(Disclaimer: See first chapter.)
Beta: RedButterfly33. One last time: Thank you! :)
A/N: I forgot to say so yesterday: A huge THANK YOU as always to mandancie! And thanks to everyone who fav'ed or reviewed. Love you guys! :D
Epilogue
"Harry...!"
"He is dead, Hermione. There is nothing we can do," Neville said quietly, having been released from the full body-bind by Hermione.
"Hey, listen...!"
"That's Fawkes!"
The two former Gryffindors listened reverently to the approaching phoenix's song. Fawkes alit on the small pile of ash that had once been Harry Potter. He cried.
The people watching the bird felt their hearts breaking at the sight. Fawkes had believed in Harry...
The phoenix's song was gentle and sad. And yet it seemed to soothe the pain in Hermione's chest. Fawkes did not sing of war and death. He was singing about hope. About friendship. And new beginnings.
Hermione turned towards Neville. "Fawkes is right, you know. We mustn't succumb to grief now. Harry has saved us. We should be grateful and enjoy the gift he has given us: our lives."
Neville replied with a shaky smile.
Neither of the two noticed the phoenix gingerly taking wing again, slowly disappearing over the treetops of the Forbidden Forest.
In his talons, he was holding a tiny, precious bundle full of life.
"Why did you come back?"
"Because of you..."
"Where do you want to go now?"
"Away... Far, far away..."
"That can be arranged."
~ The End ~
One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday
Why live life from dream to dream
And dread the day when dreaming ends
One day I'll fly away
Fly, fly away
- From the film Moulin Rouge