first year at Hogwarts. That deserves a reward."

"Thanks Potter," Draco said, surprised and pleased at this turn of events.

All told it was thirty-nine students that Harry helped that day. Seven were seventh years, four sixth years, five fifth years, four fourth years, two third years, three second years, and fourteen incoming first years. The seventh and sixth years mostly needed just their books and school supplies; students their own year and younger needed new clothes which they went into the muggle world for. That was a new experience and, to Harry's mind, hilarious. Still even purebloods were adaptable and Harry noted that Hermione was the ringleader of all the girls, teaching them about fashion to help the boys. The boys, at first terrified, were much more relaxed when they watched Hermione order Harry around. Relieved that their benefactor was as clueless as they were they willingly let Hermione and the girls dress them. Their robes and wands for the first years were the priciest of all the things purchased aside from the four brooms but Harry didn't care. Taking them all out for pizza and then an arcade capped off the evening and everyone had fun.

After the shopping trip Harry invited them to a house in the Mediterranean that Ares had told him about that wasn't a private island. The villa was supposed to be secret and Harry would keep that promise. This house was one Ragefist bought for him. Harry found it improper to use one of the homes the kids had once lived in. The last two weeks was spent giving them all a vacation. Any complaints about muggles and their ways died the instant the swimsuits were seen. Wizarding suits covered both men and women completely. Muggles did nearly the opposite. Pansy and the other girls were delighted to go shopping with Hermione and her mum while Hermione's father Jason took Harry and the boys to get things for them. And lots of sunscreen.

They arrived at the platform on September 1rst via a portkey. The house elves that had previously belonged to their families belonged to Harry now and they were happy to deliver pets and trunks alongside them. Harry, Greg, Vincent, and Draco helped the young first years with their trunks while Hermione, Pansy, and Millicent made sure that the pouches with gold for treats on the train were with each child. They then let them all choose compartments before helping get their trunks in. Harry, Hermione and the other fifth years found a compartment together. Over the past two weeks a friendship had formed between them all. They were aware of Harry and Hermione's refusal to remain in Gryffindor house. It was hard to blame them.

During the train ride a few first years came in to ask for help or to express their worry. Hermione, to no one's surprise, was great at comforting them. Their arrival at Hogwarts had them watching to make sure the first years, which included Greg Goyle's little sister, got into the boats okay before they made their way to the carriages. Once in the castle Harry and Hermione walked up to McGonagall, the new headmistress. "I refuse to be prefect of Gryffindor house," Hermione said, handing over the badge, "and I request to be re-sorted."

"I want to be re-sorted as well," Harry said. There were gasps throughout the hall. McGonagall paled. Her two best students, her two best Gryffindors, wanted out. Still, she wouldn't refuse their request.

If the couple was surprised at how easy that proved to be they didn't show it. Professor Flitwick led in the first years and Harry and Hermione stood at the front, winking at the students they knew.

Draco watched, curious where they'd end up. He wasn't the only one. All of the children of Death Eaters watched with interest. The Gryffindors all looked furious, Ginny Weasley appearing the most put out that Harry was no longer a Gryffindor.

The sorting hat arrived and Hermione nodded that Harry should go first. He refused, indicating she go first. She rolled her eyes but went ahead. Ah Miss Granger. No longer a Gryffindor eh? Well I apologize for that. Hmm? Oh my a genuine pleasure when talking to goblins, house elves…all beings are created equal…well I haven't done this ever but I'm delighted to do it now. Welcome, my dear, to Fey House!

Hermione lifted the hat and saw a large table appear. She smiled at Harry and went to sit down. Harry put the hat on his head, Mr. Potter. Congratulations on your victory and the destruction of Voldemort. You're doing great things with the fortunes given to you. I'm very impressed. Yes yes now onto the sorting. Just like your girlfriend aren't you? I trust great things will happen for you two in Fey House!

Harry joined Hermione, giving her a gentle kiss as they sat alone at the new table together. Draco Malfoy suddenly stood, along with almost every other student not a first year that Harry and Hermione had taken in, "I want to be re-sorted!"

Draco, Pansy, Vincent, Greg, and Millie all became members of Fey House. They weren't the only ones. Every student that had stood and made the demand went to Fey House. But they were all only the students that Harry had taken in. Then Susan Bones stood. And Luna Lovegood. And Hannah Abbott. All three girls went to Fey House. Harry looked at Hermione, "Quite the new house we have here."

"We never do things easy now do we Harry? I might take that prefectship after all." Harry laughed.

The 12 first years that had spent the past two weeks with the others in Fey house all found themselves sorted there. McGonagall could be seen discussing things with the other professors. When they parted McGonagall spoke, "Yes well it has been decided that prefects for Fey House will be determined and announced later this evening."

The Sorting Hat spoke, "You misunderstand Fey House, Headmistress. Those that have just been sorted into it will choose their own prefects and their quidditch captain. Their home is easy enough to find. I left that information inside Mr. Potter and Miss Granger's heads. They will suddenly know at the end of dinner. Fey house is a house of unity, a house of equality, just as Morgan le Fey herself pushed. I daresay you will all enjoy your house ghosts."

After dinner Harry and Hermione suddenly had an urge to head toward a part of the castle long empty. Their new housemates followed them and stopped when the couple did, right in front of a large painting that, unlike the others, had no movement. It was one of two known paintings of Merlin. Suddenly a flash of light swept through the hall and the painting yawned. "Such a long sleep! I was wondering when Hogwarts would wake me. Oh look at this! So many young faces. I daresay you should set a password but I only permit entry to the worthy."

"The worthy?" Pansy asked.

"Yes my dear the worthy. However let's humor the headmistress shall we? Any ideas on a password?"

Harry bit his lip in thought before speaking, "Aphrodite."

"Oh that's brilliant. Not that any of you will need it. Worthiness truly matters in this house. Now, welcome my students. Please greet Madame le Fey when you enter."

Morgan le Fey was a painting who smiled at them, "Merlin and I created this house when we were at Hogwarts. I was a Ravenclaw, he a Slytherin. We wanted a house to unite us. Welcome children, please enter." Crabbe and Goyle helped the first years climb through the portal. "In this house things are done by your collective agreement. Please discuss your prefects. I don't see a reason to have two from each year fifth and above since there's so few of the upper levels save the fifth. I will suggest one from seventh, one from sixth, two from fifth. That should be enough."

"I vote Hermione," Draco said.

"I can see that," Harry smiled. "But I don't want the second position."

"Oh no Potter we're using you as quidditch captain," the smug look on Hermione's face had the others laughing. Hermione kissed his cheek, "You'll be brilliant at it."

At the nods from everyone else Harry sighed, "Fine you lot win I'll be quidditch captain."

"Draco can be the other fifth year prefect," Millie said, to much agreement.

The other two prefects were chosen and Morgan le Fey smiled, "Wonderful. Now as for your rooms: girls dorms are up and to the right, boys are up and to the left. The fifth year girls dorm is expanded since there are more of you than is normal. I also expanded your bathroom. Your robes will be taken care of during the night. Welcome to Fey house, my children."

"What's our house mascot?" Hannah asked.

Morgan smiled, "The Fox." Hermione's mind immediately went to the nine-tailed fox of Japanese lore and Morgan le Fey winked at her, "You're quite bright dear. No wonder you unlocked my house. I do hope all of you will talk to myself. Merlin as well. His portrait connects to the one next to mine. You all can talk to us whenever you like. We can even offer help with your assignments."

Harry called for Dobby, who took the names of the prefects and the new quidditch captain to McGonagall while the others headed up for bed. He looked at Hermione, "Now we really have to sleep alone," he pouted.

"You'll live," she pulled him into a hug, "besides if you miss me that means we have an excuse to have a long kiss every morning."

"That's true," he smiled. "Good night Hermione."

"Good night Harry," she kissed him, "sweet dreams."

"They always are when they're filled with you," they walked up the stairs together before parting, Hermione going right up another staircase while he went left.

The prefects all had their badges pinned to their robes with the Fey house's trim on them. The trim had blue, red, yellow, and green intertwined almost like a small rainbow. Harry put up a quidditch try-out sheet in their common room and smiled as he saw Hermione come down stairs, "There's the beautiful prefect I'm dating."

She rolled her eyes before pulling him to her and kissing him, "You, sir, are ridiculous."

"But?"

"No but," she winked. Harry pouted.

At breakfast McGonagall spoke, "Fey house is in need of a head of house and so the decision has been made-"

"No it has not," came the voice from the sorting hat as it was flown in by Fawkes, "Headmistress, Fey house has made its choice. It opened for a single witch and wizard. Only for them will it grant head of house status."

Hermione looked at Harry, "And we thought we couldn't get jobs based on our merits." Harry laughed.