Professor Potter and the Resurrection Potion

by cbstevp

Harry's year as a Professor at Hogwarts is not as smooth sailing as he would have liked. An old enemy is still around in the form of a ghost. He promises Harry his heart's deepest desire if Harry helps him prepare a resurrection potion. Sequel to "Aftermath".

25. Chapter 25 The Warning

Professor Potter Chapter 25 The Warning

Pain, from the tips of his toes to his unruly black hair, pain was all Harry Potter felt. He was in agony, and felt like he was on fire all over. It had to be the Cruciatus Curse; someone was torturing him, and he could not bear it anymore. But one more thought entered his mind. If he could feel pain, he was still alive. That meant he could open his eyes.

Ah, a familiar sight. The ceiling of Hogwarts' hospital wing. How many times have I been here? I'm in a bed, I'm wearing pajamas. Then a voice, and he clung to it like a drowning man.

"He's awake!"

Ginny. And then he felt her soft, warm hand on his right hand and the pain seemed to become less. He couldn't see her yet, couldn't move his head, but then he felt someone put a hand behind his head, lift it slightly and then he screamed.

"You're killing him!" Ginny shouted. He heard more sounds of anguish from others, but couldn't see anyone.

"He needs to take this," said a calm voice, Madame Pomfrey he was sure. Then something was touching his lips and a liquid was in his mouth then he was swallowing, gulping and it was like heaven. It spread from his mouth to his head and then all through his body, a soothing warmness and the pain was now just a dull ache.

"More," he whispered and then he heard more gasps around him, some cries, and he felt the cup at his lips again and more of the wonderful potion was poured down his throat. Then an extra pillow was place behind his head and at last he could see.

Ginny, her face tear streaked and exhausted, her hair disheveled, was in a chair beside him on the right side, holding his hand. Madam Pomfrey was on his other side, holding a goblet. Hermione and Ron were holding each other, both with looks of relief on their faces, both also looking exhausted, as they stood at the foot of the bed, overshadowed by the large bulk of Hagrid behind them, blowing his nose into his large handkerchief.

"What happened?" Harry managed to get out in a bare whisper.

"Time for stories later," said another voice, Professor McGonagall, coming from behind Madam Pomfrey. As she moved he could see the Professor lying in a bed beside his, but looking fresh and well-rested and not in pain at all. Hovering nearby was the ghost of Severus Snape and beside him was Professor Slughorn with his potions making kit on a small table.

"I think he will live," said Snape.

"Yes, but there will be more pain. I will make some more for later," said Slughorn as he got to mixing some liquids in a goblet.

"Thank you," said Ginny, and she was talking to Snape to Harry's surprise, and then Ginny burst into tears and lay her head on Harry's chest.

"Time to let him rest, dear," said Madam Pomfrey to Ginny.

"He just woke up," Ginny protested through her tears.

"No, Miss Weasley," said Snape. "He has just come back from the brink of death."

"He needs to heal now, and for that he needs to rest," Madam Pomfrey added, and then she looked to Hermione, who came over, and took Ginny by the shoulders.

"Come on, we should also rest," said Hermione gently. "Harry will be fine now. It's been days since any of us has had a proper sleep."

Days? How long was he out?

"All three of you get some rest," ordered McGonagall. "Hagrid, make sure they get to the dormitory and make sure no one asks any silly questions."

"They're all asleep seein' as it's so late," said Hagrid. "Least they best be when I gets there or some prefect's gonna have my footprint on his backside. Right, come on, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, off we go."

"Er…I don't have a bed in the dormitory," said Ron.

"We'll find yeh a spot, not ter worry," said Hagrid. "Yeh kin go home in the mornin'"

"Not bloody likely," said Ron. "Not till Harry's on his feet."

"Yes, yes," said an impatient McGonagall. "Hagrid, if you please."

Then they were leaving and Ginny bent and gave Harry a soft kiss on the cheek before she let herself be dragged away. He could still hear her crying and Hermione and Ron comforting her as they left the hospital.

"Thank you, Horace," Madam Pomfrey was saying, taking a goblet from Slughorn and placing it by Harry's bed on a small table.

"That will be good for about 24 hours," said Slughorn. "In case he wakes up in pain again."

"Twenty hours, I should think," said Snape's ghost with certainty.

"Yes, yes, quite right, Severus," said Slughorn, looking at Snape's ghost with a bit of nervousness in his eyes.

"What happened?" Harry managed to mumble again. But before anyone could answer another goblet was at his lips, and he thought it was more of Slughorn pain medication, but it wasn't, it was a sleeping draught, and in an instant he was out like a light.

Harry didn't know how much time had passed but when he awoke again he wasn't in as much pain as before, but still hurt all over. It was daytime and he managed to sit up a bit and look around to see the hospital wing empty except for McGonagall in her bed, reading something aloud from a newspaper to Snape who was floating nearby.

"Good afternoon," said Snape as he spotted Harry wake up.

"Ah, Professor Potter," said McGonagall as she put down the Sunday Prophet. Sunday? But…

"What day is it?" he asked in a weak voice.

"Sunday afternoon," answered Snape. "Just after lunch. You have been here since Wednesday evening past. Except for some moaning which brought everyone running and your brief awakening 12 hours ago, you have been in a coma."

"What?" Harry said, confused and disoriented. "How did I get here?'

"Miss Weasley and Miss Granger brought the two of you here," said Snape.

"They came looking for you," added McGonagall. "About an hour after our...incident. And thank our lucky stars they did."

"Yes," said Snape. "Or the curse would have killed you for certain."

"Curse?" said Harry and then he started to remember, a bolt of green coming from Voldemort's wand, hitting his wand in his left hand…his left hand. Harry lifted it and it was wrapped in bandages.

"Burnt," said Snape. "Not to worry, Madam Pomfrey has mended it. But the curse was in your blood and slowly working its way to your heart and brain. Fortunately, you did not get the full effect of it. I was able to contain it and drive it from your body."

"You?" said Harry in bewilderment. "You can't do magic anymore."

"No," said Snape. "But Miss Granger can and by following my instructions she managed to do the deed. There was no time to call any of the more skilled professors. It was touch and go for a bit but all is well now."

"But…what happened?"

"I have explained to Severus all that I remember," said McGonagall. "Fortunately, I was not as badly hit as you were by the explosion of your wand."

Harry gulped. "My wand? It…exploded?"

"Yes," said Snape. "I have a theory as to what happened. When you used the Killing Curse on Voldemort's wand, it triggered a curse he had placed upon the wand, a curse that would attack the one who tried to destroy the wand. However, your wand saved your life. It absorbed most of the curse so you did not die instantly. Why I do not know. Ollivander may have an answer, but it seems likely the twin cores had something to do with it."

Harry sat up more and winched in pain. "So…my wand…it's been destroyed?"

"I'm afraid so," said McGonagall with a touch of sympathy. As Harry took in this news, the door to the hospital wing opened and Ginny, Ron, and Hermione walked in, all three looking more rested than the last time he had seen them. Ron was carrying a tray piled high with sausages, toast, fried eggs, fried potatoes, and glasses of juice and milk.

"Harry!" Ginny shouted and she ran right to him and gave him a hug which caused him to gasp in pain.

"Miss Weasley!" Madam Pomfrey shouted as she came out of her small office. "Your boyf…my patient has not yet healed!"

"Sorry," she said a little sheepishly. Madam Pomfrey went to help Harry drink some of Slughorn's pain remedy but he held out his hand and took the goblet.

"I can do it," he said and winched in pain as he drank and then felt an immediately sense of relief.

"All right, Harry?" Ron asked.

"Better," he replied weakly.

"Brought you some breakfast," Hermione said. "The house elves just made it for you so it's hot."

"Thanks," he said, realizing he mustn't have eaten since Wednesday. Ron moved the side table close to the bed and placed the tray on it and Harry gingerly ate a bit of toast as they talked, slowly getting his appetite back. Ron went to take a sausage but Hermione gave him a look and he sheepishly pulled his hand back.

"How do you feel?" Ginny asked with a touch of worry in her tone.

"Alive, thanks to all of you."

Ginny sniffed a bit. "Have they told you what happened?"

"Some," said Professor McGonagall.

"Ah, Headmistress," said Madam Pomfrey. "I think you may leave now if you are up to it."

"At last," said McGonagall, a bit relieved. Madam Pomfrey pulled the screens around the headmistress' bed while she got out and began to change out of the hospital pajamas.

"So…you guys found us?" Harry asked Ginny and Hermione.

"Yes," said Hermione in a low voice. "About 9 PM Ginny came to your quarters where Severus and I were working on the…you know. Anyway, she was worried you hadn't returned yet. We went with Severus to the tomb and found you."

"What did you see?"

"It was not a pretty sight," said Snape, floating just behind Ron, who turned at the sound of his voice and gave a start. Harry just remembered that Ron had not met the ghostly Snape before. He was sure they had met in the last few days but Ron still seemed not used to him

"You were on your back," said Hermione, her face full of sorrow. "Far away from the tomb. Your clothes were scorched…and you were...twitching, all over…and your left hand…it was all black."

"Professor McGonagall was nearby," said Ginny. "Closer to the tomb. She was moaning and was awake. Told us to get both you up here. So we used Hover Charms and managed to get here without anyone noticing since it was so late."

"And that's when Snape said you were cursed," said Ginny, her face a bit paler. "I took one look at your hand and I thought…" But she couldn't say it.

"Dumbledore," said Harry, and Ginny nodded.

"Not as severe as his curse," Snape commented. "Luckily for you Potter we stopped it and got rid of it just in time."

"Hermione was wonderful," said Ginny and Hermione blushed.

"I just did what he told me to do."

"Thanks," said Harry to Hermione and he saw her eyes water up a bit and Ron put an arm around her shoulders.

"I'm okay," she replied with a sniff.

Then the screens were pulled back and McGonagall was ready to leave. "Much to do," she said. "Lying in bed for almost four days is something everyone should do at least once in their life, but only when they retire. Now Professor Potter, the students think you have a bad cold and that Miss Weasley and Miss Granger caught it as well seeing as they both missed their Thursday and Friday classes, despite my orders for them to attend."

"Sorry, Professor," said Ginny. "We couldn't leave him."

"Understood," McGonagall replied. "But come tomorrow you will be in your classes. Madam Pomfrey advises me you will need several more days in here, Professor Potter. I will teach your classes until you are well."

"Thank you," Harry told her.

"Not at all," she replied. "All of you will keep up this fiction of Professor Potter's illness. It would not do for anyone else to know what has happened. We have had to take Madam Pomfrey and Professor Slughorn into our confidence and let them know about Professor Snape being a ghost and that our attempt to destroy Voldemort's wand caused Harry's condition and my injuries. This information will not be given to anyone else. Is that clear?"

They all agreed and then Ron, looking a bit worried, spoke. "Mum's wondering why I haven't been home for the last few days," Ron said. "Sent an owl telling her I was staying in Hogsmeade but I now it's the weekend."

"Then tell her you have been spending it with me," said Hermione absentmindedly and then she gasped and flushed and Ron also turned a slight shade of red.

"Yes, I am sure Molly would understand that," said McGonagall with a slight grin. "Now, I am sure the rest of you can catch Professor Potter up on what has happened. I will check in later, Professor." And then she was gone.

"I too will leave you be," said Snape and then he floated up and away through the ceiling. Ron was looking at where he went.

"You know, he's not too bad as a ghost."

"That's because you've just met him," said Ginny to her brother and then turned to Harry. "I know he saved your life Harry but he's still a git."

Harry tried to laugh but it was a bit too painful. ""So you all have been here…for what…almost four days?" Harry asked.

"Ginny has," said Hermione and Harry looked at Ginny and had no need to say thank you or that he loved her because she looked back and she knew it already.

"Not us entirely," Ron was saying. "I've been to the shop a few times, and went to get food… and Hermione has been helping old ghosty translate that book at night."

Suddenly Ron let out a yelp, hopped on one foot, and glared at Hermione. "What was that for!"

"Book?" Harry said looking at Hermione, who was blushing again. "You are only supposed to translate the spell."

"I did it," she said and then Harry could not help look surprised. He looked around and they were alone, Madam Pomfrey having gone back to her office.

"How much does she know?" Harry asked in a quieter voice.

"Only that you were trying to destroy Voldemort's wand and got cursed," said Hermione. Then she got the hint and took her wand and cast a silence spell in the direction of the office. "Yes, I translated that passage on the potion page but…it's not a spell."

"It's worse," said Ginny.

"Much worse," said Ron with a glum look.

"What is it?" Harry asked in exasperation.

"A warning," said Hermione as she took a small piece of parchment from her pocket and began to read.

"Drink me down, it you must. But be warned. One hour you have to decide. Then two shall become one, whoever is the strongest. One life must be given for another. This is the price of rebirth."

They were silent for a moment and Hermione handed the parchment to Harry. He read it over a few times. "What do you think it means?"

"It's as we feared," said Hermione. "Someone must drink the potion, and will change into…the dead person."

"One hour to decide," said Ginny. "It's obvious. It means after one hour the change will be forever."

"The strongest one wins," added Ron.

Harry knew this could happen and now it was here he was surprised that he felt nothing but relief. This was it, the end. It was all over. He would not see his mother again, but he somehow did not mind it so much now that he had Dumbledore's memories of her. Maybe there were other people out there that could also share memories of his parents. Then he thought of something else. "How is Snape handling this?"

"Ah…surprisingly well," said Hermione. "In fact…he thinks it is not an obstacle."

"Not an obstacle?" Harry managed to get out. "But…is he mad! This is proof of what we have been saying all along."

"Harry," Hermione began. "I'm getting the feeling Snape thinks he can convince someone to drink it and then take his five minutes to apologize to your mother and then the person can change back before the hour is up."

"But…that's madness!" Harry said, trying to sound angry but being too weak to put much effort into it.

"I told you he was a git," said Ginny with some heat. "Despite saving you," she mumbled afterwards.

"How can the person turn back?" Harry asked next.

"Exactly what I said to him," said Hermione. "Which is why…why we haven't destroyed the book yet."

"I was about to ask about that."

"I'm looking for anything, any clue as to what to do. That's all."

"Okay," said Harry. "No worries and no need to stamp on Ron's foot again."

"Yeah," said Ron with a hurt look on his face.

"Sorry," Hermione said and then she gave him a little kiss on the cheek and Ron grinned.

"I think the clue is in that passage," said Ginny next. "The strongest will survive."

"That would be old You-Know-Who if Wallace Stone drinks the potion," said Ron with worry.

"If his brother has managed to translate the potion ingredients," said Hermione.

"Any news about them?" Harry asked and Ginny shook her head. "Nothing," she answered.

Harry just nodded. He was getting tired again and was starting to feel the pain return. "Why am I in such pain?" he asked and he winced once more. Ginny handed him his goblet of potion and he took a big gulp and soon felt better.

Hermione answered this one. "Madam Pomfrey and Snape said it's the residual effects of the curse. Professor McGonagall was also in pain for the first day but she just got the edge of the blast. She also said she cast a Shield Charm when she saw what was happening so that might have diluted the effects. But, Harry, you took the full brunt of it. Or at least your wand did."

Harry had also cast a Shield Charm he now remembered. Maybe that had also slowed the curse. He held up his hand that was bandaged, tried to flex his fingers but pain shot through his arm so he stopped immediately. "They told me my wand was destroyed."

"It was in pieces." Ginny said. "The feather was burnt to ash. Ron found it in the morning. What was left of it, anyway."

"Just bits and pieces, mate," said Ron. "Sorry."

"It's all right," said Harry, a bit glumly. "We've been through a lot together but it saved me. So…what happened to Voldemort's wand?"

"Broken in two," said Hermione. "Apparently the Elder Wand was powerful enough to overcome its protections. The feather was undamaged and it's in your quarters. The yew pieces…Snape had me examine them and the curse is broken. So we burnt them."

Harry smiled slightly and then he felt some sense of satisfaction. It was done at last, that most evil of objects gone forever. "Good," he said with a tone of relief. And they knew he meant many things by that simple word. But then Hermione was speaking again.

"Snape wanted to start making Polyjuice potion right away but I told him I wouldn't do it until you were better."

"Thankfully he can't do anything without our help," said Ginny.

Then Harry remembered something else. "So…where is the Elder Wand?"

"McGonagall has it, or at least it has been in her office," said Hermione. "She told me to place it there the first night…behind the portrait of Dumbledore. There is a secret place there where…"

"The Sword of Gryffindor," said Harry remembering where it had been hidden until Snape had brought it to them in the Forest of Dean. "What did she say she would do with it?"

"Haven't talked about it," said Ron. "But it's your wand so that's up to you, isn't it?" asked Ron.

"Harry's not going to keep it," said Hermione strongly. "It should go back in the tomb."

"But Harry doesn't have a wand now," added Ginny.

"I can get a new one," Harry said, feeling that was the right thing to do. No way in the world he wanted to carry the Elder Wand around and have a big target on his back.

"But the Elder Wand..," said Ron, his voice having that longing in it Harry had heard before.

"It's too dangerous to carry around with me," said Harry. Ginny was about to speak again when Harry shot her a warning look, seeing Madam Pomfrey come out of her office and start walking toward them.

"I think it's time my patient ate and rested. And you three I am sure have homework to catch up on."

"Oh my God, yes," said Hermione with a sudden worried looked as if she had forgotten all about school until this moment. "We certainly do. See you Harry. I'll be back later…if there is time."

She was already heading for the door. "Take care, mate," Ron said as he also turned to go, quickly grabbing a few sausages as he left, stuffing them in his mouth before he caught up to Hermione. Ginny was last and bent and kissed him on the lips, to which Madam Pomfrey made a sound as if she was clearing her throat.

"I love you," Ginny whispered.

"I love you, too," Harry whispered back and she kissed him again and then was gone.

In the end Harry stayed in the hospital four more days and even when he got out on the following Thursday evening McGonagall told him to rest and that she would take his Friday classes. The bandage on his left hand had come off on Tuesday and he had no visible signs of the incident except for some stiffness in his hand's joints. He thanked Madam Pomfrey for her healing skills. Slughorn had also come by once to replenish his pain remedy supply and Harry thanked him. They talked long on the incident and Harry gave him as many details as he could without telling him everything. Slughorn had asked after the feathers from the two wands and Harry said both had been destroyed, to which Slughorn's hopeful face had fallen. Slughorn had already known about Snape being a ghost, having seen him on the map the day Winston Stone had shown up so befuddled and obviously cursed. Actually seeing Snape as a ghost was another matter, giving Slughorn quite a start. His plans for a dinner party with the three heroes of Hogwarts had been planned for the Saturday after the incident but now had to be postponed until Harry was feeling up to it.

The story of Harry's hospitalization did not stay hidden from the wizarding world for long, although, with a few exceptions, most only thought he had a mild illness. Those few exceptions were Kinsley Shacklebolt and Charlie George. Kingsley, of course, was kept updated on the situation regarding Harry's health, but did not visit as that would have attracted too much attention. Charlie George came to visit him to see how he was and to give him updates on the Stone case. Mr. and Mrs. Stone were fine, doing well and were now back home, although with an Auror team on guard inside the house this time, to which there were no protests. Anthony Gaudi was also under protection at an Auror safe house. As for the Stone brothers, there was no sign.

The one person they had trouble keeping the truth from was Molly Weasley. As soon as she got an inkling that Harry was sick she rushed to Hogwarts with a big pot of chicken soup which Harry forced himself to eat to please her. Actually, it was quite good but chicken soup three times a day was not to his liking. She became suspicious when Harry didn't have a temperature or wasn't coughing so he faked it a bit. Mrs. Weasley gave Ron and Ginny a good tongue lashing for not telling her sooner that Harry was sick and they covered as well as they could, saying it was nothing much, and they thought he would get better soon. Thankfully she never learned Ginny missed class or Ron had been away from the shop a lot. Joanna had done such a good job in the crisis Ron gave her a slight raise and three days off a month instead of two.

That first Saturday after his recovery Harry had just gotten up in his pajamas and slippers and was lighting his fire to ward off the chill when Snape arrived with his customary unannounced entrance.

"Ah, Potter, I see you are up," Snape began. "We have much to discuss."

"I haven't even had breakfast yet."

"It should be arriving soon, courtesy of Miss Granger and Miss Weasley. I spotted them walking here." Then there was a knock on the door. "And here they are now."

Harry moved to the door, slowly, still tender, and opened it. "Morning," he said to Ginny and Hermione. Ginny hugged him gently and Hermione said good morning. She was carrying a plate of toast and a cup of tea for him.

"Room service," she said. "Ah…that's what they call it in Muggle hotels. Anyway, breakfast and then we are off."

"Off?" Harry asked.

"He's forgotten," said Ginny. "Today is the first Hogsmeade day. And guess what? It snowed a bit last night!"

"Grand," said Harry, munching on some toast as he sat on his sofa.

"First we have things to discuss," said Snape coming out of the shadows and giving Hermione and Ginny a start.

"Later," said Harry and then he took a sip of tea.

"I think now is the best time since we are all here," said Snape.

Harry sighed. "Fine. You want to talk about the potion, right?"

"Of course he does," snapped Ginny, looking cross.

"You agreed not to do this," said Hermione to Snape next before the ghost could say a word. "When we discussed this before Harry got hurt. You and Harry agreed you would not make it if the potion had the potential to harm someone else."

"Yes, I agreed," said Snape. "But now we have translated the warning. It is not a spell so we need not worry about making a mistake with the improper pronunciation. We know we have one hour of safety. I only need a few minutes to…"

But Harry cut him off. "We don't know how to reverse the process!"

"Perhaps it will act like Polyjuice potion and just wear away," said Snape, seeming to grasp at a logical explanation.

Hermione was ready for his argument. "It's not Polyjuice potion! It's a resurrection potion! They are not the same!"

"They are exactly the same except for the phoenix feather," countered Snape. "Polyjuice potion wears off after one hour. I am sure this will do the same."

"The warning said one life must be given for another!" Ginny shouted at the ghost. "Oh, I'm sure it doesn't matter to you since you are already dead! But none of us has any plans on going the same way!"

"Only if the time limit ends!" Snape shouted back.

"And how will we reverse the process before that time limit ends?" Harry asked in a calmer voice, not likely the way things were building to a head here. He was getting a headache from all their shouting.

"There will be no need," said Snape suddenly, eyes wide as if he realized something. "The warning states 'Then two shall become one, whoever is the strongest.' Lily would not have another sacrifice themselves so she could stay here. She will give up and let the person who drinks the potion survive. That person will be the strongest."

"You mean she will…die again?" Harry asked and his voice caught on the word 'die'.

The others all looked at him and Ginny and Hermione's face's betrayed their feelings of sadness and sympathy for him. "Yes," said Snape, equally glum. "That's what it means."

The three were silent as they looked at each other. Hermione went to speak, then stopped, thought about something, then spoke. "How do we know? I mean, nothing is certain."

"I know," said Snape quietly. "Of all of us only I knew Lily Evans when she was…alive. She was unfailingly kind to all and never harmed anyone. When she knows what is happening she will give up and let the person survive."

"And what if she doesn't want to?" asked Harry, his voice quavering as he thought of his mother, alive and with him. "What if she decides she wants to live?" What if I want her to live, said a small voice in the back of his head. What if?

"She will not stay. I know it."

Ginny broke her silence. "You just want it to be true," she said to Snape. "It doesn't mean it will be true. Someone could die just so you can apologize to a woman who doesn't even know you betrayed her? I can't believe how selfish you are."

"Ginny…," Harry started to say but suddenly Snape interrupted him.

"Yes, I am selfish," said Snape. "I put all of you through this for my own selfish ends. I cannot deny this. I did not know this would be the conclusion when I started this a month ago. But you are set against me and I cannot finish this without someone's help. It seems you are unwilling to help me with this matter. Then I must bid you goodbye."

With that he floated away and left the three of them looking at each other, unsure of what had just happened.

"Is he…is he gone for good?" Hermione asked, a bit surprised by what had happened.

"I wish I could be so lucky," said Harry and then felt that wasn't quite right. For some strange reason he felt like he still needed Snape around and hoped Hermione was wrong. After all if it hadn't been for Snape's skills with the Dark Arts, Harry would be dead now.

"I think we hurt his feelings," said Hermione.

"Good," Ginny said with a sound of satisfaction. "The sooner he gives this up the better for all of us."

Harry stood from the sofa. "I think we can all agree that none of us will help him make the potion."

"Definitely not," said Ginny.

"No," said Hermione, a little bit less sure, Harry thought.

"Good…then it's time to destroy the book," Harry said and Hermione just blanched.

"Harry, I really wish you would reconsider this."

He shook his head. "Dumbledore agrees. It is too dangerous to have around."

Hermione looked like she was about to cry. "I…I need more time," she managed to say.

Harry knew why she wanted this favor, knew her love of books and knowledge. And this book was a fountain of such knowledge, a book so old it could have been made by the four founders of Hogwarts, a book with the origin of many of the spells they now used. During one of their visits to his hospital bed Harry had told them Dumbledore's theories on the book's origin and Hermione had instantly believed them, seeing the logic of Dumbledore's wisdom. Harry felt in his bones that he must destroy the book, but in his heart he knew he owed Hermione this, and much, much more. It was a nice day, they were going to Hogsmeade, he had survived a near death experience, and he didn't want to ruin the day with an argument, not another one after the one they had just had with Snape. There would be time to destroy the book later, he assured himself.

"How much more time?" Harry asked and both Hermione and Ginny looked surprised, but for different reasons.

"A week…maybe ten days?' Hermione asked in a hopeful tone. Harry nodded and she let out a squeak of delight and hugged him. Ginny said nothing but he could tell by her face she disagreed.

"Okay, I need to wash up a bit and get dressed," Harry said. "I'll see you by the front doors."

Ginny just turned and didn't say a word as she headed to the door and Hermione caught the drift of what was happening and her cheerful face fell a bit. She looked to Harry and bit her lower lip and looked fretful and he could tell she wanted to say something but he just shook his head and she got the meaning.

"Coming?" Ginny said from the door without looking at either of them and Hermione just walked toward her and they left.

Bloody hell, Harry wanted to scream but didn't. This was going to be trouble. He quickly washed up, finished his tea, gone cold by now, and then dressed warmly and headed toward the door. Then he thought 'My wand' and was about to turn back and stopped. "Oh, right," he said aloud. "I don't have a wand anymore."

A wizard without a wand was not much of a wizard, thought Harry as he walked toward the school's main doors. He felt a bit naked, without any protection, and knew he had to remedy that right away. A trip to Ollivander's was in order. He also had questions for the aged wandmaker about what had happened when he had broken Voldemort's wand.

As he approached the main doors a crowd was gathering, all carrying the permission forms needed to go to Hogsmeade. Filch was at the doors, as was McGonagall, taking the forms and checking off names on a long scroll of parchment. It was noisy and excitement was in the air, with the outside air crisp. He could spot the light sprinkle of snow on the ground and also saw the sky was blue and the sun was out so the snow wouldn't last long. Many students spotted Harry and soon they were nudging and whispering to their classmates.

Dean, Neville, and Seamus came up to him. "All right, Harry?" Neville asked with concern.

"Yeah," said Harry. "Just a bit of a cold, you know."

"They wouldn't let us in to see you,' said Seamus.

"We tried," said Dean. "But Madam Pomfrey locked the doors."

"Didn't want it to go around," said Harry.

"You'd think they would have found a cure for that by now," said Neville. "Not even the Muggles have one."

"Yeah," said Harry, distracted, trying to spot Ginny and Hermione in the crowd. Then he saw Ginny talking to Luna. Hermione was off a bit by herself, looking a bit put out.

"Excuse me fellows," he said and went off toward Ginny and as he walked away he was blocked by some excited third years on their first Hogsmeade trip. Behind him he could hear Seamus say, "He's got it bad for her."

"Yeah," Dean said in a neutral tone.

"Ron's the same with Hermione," added Neville. "About time we found girlfriends, don't you think?"

Harry didn't hear the rest of the conversation as the crowd parted, but he smiled a bit and hoped his friends did find someone like he did. But now she was giving him the cold shoulder.

As he approached Ginny spotted him and then turned her head away. "Hi, Harry,' said Luna. "Feeling better?"

"Much, thanks," he said. "Ah, Ginny, could we talk?"

"No," she said, staring straight ahead. Luna's eyes got a bit wide at this comment and then she said one of those things she always says in such situations.

"Oh, you two are fighting. I should leave."

"Yes," said Harry at the same time Ginny said "No." Then she glared at him. "You think we are fighting?"

"No, I meant Luna should leave," Harry said and it sounded mean the way it came out so he quickly looked at Luna. "Sorry…I just need to talk to her alone."

"Of course," said Luna as she went to leave and Ginny looked like she wanted her to stay but Luna left, walking over to where Hermione was standing, who was trying not to look toward Harry and Ginny but having trouble as her eyes kept swinging toward them. She seemed glad to see Luna and started chatting with her immediately.

"Well?" said Harry to Ginny.

Ginny would not look at him as she spoke. "Do I have to spell it out for you?" she asked in an angry tone but kept her voice down.

"I will destroy it," said Harry. "But…I owe her this much."

"I understand why you did it," she said. "I just think it's stupid. Dumbledore is right."

Harry sighed. "It's only for a week…maybe ten days."

Now she looked at him and spoke more calmly. "And what happens when she says she needs more time?"

"I…I don't know."

"The longer we keep it the more chance that somehow, someway, someone will take it or tell us we can't destroy it."

"What do you mean?"

"Harry," she said in a whisper as she moved closer to him. "If what Dumbledore says is true…and others find out…understand?"

"Yeah," he said finally and then he felt caught, torn between the two most important women in his life. "But I already promised."

"I know," Ginny said quietly. "But…that's got to be it. No more time after what you promised."

"Definitely," he said.

"I'm holding you to that," she said, in serious tone, staring at him so hard he felt himself blush. "You make a promise to me right now."

"I promise," he said and then she nodded, smiled slightly and took his hand and squeezed it.

"Come on," she said and then she let go of his hand as some students we looking at them. They moved to the front doors where Hermione and Luna were now lined up with Seamus, Neville, and Dean. After a while most of the younger students had given their forms and were gone and they were the last ones. As the students handed their permission forms to Filch, McGonagall addressed them.

"Ah, Professors Potter and Granger," said McGonagall. "And the rest of you. You are all senior students or staff now. I expect you to be on your best behavior and set an example for the others."

They all nodded and agreed with her and soon were heading out the door, with Filch scowling at them, not hiding his dislike for students and for Harry in particular. Harry wondered what Filch knew about his missing key, but as of yet he had not said anything to Harry about that.

Soon they were off the school grounds, through the main gates and were walking down the snow covered path towards the village, Harry and Ginny walking a bit behind the others. After a few moments Hermione dropped back and looked a bit worried.

"Hey," she said, looking a little guilty.

"I'm still mad," said Ginny.

"Oh?" Hermione said, trying to sound surprised but failing, her voice a bit too high. "Whatever for?"

"You know why," said Ginny with a scowl and Hermione sighed. "Yes," she said.

"But we talked about it," said Harry swiftly. "And what I promised you is it."

"Ah…what?" Hermione asked in puzzlement, truly surprised this time.

"The time he promised you to look at it," Ginny said in a cross voice. "That's it. And it doesn't leave Harry's room."

"Er…okay," said Hermione and then she took a deep breath like she always did when gearing up for an argument. "But you just don't understand, this is…"

"Give it up," said Harry quickly. "I promised you the time and I promised Ginny and Dumbledore I would destroy it and I will." Hermione looked like she wanted to say more but Harry's stern looked stopped her. They walked in silence for a while, Harry feeling the day was ruined.

Finally, Hermione spoke again, "Sorry."

"Forget it," said Ginny.

More silence, except for their footfalls on the already muddy path. Harry felt bad for causing this rift and decided to try to start a new topic of conversation. "So, where to first?"

"Joke shop," Hermione and Ginny said at the same time and then they looked at each other in surprise and both laughed a bit and Harry felt things were getting better.

"I haven't seen him in days," said Hermione. Neither had Harry. Ron had been too busy gearing up for the Hogsmeade weekend to come visit him the last few days he was in hospital. George was driving him batty, having more supplies delivered, getting Ron to put up sale signs around Hogsmeade, and even dropping by for a surprise visit to make sure Ron wasn't slacking off.

"He'll make a mint today," Ginny added. "Filch and McGonagall will be pulling their hair out by Monday."

"We aren't supposed to let students bring joke products into the school," Harry reminded them.

They both stopped and looked at him. "You aren't going to stop them, are you?" Ginny asked.

"No, of course not," said Harry. "But…maybe we should just look the other way. For Ron's sake."

"Actually, I was thinking he needs some help," said Hermione. "In the shop, I mean."

"McGonagall will have a fit if she finds out you helped him," Ginny said, sounding generally concerned.

"Let's just stop by for a visit," Harry said. "But I really need to go to Diagon Alley and get a new wand."

"I can't go to London," Ginny said. "If McGonagall hears about that, then I'm in for it."

"Yeah, that's right," said Harry. McGonagall had threatened to tell Ginny's parents all that had been happening about her off school ground adventures if she went anywhere again. "Just you and me again," said Harry to Hermione.

"Okay," she said, but didn't sound enthusiastic. "Let's just see Ron for a bit, go and come back quickly."

"Right," Harry answered and then they were entering the village. Coming toward them was the large bulk of Hagrid and to their surprise he was carrying his pink umbrella, which Harry knew had the broken pieces of his wand in it. He gave hearty greetings to Dean, Neville, and Seamus and then came right up to Harry, Ginny, and Hermione.

"Top of the morning ter yeh all!" he said in a booming voice and then he picked up Hermione in a bear hug and squeezed as she screamed half in fear and half in delight.

"Hargid!" Harry shouted as the half-giant put down Hermione who staggered a few steps before regaining her composure. "What's gotten into you?"

"Oh my God…I forgot…did they do it?" Hermione was asking, looking at Hagrid.

"Yup," said Hargid and then he pulled out a letter from one of his many pockets and handed it to Hermione who squealed in delight.

"What's going on?" Harry asked as Ginny also seemed confused.

Hermione opened the letter, which had been in a Ministry of Magic envelop. She began to read in an excited voice.

"The Ministry of Magic is delighted to inform you that you have been reinstated as a wizard with full privileges to use magic in accordance with the laws of the wizarding community of the British Isles."

Harry was stunned. He had forgotten all about Hagrid's desire to be reinstated. "That's incredible Hagrid!"

Ginny was also surprised. "When did you have the hearing?"

Hagrid sniffed. "Few days ago when Harry was in hospital. Jus' got the letter this morning," he said. "I'm so chuffed I feel like I could hug the world."

"Congratulations!" Ginny said and then Hagrid picked her up and also hugged her tight.

"You knew?" Harry asked Hermione as Ginny was placed back on the ground.

"Course she knew," said Hagrid. "She helped me prepare fer my hearin'."

"You were in hospital," Hermione said. "And...well, it wasn't much, just I wrote a letter explaining about Tom Riddle and how he had opened the Chamber of Secrets and Moaning Myrtle got killed by the basilisk and all that. Of course, the Ministry knows all this now so it was just a mere formality. I knew Hargid would get reinstated."

"Thanks," said Hagrid as a tear rolled down his cheek. "Come on! The Three Broomsticks! I'm buyin'!"

"Ah…thanks Hagrid, but…I need to go to Ollivander's," said Harry.

Hagrid looked puzzled then remembered. "Oh, right. Yeh needs a new wand." Then he held up his pink umbrella. "Come ter think on it, so do I. Or at least see if Ollivander kin fix this one."

"Come with me?" Harry asked and Hagrid grinned.

"Be jus' like old times."

Harry smiled. "Yeah." Then he looked to Hermione and Ginny. "I think …"

But Hermione beat him to it. "We'll see you for lunch at the Three Broomsticks, okay?"

Harry grinned and nodded. "Thanks. Say hi to Ron."

"If he has time to talk," said Ginny.

"Say," Hargid began. "Before yeh go. Er…I was gonna ask a favor." But then Hagrid looked a bit sheepish and did not continue.

"Yes?" asked Hermione after a few seconds of silence.

Hagrid looked up, away from their eyes, and then spoke in a low voice, as if ashamed. "I ain't never got past third year at Hogwarts. Kin yeh all…kin yeh teach me magic?" As he said this he looked down with hope in his eyes.

Harry never felt closer to Hagrid than at this moment. He knew how much learning magic would mean to him. He looked at Ginny and Hermione and they both seemed on the verge of tears as they looked at Hagrid with sympathy in their eyes.

"Of course," said Harry. "We'll teach you everything we know."

Hargid beamed and more tears slid down his cheeks into his thick beard. "Thanks."

After Hargid regained his composure they said their goodbyes and Hermione and Ginny went off towards the joke shop, talking animatedly about when and how they should teach Hargid and Harry was so glad they were back to the way they usually were. That damn book was causing too much trouble and he knew as soon as Hermione's time was up he was going to chuck it into his fireplace.

"Come on, Harry," said Hagrid and he started walking towards Hogwarts .

"Er…where you going?"

He looked at Harry in surprise. "Thestrals are in the forest, yeh know."

"Thestrals?" Harry said in shock. "Hagrid we can Apparate to Diagon Alley. Can't we?"

Now Hagrid looked ashamed again. "Never learnt how," he said in a quiet voice.

"Oh," said Harry. "Then you can Side-Along Apparate with me."

"But yeh haven' got a wand."

Harry had forgotten all about that. "Oh…right."

Then Hargid handed him his pink umbrella. "Hold it by the handle," he said and Harry took it and now he was truly worried. What if they got splinched? What if they ended up in the middle of a bog or a busy street or on top of a building? Here he was Apparating with a broken wand and a half-giant alongside. He was only a few days out of the hospital. Maybe…no, he couldn't chance it.

"Floo Network," he said and Hagrid agreed with him after a moment's hesitation. They walked to the Three Broomsticks, which was packed with customers, many of them students, who all greeted Harry and Hagrid. After a quick word with Madam Rosemerta she led them into the kitchen to her biggest fireplace. Harry took one look at Hagrid and wondered how this would work.

"Er…can you travel by Floo Network?"

"Course," he said. "'Tis a bit tight but yeh know, magic is magic, so I fits…yeh'll see. Let's make it the Leaky Caldron, yeah?" With that he took the Floo powder, threw it into the fireplace and shouted "the Leaky Cauldron" then placed one giant foot into the green flames. To Harry's astonishment Hargid starting twirling and soon his massive body was sucked into the Floo Network. He then wondered why Hargid hadn't done the same when he visited Harry at the Burrow over the summer but imagined Hargid like flying by thestral so much he didn't bother with Floo travel.

But when Harry got to the Leaky Cauldron he saw the real reason why. Hagrid was sitting in a chair and holding a cloth where he was bleeding from the forehead. "Bit tight coming out," said Hagrid as Tom the barman came over with a big cup of mead.

"There you are Hagrid," said Tom. "On the house. You should know better than to travel by Floo Network." He then greeted Harry and went over to his fireplace where Harry could see where a few bricks had been knocked out of place. Tom shook his head and then took out his wand and started to repair the fireplace.

"Hagrid, why didn't you tell me?" Harry asked as he sat.

"Wanted ter come," Hagrid mumbled as he sipped his mead, and Harry felt a bit bad inside, knowing his friend would risk injury just to go shopping with him. It seemed so silly. But it also showed how badly Hargid wanted to spend time with Harry. Then he had another thought. Maybe he wanted to get his wand fixed very badly, too.

After Hagrid finished his mead his cut seemed better and Tom put a bandage on it. Then they went off to Ollivander's. The street was busy as it was Saturday and many wizards and witches greeted them and a few even asked after Harry's health. Harry could not help but remember his first trip here over seven years ago with Hagrid and he thought back on all that had happened since then and wished somehow he could change a lot of it but also glad a lot of it had happened. Feeling a bit nostalgic, he entered the wand shop in front of Hagrid. The elderly wandmaker was there as usual and he was quite surprised to see Harry and Hargid.

"Harry Potter," he said in his slow way and then his round eyes widened. "And Rubeus Hagrid. Oak, 16 inches, with a dragon heartstring core. It has been a long time."

"More than fifty years," Hagrid said.

"Yes," Ollivander said. "Closer to sixty now I should think." Hargid just nodded. Harry wondered how old Hagrid was and he was surprised to remember he had never asked him.

"And how can I help you gentlemen today?" Ollivander was asking.

"We need wands," said Harry.

"We?" said Ollivander in slight surprise. "But surely you have one. And Hagrid, I am afraid I am not allowed to sell you one."

Hagrid fished in his pockets and came out with the letter. "Bin reinstated," he said with pride as he handed the letter to Ollivander.

Ollivander opened the letter and read it quietly and then looked at Hargid and smiled as he handed back the letter. "How wonderful. So…let me think..." He began looking at the boxes but then Hagrid interrupted him.

"Sorry, but I was wonderin' if maybe yeh could repair my old wand."

Ollivander was surprised again. "Surely you do not have the parts. Do you?"

Hagrid was busy unscrewing the handle of his pink umbrella and as soon as he got it off he slid the two halves of his broken wand out. It was black and very plain and thick, Harry could see. The break had been perfect and the two parts fit together as one. When Hagrid pulled them slightly apart, he could see what no one else except Hagrid knew – the dragon heartstring core had not been cut in two, only a few sinews had been snapped and it was mostly intact.

"How remarkable,' said Ollivander as he examined it. He looked it over and over and then after a minute he shook his head and Hagrid let out a sigh of disappointment. "I am afraid with the heartstring even slightly damaged you will never be able to do much magic with this wand."

"Was afraid of that," said Hagrid. "Best get me a new one then."

"Wait," said Harry. "I can fix it."

Ollivander looked at him sharply. "With the Elder Wand, no doubt?"

Harry nodded. "At least I can try. It did fix my wand after all."

"Yes," said Ollivander. "But a moment ago you said you both needed wands. What has happened to your phoenix core wand?"

Harry decided to tell him the truth since he already knew they were looking for Voldemort's wand and Harry wanted to ask him want happened. He told the story, but added a little lie, saying both phoenix feathers had been destroyed. Ollivander was quite surprised but kept his comments to himself until Harry finished speaking.

"And your wand was totally destroyed?" Ollivander asked.

"Yes. Voldemort's was only broken in two but the phoenix feather was badly damaged. It was a curse, wasn't it?"

"Certainly," said Ollivander. "I think your wand saved your life by the sounds of it. The twin cores attracted each other and the curse was absorbed by your wand. Why, I do not know, but you have added one more piece to the puzzle surrounding twin cores. But I do wish you had come to me when you found Voldemort's wand. Perhaps we could have avoided this incident."

"Weren't Harry's fault," said Hagrid in defense of his friend.

"Perhaps. But I should have liked to have done the deed myself. If only to save the feather," said Ollivander.

"If you had tried to break that wand, you would have been killed," said Harry.

"Maybe."

"How did he put a curse on a wand?"

Ollivander raised his eyebrows. "Ah, that is not so difficult. A curse may be placed on any object. And as we know Voldemort delved in Dark Magic more than any other wizard so I am not so surprised he cursed his wand in such a manner. But that is not important. What is done is done and cannot be undone. Now, you wish to get wands and I shall be happy to oblige."

Then he looked to his shelves and moved a few boxes around and then pulled down a very long box. "My largest wand. It is oak, 16 and half inches, with a thestral tail hair core. In case yours cannot be repaired."

He opened the box and handed the wand to Hagrid and the half giant took it in his big right hand, where even the long wand looked like a tiny stick. Hagrid's face seemed to glow and Harry remembered his first time here and how he felt when trying different wands. Then Hargid said "Aguamenti" and a jet of water came out and hit Ollivander right in the face.

"Bloody hell!" said Hagrid in surprise. "I'll fix that, not ter worry." He went to cast another spell when a very wet Ollivander held up a hand.

"Let me," he said and then he took out a wand from behind the counter and was soon dry. Harry was sure that was not the worst thing to ever happen in this shop where so many untrained wizards and witches got their first wands.

"Try another spell," said Ollivander and Hagrid did so and after a few more moments and with nothing too badly damaged Ollivander said that the wand was suitable for Hagrid. As he pocketed his new wand Hagrid also took his old one and put it back inside the umbrella.

Harry was more difficult. They tried many wands, over twenty, before he found a suitable one. Not surprisingly, it was holly, 11 inches long, like his old wand, but with a unicorn tail hair for a core. Harry felt very comfortable with it, but it was still not the same as his old wand.

After they paid and made their goodbyes, it was time to head back to Hogsmeade. Despite Hagrid's protests, Harry insisted on them Apparating. But as soon as he did it he knew it was a mistake. They hadn't been splinched but were definitely not in Hogsmeade.

"Where are we?" he asked as he felt a chill and was standing in several inches of snow. They had Apparated to a snowy hillside and were looking down at a valley.

"Er…nearby Hogsmeade, I guess," said Hagrid who looked a little woozy. "Interestin'" he said. "So that's Apparatin'."

"You okay?"

"Yup…jus' …yeah, fine. No worries, Harry. Kinda like a twenty pint hangover. So, where is we? Ah, Grawp's cave is over there and that's the other caves over that way."

Harry looked to where he was pointing and something looked familiar. "That cave is where Sirius was hiding. Hogsmeade is down…yes, I can see the village now."

"No more Apparatin'," said Hagrid. "Not when we kin walk."

Harry agreed and as they walked down the hill they discussed what had happened. More than likely it was because of Hagrid's size they ended up off the mark. Or maybe it was his half giant blood. Harry also asked after Grawp and Hargid said he hadn't seen him in a week which was normal since he went off all over the place hunting and foraging for food.

After a long walk they made it to the village, passing the Hogs Head on the way. Soon they were at the joke shop which was packed with students. They said a quick hello to a very busy but happy looking Ron, who told them Hermione and Ginny had just left for the Three Broomsticks. Soon they arrived there and as soon as Hagrid entered all the students and many villagers inside cheered him and congratulated him on become a full wizard again. Apparently Ginny and Hermione had told a few students and soon everyone knew. As Harry expected Hagrid broke down in tears but soon got control of himself. They sat with Ginny and Hermione, who seemed to be back to their old selves, which made Harry happy. They had a wonderful lunch with lots of drinks and with his friends and those he loved Harry felt safe and happy, a feeling he hoped would last.