So I had originally intended to have at least two chapters more for the story but once I finished one of them I realized it was way too short. So, I decided to combine the last two chapters together. Which means that, technically, this is the last chapter. I honestly can't believe it...I actually stuck with it! I'm so proud of myself :) If only my papers were this easy to write...anyway, here it is.

I hope you enjoy it :)

Chapter 21

Harry's eyes snapped open as the noise roared in his ears. He leaned over and fell out of Hagrid's arms, hitting the ground rather hard. He ignored the pain as he quickly shot up and ran, knowing that Voldemort would soon notice that the boy he thought was dead was still living.

Hagrid's shout met his ears but he kept running, avoiding many of the fighters around him. Only a couple of heads turned as he ran, very few noticing that it was actually him. He kept running, wanting to lure Voldemort away from the fight, away from his friends.

As he reached the end of the courtyard, he heard it. Voldemort's shout was unmistakable, the anger and frustration palpable. A powerful crack rent the air as Voldemort disapparated, his anger making him blind to everything else.

Harry had entered the castle, slowing down as he walked the corridors. Every noise had him turning, his wand at the ready. He knew Voldemort was beyond waiting at this point, making him even more dangerous.

A slight gust of wind was the only warning. Harry quickly turned, his wand's reaction immediate as he faced Voldemort. Red and green met, both fighting for dominance.

Harry's hand jerked sideways, causing a burst of rubble to shoot towards them. Voldemort disappeared as Harry leapt to the side. He quickly stood up, looking all around for any sign of Voldemort.

"I bet you're wondering why it's not working for you," he said as he walked forward. "Why doesn't the wand work, Tom?"

He heard a light shuffle behind him and, without thinking, threw himself sideways just as a jet of green light crashed into a staircase, right where Harry was standing.

Harry turned and shouted "Expelliarmus!"

Voldemort brought his wand down, easily blocking the spell with a sneer.

"You are weak, boy." He stared with cold eyes. "Do you really think you can defeat me?"

Harry backed away, never lowering his wand. "You don't feel weak, Tom? As if something is missing?"

Anger flared in Voldemort's eyes.

"Crucio!"

"Protego!"

The curse bounced off, exploding against the corridor walls.

"You have been a nuisance for far too long." Voldemort's tone is calm but the underlying anger is apparent.

Harry kept moving without thinking, a small smile on his face.

"I think I can help you, though, Tom."

The Dark Lord's features didn't change, causing Harry to continue.

"I know what you're thinking. Snape Killed Dumbledore and you killed Snape." He paused. "So why isn't the wand working for you?"

Voldemort scowled, shooting curse after curse at Harry. Harry quickly blocked them, never stopping his movement.

The corridors were empty, silent. The battle outside was still a distant noise but it was becoming more prominent as they continue moving. Voldemort continued pushing Harry back, never allowing him the chance to retaliate.

"The wand doesn't belong to you, Tom! You're not its true master!"

Voldemort finally relented, hearing Harry's shouts over the spells. They came to the bottom of the Grand Staircase, the battle outside now mere feet away from them.

"Snape killed Dumbledore but Draco Malfoy disarmed him first. He became the master then."

Voldemort continued pushing him backwards, towards the great doors leading to the courtyard. The noise of battle was now all they could hear. This new information didn't seem to faze Voldemort; his features remained passive, only his eyes showing his true anger.

"That's not it, though," Harry said. "What you don't know is that I disarmed him back at Malfoy Manor."

Voldemort paused for a brief second as realization hit.

"The wand belongs to me."

The air around them crackled as Voldemort's anger intensified. His features contorted in anger just as a blast of energy hit Harry, sending him backwards through the doors. He landed a few feet away in the midst of battle.

Everyone outside froze as Voldemort stepped through the doors. Any reaction to Harry being alive was short lived as Voldemort moved forward, his eyes on no one but Harry.

Suddenly, a figure moved through the crowd, sending a curse toward a group of students. Spells were shot back, causing the battle to begin again.

Hermione and Ron stayed close together, both finding it hard to focus on their opponents. The sight of Harry only a couple of feet away, alive, was one of the best they had ever seen but the terror had returned. Voldemort's rage was palpable; they both knew they could lose Harry again.

Voldemort had resumed his attack on Harry, the curses shooting out of his wand. He was unrelenting, giving Harry little time to defend himself. The other fighters unconsciously gave them a wide berth, creating a circle around them that no one dared enter.

Harry's body screamed with fatigue, wanting nothing more than to just give up and lay down. Whatever energy Harry had left was quickly leaving him. He fought without thinking, his mind and wand so connected that forming coherent thoughts was no longer necessary; his fighting was pure instinct.

Hermione quickly glanced towards Harry, completely in awe at what she saw. The spells were flying back and forth between them, Harry's face set in absolute concentration. She could feel the air ripple with the intensity of their fight. Her thoughts were broken as a spell came her way, barely missing her.

"Hermione, focus!" shouted Ron.

Everything seemed to slow down after that.

Bellatrix moved forward, a green curse shooting from her wand, barely missing its target. Ginny moved forward, the surprise quickly disappearing from her face. Neville soon joined her, his eyes blazing with anger as he fired spells at the Death Eater. Spells bounced back and forth, Bellatrix easily handling both of them. A curse suddenly broke through Ginny's shield, causing her to stumble backwards.

"Ginny!" shouted Neville.

Bellatrix cackled. "Oh, did I hurt your little girlfriend?"

Ginny waved Neville off, showing him that she was okay. He didn't waste any time, firing spells so strong that they caught the Death Eater off guard. He was relentless in his attack, matching Bellatrix spell for spell.

"The little boy knows how to fight, doesn't he?" she said, still cackling. "You're parents knew how to fight, too, didn't they? Too bad that didn't help them."

Neville's anger surged forward, causing one of his curses to burst through Bellatrix's shield. The curse hit her dead center, sending her backwards to land in a crumpled heap. Seconds passed and she did not get up.

Voldemort suddenly screamed, his attention pulled away from Harry as he saw his most loyal follower dead on the ground.

It seemed impossible for the air to become any tenser but it did. Voldemort was beyond logic and thought; his thirst for revenge was the only thing pulling him forward.

Voldemort turned just as Harry turned toward him.

Silence filled the air for a split second.

"Avada Kadavra!"

"Expelliarmus!"

The spells collided against each other, both stronger and fiercer than before. The air was filled with power, everyone standing in awe at the sight.

Harry couldn't move, he couldn't think. All he could see was Voldemort, the rage in his eyes; his intent to murder. The determination he felt, the power, was more than he had ever felt before; magic was coursing through him in powerful waves, giving him much needed energy.

The spells continued to fight against each other, creating a magical, and deadlier, tug of war. The red pushed forward, gaining ground, before being pushed back by the jet of green. Harry could feel himself losing ground; he could feel Voldemort's power, the enormity of it, as it threatened to over take him. He didn't know how much longer he could hold on for but he continued to fight, never backing down.

Everyone was rooted to their spot, the spectacle before them demanding nothing less. Hermione stared with equal parts fear and admiration. Harry's power could not be denied. She had always known he was talented despite his penchant for laziness and she had seen it countless times. This was different, however. What she saw before her was much more than any normal seventeen-year-old could do. She doubted neither she nor Ron could handle this type of power.

She was afraid, though. Harry was powerful, yes, but so was Voldemort. More powerful, even. She didn't know how long Harry could hold on. She had wanted to step forward several times, to help him, but found that she couldn't. It was as if a force field surrounded them, created by the sheer power of the battle.

The battle raged on when, suddenly, Harry felt a break, allowing him to push forward. It was as if the dam was slowly breaking, slowly allowing him easier access. Voldemort's eyes widened for a second before quickly returning to their concentrated state. Harry surged forward, watching the green jet of light begin to disappear into Voldemort's wand with surprise. The red light emitting for Harry's wand steadily moved forward, the resistance becoming weaker by the second.

Voldemort's features became unsettled, revealing the inner turmoil.

An explosion of light appeared where the two spells connected, nearly blinding. Harry felt the dam break, watching as the red overtook the green, sending it back to his owner. Voldemort watched with wide eyes as his curse began to shrink, reverting back into his own body.

A loud crack pierced the air as Harry's spell finally won, knocking Voldemort to his knees. Everybody watched with bated breath as the Dark Lord clutched at his body, the curse ripping through it. A scream of pain rent the air before being cut short, dying as Voldemort's body hit the ground.

Everyone remained silent as the reality sunk in: Voldemort was dead.

Harry could only stare at the body, a part of him afraid that Voldemort would get up again. A couple of seconds passed before relief started to seep in. Voldemort wasn't getting up. It was over.

The relief was quickly swept away as the fatigue hit Harry full force. He crumbled to the floor as his legs gave out, commotion erupting all around. He could hear his name being shouted over the noise as his eyes began to close.

Chocolate brown met emerald green before everything went black.

####

Light slowly filled the room as Harry opened his eyes, the familiar ceiling of the hospital wing filling his vision.

His mind was blissfully blank before he remembered what had happened: he, Harry Potter, had defeated Voldemort, the most powerful dark wizard of the age.

Harry stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before pinching himself, hardly believing it to be true.

He looked to his left, a small smile pulling at his lips, before quickly shooting up at what he saw. A wave of dizziness immediately hit him, forcing him to slow down. He slowly lifted his sheets and set his feet on the ground, sitting for a couple of seconds as the last of the dizziness wore off.

He put his glasses on as he stood up and walked to the bed next to his, hoping that what he saw was real.

Remus was laying there, cuts on his face, his arm in a sling…alive. Harry could see the slow rise and fall of his chest, the peacefulness of his features as he slept. A burst of happiness swept through Harry at the sight. He hadn't lost the only connection he had to his parents. He hadn't lost the closest thing he had to a father.

A real smile appeared on his face as he looked around the hospital wing. Many of the beds were full, all of the patients asleep. A small feeling of worry settled over Harry. Where were Ron and Hermione?

He looked to his bed stand for his wand and found not only his, but the Elder wand as well. Harry slowly picked it up, wondering why they had left this with him. Were they expecting him to keep it?

Harry looked at Remus one final time before walking down the row of beds towards the doors, hoping Madame Pomfrey wouldn't see him.

The castle was silent as he walked, the sun filtering through the windows, making the corridors glow.

The destruction of the battle was still visible, rubble strewn here and there, but it seemed that some work had already been done to restore the castle. Most of the windows he saw were intact and the corridors were cleaner than he remembered. Some columns and stairs still showed the damage they had acquired during the battle but Harry was sure they would be fixed in no time.

Noise met his ears as he reached the Great Hall. He slowed down and peered in the doors, not wanting to be seen yet.

The four house tables were back with people sitting randomly throughout as they ate their breakfast. Harry's eyes immediately found Hermione, filling him with intense happiness. Harry smiled, drinking in the image. She was talking to Neville and Ginny, who were sitting across from her. Ginny was resting her head on Neville's shoulder, their hands entwined. Harry smiled, relived that he didn't feel anything other than happiness for his friends. He could see Ron sitting next to Hermione, a smile on his face as he looked at Luna. Her eyes were bright as she talked and Harry could only imagine what she was saying.

Harry wanted to join them desperately but he needed to do something first. With a last look at his friends, Harry walked away, not noticing when a certain bookworm glanced his way.

Harry walked out of the castle, across the ruins of the courtyard to the bridge that led to the forest.

Only a couple of hours ago I was walking this exact same path thinking I was going to die…now, Voldemort is dead.

Harry shook his head, still not fully believing his reality.

He took out the Elder wand and walked towards the edge of the bridge, staring at it in wonder. He had to admit that a small part of him wondered what it would be like if he kept the wand, what he could do with it. He could easily defeat any of Voldemort's remaining supporters and any future evil doers. His power would be unquestioned.

It's not about that, though.

Harry knew that as long as this wand existed, people would fight, would kill, to have it. If Harry kept the wand, he would have the responsibility of never losing it. He wasn't blind; he knew he had considerable talent but the responsibility to always win was a daunting one.

"Why didn't it work for him?"

Harry's head snapped to his left, nearly dropping the wand. Hermione and Ron stood before him, looks of curiosity on their faces.

Hermione was curious and it was all she could do to not run over to Harry and hug the living daylights out of him. Ron was feeling something similar, though not as strongly.

Harry smiled and looked down at the wand. "Because the wand didn't belong to Snape like Voldemort thought." He looked at them. "Malfoy disarmed Dumbledore before he died making Malfoy the real master…but then I disarmed Malfoy at the manor."

Both of their eyes grew wide at what he was implying.

"So it's yours?" asked Ron.

Harry nodded. "Yeah."

Hermione stared at him. "What are you going to do with it?"

Harry looked down at the wand again. He stared at it for a moment before grabbing it with both hands, bending the ends down. The wand snapped after a moment, leaving one half in each of Harry's hands.

Ron flinched as the wand snapped, his brow furrowed. His features quickly calmed as he said, "I guess it's better that way isn't it?"

Harry nodded and turned around, hurling the pieces over the bridge.

Hermione smiled as Ron walked forward, stopping behind Harry.

Harry turned and smiled at his best friend. "Too bad we don't get to rule the world, huh?"

Ron smiled. "Yeah, too bad." He paused. "It's good to see you, mate."

Harry walked forward and hugged him, feeling Ron clap him on the back. They pulled back and smiled at each other before Ron turned away. He looked at Hermione and smiled.

"I should go see if mum and dad are up yet," he said. "See you guys in a bit?"

Harry and Hermione nodded.

They watched him go before Hermione turned to look at Harry, a smile on her face.

"I think he's got a thing for Luna."

"Yeah, I think you're right." He smirked. "As usual."

She remained quiet, wanting to bring something up but not knowing how. Just say it.

"So…Neville and Ginny seemed to have grown closer." She paused. "That's what I noticed anyway."

Harry tried not to smile. He knew what she was doing.

"Well… good for them. Neville's a great guy; he'll make her happy."

Hermione let out a small breath. She knew it was silly but she had needed to know. "Yeah, I'm sure he will," she said, smiling.

Her smile grew as they continued to stare at each other.

"How long was I out?" he asked.

Her smile dimmed. "Two days."

He looked away, nodding.

"What happened, Harry?"

He looked at her. "I'm not really sure."

Hermione took a step forward. "I thought you were dead," she whispered.

"I was…at least I think I was."

Hermione's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Harry took a deep breath. "Voldemort used the killing curse on me." He paused. "Then I was in this dark place...there was a light and I was walking towards it but then... I heard a voice."

Hermione remained quiet, waiting for him to continue.

He looked at her. "It was your voice."

"My voice?" she asked, surprised.

"You were saying my name so I walked towards it. It got louder the closer I got to it but it felt like I would never reach it. Then I woke up."

They remained quiet for a moment.

"You're what brought me back."

Hermione couldn't hold back anymore. She quickly stepped forward, grabbed Harry by the neck and pressed her lips to his.

Harry froze for a second before wrapping his arms around her, bringing her closer to him.

The kiss started off slow and gentle with their lips pressed against each other as they savored the feeling. Hermione moved her head and the kiss quickly changed. It resembled their first kiss, happiness replacing the despair of before. They were flush against each other, their lips expressing their profound happiness and relief at being together again. Hermione gripped Harry's shirt with one hand, the other buried in his hair as the kiss intensified.

Harry didn't think he'd ever been this happy. The feel of Hermione's lips against his, knowing they were safe, nearly made his heart burst with joy.

They broke apart, both of them gasping for air.

"Wow," Hermione gasped.

"Yeah…wow," Harry said, still trying to catch his breath.

Hermione looked at him and there it was. It was the look she had wanted to see more than anything else.

Harry was smiling at her, his signature crooked smile, the look of relief and utter happiness apparent in his eyes.

Hermione smiled back, her heart bursting with joy. She hugged him, relishing the fact that this was only one of many hugs to come.

"I love you, Harry Potter."

"I love you, Hermione Granger."

It was in her arms that Harry finally believed his reality. It was finally over.

Now, what kind of person would I be if I didn't include an epilogue?

Thanks for reading :)