Final chapter of TSS!

ENJOY!

Chapter Fourteen: Home

Dumbledore arrived at Hogwarts before we could even send a letter. Dumbledore managed to save Harry and now he was in the hospital wing, having been unconscious for three days. I hadn't seen Harry since the chess chamber, even when I went to have my ankle taken care of, Madam Pomfrey kept his curtains shut and refused to let me see him until he was awake and well.

Finally on the third day of waiting, Dumbledore went in to visit Harry. After the headmaster left, Hermione, Ron, and I begged Madam Pomfrey to let us in. It was only a few minutes more, and Madam Pomfrey opened the doors to the hospital wing and we rushed inside to see Harry.

"Harry!" Hermione and I cried, and we were about to wrap our arms around Harry, but when we saw him, we thought better of it. He was probably still hurting. But I'd have to get my hug in later then.

"Oh, Harry, we were sure you were going to–" I started.

"Dumbledore was so worried –" Hermione began.

"The whole school's talking about it," said Ron. "What really happened?"

Harry explained what had happened including, Quirrell, the Mirror, the Stone and Voldemort. Harry finished telling us about the Stone and how it was destroyed, meaning Flamel and his wife would die soon.

"D'you think he meant for you to do it?" Ron said. "Sending you your father's Cloak and everything?"

"Of course not, Ron," I said, though I wasn't too certain, myself. "That would be crazy. Dumbledore is a wise man, definitely, but he's no Seer. And if he did know, why wouldn't he try to stop us?"

"Jamie's right," Hermione exploded, "if he did – that's terrible – you could have been killed."

"No, it isn't," said Harry thoughtfully. "He's a funny man, Dumbledore. I think he sort of wanted to give me a chance. I think he knows more or less everything that goes on here, you know. I reckon he had a pretty good idea we were going to try, and instead of stopping us, he just taught us enough to help. I don't think it was an accident he let me find out how the Mirror worked. It's almost like he thought I had the right to face Voldemort if I could..."

"Yeah, Dumbledore's barking, all right," Ron said proudly. "Listen, you've got to be up for the end-of-year feast tomorrow. The points are all in and Slytherin won, of course – you missed the last Quidditch match, we were steamrollered by Ravenclaw without you – but the food'll be good."

That was when Madame Pomfrey bustled her way over to us. "You've had nearly fifteen minutes, now OUT," she said firmly.

Just as Ron said, the news of us going through the trapdoor spread throughout the school, though it was laced with rumors. Even Klaus knew about it now, but he didn't seem too happy about it, especially after I got that dog bite from Fluffy. I understood why he was mad, since I probably would have reacted the same way if he didn't tell me, let alone, actually go through the trapdoor. My next mission after visiting Harry was to make amends with Klaus.

So I met Klaus out on the grounds before dinner. He was sitting by the lake, with a book in his hands, and I went over to join him. He didn't get up and leave the way I expected.

"Hey," I said looking at him sheepishly.

"How is Harry doing?" he asked, lowering his book.

"He's fine, thankfully," I said. I told him all about what Harry had been through.

"Quirrell was really Voldemort?" Klaus asked in disbelief, his book falling from his grasp.

"Not exactly. Voldemort's face was attached to the back of Quirrell's head."

Klaus shivered. "We should have realized anyone we come across wearing a turban must be hiding something."

"I was a little suspicious at first," I said, picking up his book. "It reminded me of Count Olaf. But I suppose we can never be sure about all that, even after all we've learned."

Klaus was silent, gazing at the lake.

"You're still angry with me, aren't you?" I said, my fingers playing nervously with his book and I realized nothing was more important to me

"Jamie you lied to me," Klaus said, turning to look at me again and I saw that he truly looked hurt, "you could have been killed and it would have been my entire fault for not being there to stop it. I couldn't live with that guilt."

"Don't feel guilty," I said, gently, touching his arm, "you did nothing wrong. Look, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you. I just thought that…maybe you wouldn't…understand…"

"I wouldn't understand?" He repeated, pulling away from my hand, angrily. "Of course, I understand, Jamie. I know this year has been hard on you, and I've been trying to be patient with you. But this entire year, it seems like you've been keeping things from me. I don't understand why you feel more comfortable expressing your feelings to the headmaster and not to me. You're not the only one who went through all of that. I was there too. And this year has been just as hard for me. Didn't you think that maybe I was going through the same things you were?" Klaus got to his feet. "I may not have PTSD or have meetings with Dumbledore, but that doesn't make what we went through any less traumatic."

Klaus got to his feet and started towards the castle.

"Wait, Klaus," I called, following after him, still clutching his book to my chest. "Please don't, I can't bear it when you hate me."

He stopped and turned back, the anger drained from his face. Though by the look in his eyes, I knew he was still hurting and all I wanted to do was kick myself. The last thing I had wanted was to hurt Klaus.

"I don't hate you Jamie," he said, softly, "I could never hate you. It just hurts me to think that you can't talk to me about things that are troubling you. I'm not just saying this as your boyfriend, but also as your best friend too. How are we ever supposed to have a relationship, if you can't even talk to me?"

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry I hurt you," I said, "and I know I have to stop making excuses. We did go through the same things, but also very different things. I spent months in Count Olaf's clutches and he broke me in a way that I don't think I'll ever fully recover from no matter how many years go by." I felt tears come to my eyes. "I was so weak, Klaus. So helpless."

"I know how much he hurt you," he said, placing his hand over mine.

"You said you want me to talk to you," I said, calmly. "Well, do you remember when Olaf kidnapped me before the trial? His associate stuffed me in a box after Olaf told me I was doomed to a miserable existence in his clutches. I was so hopeless that I believed it and when Mel, Fiona, and the Quagmires came to rescue me, I was so broken down that I didn't want to leave."

"But you did leave, Jamie," Klaus said, his eyes also welling with tears and his hand reached up to cover mine, "that doesn't sound helpless to me."

"They had to practically drag me out," I said, blinking hard. "And this year, the Sorting Hat separated us and I was scared to death about having to face everything on my own. I kept thinking back to that box. Sometimes all I wanted to do was crawl back inside and shut myself away from the world. At least then, I wouldn't have to go through any more pain—at least then, I was sure of my fate and the pain I felt, I had felt before. I was more afraid of what I didn't know and that's what made being separated from you so much harder. I didn't tell you about any of it because I was tired of having you see me as a helpless, defenseless girl. But now I realize that being placed in Gryffindor was a blessing in disguise. I never would have become great friends with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. And because I met them, I was finally accomplishing things on my own. When I was with them in that trapdoor, for the first time in my life, I felt like a – a real heroine. Finally, I wasn't useless. I wasn't hopeless or powerless. It was liberating and I felt so much stronger. I suppose I wanted a chance to fight my own battle for once." I took his hand in mine and gazed up at his warm brown eyes behind his glasses. "You can't always be there to save me, Klaus. I need to learn how to fend for myself too. And I did."

Klaus sighed and then, abruptly pulled me into a hug. "I'm glad that you did and that you're safe," he said and then, he pulled back to look at me, still keeping his arms around me. "And I don't think your helpless, Jamie. Actually, I think you're probably the strongest person I've ever met."

"Really?" I said, unable to suppress a smile as I beamed at him. "You really think so?"

"I don't think that," he said, "I know that."

"Oh, you're so important to me Klaus," I squeezed him back into a hug, "I don't know what I would do without you." I placed a hand on his cheek and leaned forward to kiss him gently.

The Great Hall was already filled with every student by the time Harry showed to the end-of-the-year feast. He made it though, causing the Great Hall to fall silent and still as he walked past all the people who stood to look at him, to sit in between Ron and I. Hermione was on my other side. Professor Flitwick and the other members of the choir started for the front and I followed to join them in a few songs we had been learning. I returned to my seat and anxiously awaited Dumbledore's announcement of the House Cup. We had already lost the Quidditch Cup and it was disappointing to see the House Cup go to the Slytherins. The Great Hall was already decorated with Slytherin colors of green and silver. It was their seventh year winning in a row. But maybe we didn't need the cup. I had everything I could have possibly asked for. There was always next year.

Finally, he rose, his blue eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles.

"Another year gone!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "And I must trouble you with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully your heads are all a little fuller than they were ... you have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts...

"Empty?" Hermione said, disapprovingly.

I laughed. "Oh, relax Hermione," I said, "You can keep your head as filled as you want."

"Now, as I understand it, the House Cup here needs awarding and the points stand thus: in fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hun- dred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw have four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two."

The Slytherins broke out into loud cheering and stomping, particularly Malfoy who was banging his goblet on the table, obnoxiously.

"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin," Dumbledore said. "However, recent events must be taken into account."

The room was hushed into silence and the Slytherins' smiles faltered a bit.

"Ahem," Dumbledore said. "I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes ...

"First – to Mr. Ronald Weasley..."

Ron's face turned purple.

"... for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."

The cheers that came from the Gryffindors nearly raised the ceiling, the stars shivering above us.

Percy was boasting to the other Prefects, "My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past McGonagall's giant chess set!"

Silence filled the room again.

"Second – to Miss Hermione Granger ... for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."

Hermione hid her face in her arms and I thought I saw tears in her eyes.

"Third – to Mr. Harry Potter ..." Dumbledore said. The room was so quiet I thought I had gone deaf. "... for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house sixty points."

The commotion was ear-splitting.

"We're tied with Slytherin!" I cried. We just needed a few more points.

"Fourth—to Miss Jamie Murray…for her quick thinking to defeat the Devil's Snare. But not only did Miss Murray demonstrate immense strength, wit, and loyalty toward her friends, she also overcame an internal battle of her own of which you are all aware, since one of you felt the need to reveal it." Everyone looked pointedly at Malfoy, whose head dropped. I frowned in confusion. How did they know? "I must say I am very proud of her growth," Dumbledore continued, "and so should everyone else, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."

I beamed as Gryffindors cheered and patted me on the back with kind words to congratulate me. I even saw Klaus smiling at me from the Ravenclaw table. He blew me a kiss and Fiona scowled at the two of us. I gave her a smug smile. For once, I wasn't the girl who almost saved the day. I wasn't useless or worthless like Olaf thought me to be. I had made mistakes and lost many people along the way, even myself. But I felt that feeling I had before Olaf stuffed me in that box return. I had something to make me want to wake up every morning and I never wanted to hide away again. The constant pang in my heart was softened and I didn't feel nearly as empty. I felt as if, someday, I could truly become whole again as Dumbledore promised, or at least as whole as an orphan could possibly be.

I still was confused about Malfoy, though.

"We may have taken care of it," Mel said, winking at me. It was then, that I noticed Malfoy was sporting a black eye and a red nose. "Fred, George, and I thought a debt had to be paid in the form of slight injuries."

"That wasn't all," Fred said, "We gave the slimy git a nice pair of antlers, but Madam Pomfrey must have removed them quickly."

"We made quite a scene," George said.

"It was quite amusing," Mel said.

I laughed and my friends couldn't help join in. We fell silent again, though, as Dumbledore wasn't finished.

"There are all kinds of courage," Dumbledore said, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."

The explosion from Gryffindor could have shook the entire castle as we all stood up to yell and cheer as Neville, pale-faced with shock, was buried under a pile of people hugging him, including me, of course. This was the first time he ever won a single point for Gryffindor, and this time, he won ten. We beat Slytherin now by far more points than expected. Malfoy looked stunned and horrified as if he had been turned to stone.

"Which means," Dumbledore called over the thunderous applause from even the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students, who were also reveling in Slytherin's defeat. "We need a little change of decoration."

He clapped his hands and instantly, the green and silver banners turned to scarlet and gold. The Slytherin serpent at the front transformed into a massive Gryffindor lion. Snape was forcing a horrified smile as he shook Professor McGonagall's hand.

Tonight was the best night of my life and I couldn't wait to come back for another, hopefully, more normal year.

I left my final appointment with Dumbledore the next morning, feeling happy and proud. Mostly I just gave him my thanks and made a mental note to have Renée send Dumbledore a gift for everything he did for me this past year. As I entered the corridor, I came face to face with none other than the reason for my utter humiliation.

"Malfoy," I spat. He had just been standing in the corridor, looking a little like he was ready to bolt any moment. "Are you spying on me again?"

"No," he said, stepping forward. "I was just—"

"I don't want to hear it," I said, brushing past him. But then, I halted and faced him again. "And I'm not going to apologize for my friends getting revenge on you either, if that's what you were expecting to hear, because what you did was horrible and mean. You ought to be ashamed of yourself for how you treat other people. I don't care if that's what your parents or the Slytherins believe is the right way to behave. It does not excuse your actions. Not one bit."

"You think it's that simple, don't you?" Malfoy said, reverting back to his sneer. "You think it's all rainbows and butterflies and getting what I want. You don't know the half of it!"

"Maybe there is more to it than you're letting on," I said, "but maybe I'm not as ignorant about it as you might think. You're the one who's been listening to my conversations with Dumbledore. I may not know what you're going through, however, I know what its like to hurt…to feel real pain. There's something that makes you do the things you do. I'm not sure what it is. But I'm certainly not going to waste my time figuring it out. You're not worth my time or my effort, and when I go home, you can be certain that I'm not going to lose one wink of sleep over you."

He stood there, his mouth open as if he were trying to find words. There was something he was trying to say. I wasn't going to stand there and wait for him to speak, though. I spun around, abruptly, and headed back to the common room, leaving Draco Malfoy behind me.

Our exam results came. Hermione and Klaus tied for the top students in our year, which they didn't seem to mind and sort of expected—they were practically long-lost twins. I had some pretty high marks too, better than I had anticipated. I ended up doing especially well in Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. I even managed to come out with a good mark in Potions. I was so proud of myself. Even Harry and Ron managed to get good marks, and Neville passed as well, thanks to his good mark in Herbology.

Soon we were all packed up; our wardrobes empty and ready to leave. My heart was heavy as I marked another black X on my calendar before taking it down and stashing it away. Bonnie brushed against my good leg and I scooped her up into my arms.

"We'll be back before you know it," Hermione said, noticing my frown.

"I know," I said, blinking back my tears. "It feels more like I'm leaving my home rather than going back to it."

Hermione pulled me into a hug, being careful not to squish Bonnie.

"I'll miss you," she said, "And you too, Bonnie." She gave Bo a brief scratch behind her ears. "Now I won't have anyone to join me in late-night study sessions."

"Hopefully you won't be studying too much," I said, "though you probably already know the material to last the next two years. Try to have some fun too."

She nodded. "Maybe at some point we can get together," she said, "You did mention before that I was invited to meet your family."

"Of course," I said, "just give me a call. I'll give you the number." I wrote it down on a spare piece of parchment and handed it to Hermione. Her own eyes were glistening with tears. "And I'll be expecting a call soon because there's going to be hell to pay if I don't."

"I will," she smiled, "I promise. Now, come on. The boys are waiting in the common room."

Hermione and I met up with Harry and Ron in the common room as Professor McGonagall came in to distribute notes warning us against using magic over the summer.

"I always hope they'll forget to give us these," Fred Weasley said.

"What if I follow a different calendar where the term 'summer' doesn't exist?" Mel said. "Does it still apply?"

"Yes," Professor McGonagall replied curtly.

Fred, George, and Mel huffed.

We made our way down to the Entrance Hall where Hagrid escorted us first years back to the fleet of boats that sailed us back across the lake. We walked along the path to the train station, boarding the Hogwarts Express. I sat with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Klaus joined us for a moment, but left soon to give me time with my friends before I had to leave. He also had some friends he wanted to say goodbye to. We spent the train ride talking, laughing, and eating tons of sweets. At one point, when Ron and Hermione went to go change in the bathrooms, Harry and I had a moment to ourselves.

"I wanted to tell you," Harry said after a moment, "ever since I faced Voldemort…well there was this moment where he kept saying that if I gave him the Stone, he would bring back my parents. But I thought about what you said earlier about all the wonderful things I would miss out on if I stayed with the Mirror. I knew no matter what he promised, it wouldn't bring back my parents and it wasn't worth missing out on all the wonderful things I've gained in the past year. Thank you for reminding me about that, Jamie."

"Of course," I said, taking his hand and squeezing it. "But you've given me more than that. All of you." I looked at Hermione and Ron, who had just returned. "You all know that I went through so many hardships last year. I never thought for a moment that I'd ever…make such amazing friends. You've done more for me than just give me company. I know I've had to deal with my condition this year, but Dumbledore was right that I really have begun to recover. And it's mostly because I have you—the greatest friends. Friends I can truly say that I-I trust completely. I know my past will probably haunt me forever, but thank you for giving me strength and happiness. All the pain, is slowly fading away and I'm truly happy. I love you guys so much."

"We love you too, Jamie," Hermione said.

"You're pretty amazing too," Ron said.

Then, Harry, Hermione, and Ron ambushed me in a hug.

Finally, we arrived back at the platform nine-and-three-quarters at King's Cross Station.

It took a long time to finally get through the barrier, since a guard made sure everyone didn't go all at once and cause a disturbance.

"You must come and stay this summer," Ron said, "all of you – I'll send you an owl."

"Thanks," Harry said. "I'll need something to look forward to."

People pushed past us as they moved towards the gateway back to the Muggle world. Some of them called:

"Bye, Harry!" "See you, Potter!"

"Still famous," said Ron, grinning at him.

"Not where I'm going, I promise you," Harry said.

"It's just for now," I reassured him. "Let me know if things get too out of hand and I'll march straight over there to rescue you."

Harry chuckled. "I definitely will."

We passed through the gateway together.

"There he is, Mum, there he is, look!" I looked to see a small red-head girl who must be Ron's younger sister, Ginny Weasley. She was pointing at Harry.

"Harry Potter!" she squealed. "Look, Mum! I can see–"

"Be quiet, Ginny, and it's rude to point." Mrs. Weasley said as she smiled down at us. "Busy year?" she said.

"Very," said Harry. "Thanks for the fudge and the jumper, Mrs. Weasley."

"Oh, it was nothing, dear. And who are these nice looking girls, aren't you going to be a gentleman and introduce them, Ron?"

Ron's face turned red. "This is Hermione Granger," he said, gesturing to Hermione who stepped forward to shake her hand. "And Jamie Murray."

"It's very nice to meet you," I said, holding out my hand to shake hers.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, dear."

"Mum we've got ourselves a girl," Fred Weasley said as Mel approached.

"Meet Melissa Sampson," George Weasley announced.

Mrs. Weasley shook Mel's hand, though she didn't seem too happy about her. I suppose she didn't like knowing Mel was aiding her sons in their rulebreaking.

"You'd better remember to write to me," Mel said to the twins.

"We'll send you some special treats," George said, "Another lavatory seat maybe?"

"Something a little more creative than that," Mel said, "you already got me one for my birthday. But you still have to teach me how to play Quidditch so you know, hold onto that thought. I'll miss you boys." Mel pecked each twin on the cheek and they went pink. Fred was almost a deep shade of red.

"Jamie! Melissa!" I turned to see Renée coming over to us with Klaus and Fiona already with her.

I hurried over to give her a hug and then, Renée gave Mel a brief hug. I introduced Renée to my friends.

"It seems you did have a great year, after all," Renée said, "I told you that you would be happy at Hogwarts."

Violet, Sunny, and Beatrice were with Renée and I gave each of them a massive hug. Violet, now sixteen, excitedly showed Melissa and I her drivers' license. Renée let her pick out a car for her birthday, too, though I think Violet was more excited about tearing it apart for an invention. Sunny and Beatrice had grown so much in the past year. Sunny's strawberry blonde hair was down to her shoulders now, in delicate curls. She also had a full set of pearly white teeth. Beatrice was walking now and talking non-stop, apparently she had adopted Sunny's babbles. The Quagmires were waiting for us with Renée's friend Rick at a nearby restuarant and we were going to meet them there for lunch. Hermione was in shock as I introduced her to Violet, Sunny, and Beatrice and she started gushing again about how amazing she thought they were.

"Ready, are you?" My attention was brought to a large man with a purple face, a moustache, and a furious look at the sight of Harry. Probably his Uncle Vernon. His Aunt Petunia and his vile cousin Dudley were standing behind him, looking at Harry in terror.

"You must be Harry's family!" Mrs. Weasley said.

"In a manner of speaking," Uncle Vernon said. "Hurry up, boy, we haven't got all day." He walked away.

Harry wasn't lying about how horrible his relatives were to him. He stayed behind for one final goodbye. "See you over the summer, then."

"If you need anything," I said, glancing towards Uncle Vernon, "please just write. You shouldn't have to be alone."

"Don't worry," Harry said, "I think I'll be all right."

"Hope you have – er – a good holiday," Hermione said, as she too glanced after Uncle Vernon in shock at how unpleasant he was.

"Oh, I will," Harry said. I was surprised to see the grin that spread across his face. "They don't know we're not allowed to use magic at home. I'm going to have a lot of fun with Dudley this summer..."

We grinned back and we all shared one last group hug. Tears were streaming down my face as I watched Harry leave. Klaus put an arm around me and kissed the top of my head, before we followed Renée to the car. Violet had driven here as well and we split up between the two cars, me in Renée's car with Klaus and Sunny while the others rode with Violet. Renée pulled away from King's Cross and then, it disappeared completely. I leaned my head on Klaus' shoulder, reminding myself that I would be back soon. Back to Hogwarts—the first and only place I could call home.

Review!

I'll continue with The Chamber of Secrets in this same story. I'll post it soon!

Oh, I forgot to mention, last chapter the song was I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz :)