AN: Reminder I own nothing and I want no money This is just for fun and here is an update.

Chapter 24: Hogwarts Again

Harry landed in front of the Three Broomsticks. Old memories filled his mind, both good and bad. Harray wrapped his robes around him a little tighter. The fall air was crisp this evening and it was making him cold. He hunched his shoulders and headed towards the place he had come to see as a home away from home.

As always, Harry was amazed by magic. Just a few months ago, the castle had been on fire and crumbling. Now, it looked as if nothing had happened. Harry saw from the gates the Quidditch Pitch, the lake, and Hagrid's hut. Making a mental note to stop by after his visit, Harry started up the long pathway to Hogwarts. As he pushed open the large doors, he was greeted with a wall of noise. Apparently it was lunch time. Bracing himself, Harry prepared himself and walked into the Great Hall.

It was strange for him to be back in a place where he had defeated Tom Riddle. The place looked the same as always with the four house tables full of students and food. Harry inhaled deeply. He had missed that smell. It did not take long for students to see who had arrived and the noise level increased dramatically. Harry walked directly up to the Head Table, where all the Professors looked at him with wide eyes. Last time Harry Potter had come into Hogwarts unannounced, a battle happened.

"Headmistress, I hate to interrupt, but I have a favor to ask. Could we go to your office?" Harry asked.

"Of course Pott... Harry." the Headmistress said, composing herself rather well. She took him through the door in the back and soon they were in her office.

Dumbledore's old office still had plenty of his instruments. In fact, the room had not changed much except for the things Minerva had added, like an extra bookcase and a silver platter of her famous biscuits on her desk.

"Sit down Harry." she motioned to the empty chair while she went to sit in her own. The Portraits of the previous headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts all clapped when they saw Harry. Harry's eyes went directly to Dumbledore, whose eyes were twinkling. What surprised Harry most of all was of the portrait of the only Head of Hogwarts that was not clapping.

"Snape?" Harry questioned.

"As eloquent as ever Potter." Snape his, his voice full of his normal sarcasm.

Harry was not expecting the former Potion's master to be on the wall. He was sort of forced to take the position but then again, he was one of the bravest people Harry knew.

"Severus... thank you." Harry said, looking directly at the former Headmaster.

There was a stillness in the air and no one spoke for a few seconds.

"You are welcome... Harry." Snape said calmly and Albus beamed from his frame.

"What is it you want Harry?" Minerva asked, her voice a light.

"First and foremost, Hermione is at St Mungo's healing. I wanted to go tell Ginny this so if she could meet me in Gryffindor Tower, that would be nice... I would also need the password. "

"Of course Harry. I hope Miss Granger heals well. The Password is "Doxy Wings."

"Thank you Minerva. As for the other question I have: is it possible for an animagus to take the form of a pet?"

"Harry you should know that a person's animagus form is based on their qualities. Were you not paying attention 3rd year?"

Harry blushed a little "I was too busy that year thinking I was going to die thanks to Professor Trelawney." Harry said.

Minerva snorted. "Well then. I presume you ask because you have a feeling you may turn into Hedwig maybe?" she asked.

Harry's blush deepened. "I have been thinking about it and it makes the most sense. I want a form that allows me to fly. I feel at home flying and Hedwig was my first friend. When I lost her, I felt like apart of me died."

"It is possible Harry for you to turn into an owl. You are tall but you are lithe. Your love of flying may help as well." Minerva said. "I would investigate it more by trying. I can give you a book that helped me a lot." Minerva waved her wand and a book came flying down. Harry looked at the worn leather cover and read the title Animagus Training: A Step-by-Step GuideHarry shrunk the book and placed it in his pocket.

"Thank you Minerva. I am going to go collect Ginny and have a talk with her." Harry said and he bade goodbye to Albus, Severus, and Minerva.

Harry re-entered the Great Hall and made his way to his old House. He got waves from all of the house tables. He approached Ginny and asked her to follow him. Ginny did so, blushing wildly. Harry lead her to the Gryffindor common room (The Fat Lady did not even ask for the password) The common room was empty and Harry sat down in a comfortable chair in front of the fire. Ginny sat across from him and looked at him.

"Ginny, I wanted to tell you that Hermione is at St. Mungos. She was injured helping me. Your family is there now but she should be ok by tomorrow." Harry said. Ginny was looking at him with tears in her eyes. "Ginny... Charlie and I are living at the same house now... We are... ahhh... dating." Harry said, his face blushing. Ginny was now crying silently. "I am sorry Ginny. I truly am. You are an amazing person and you will find someone who is perfect for you but that person is not me." Harry said, swallowing hard.

"Harry... I understand... I have been selfish and I want you to be happy. Same with Charlie. I am glad you are happy Harry, even if it is not with me..." She paused to swallow hard . "Please let me get you something to drink. I think we both need some" Ginny said, trying to wipe away her tears with the sleeves of her robe. She summoned a bottle of pumpkin juice from her room and two glasses. Harry caught his own but he poured it for both of them.

"Cheers Ginny. To new beginnings." They clinked glasses and both drank. As the juice hit his lips and tongue, he thought it tasted a bit odd. He was going to ask Ginny something but he could not speak. Ginny was still sitting there with her still full glass, smiling. Harry tried to splutter something but his now fuzzy brain could not come up with words for how he was feeling.

If he had to pick a feeling, it felt like he was floating. Floating away from his troubles, his worries...

His Charlie.

AN: Yes I am evil. If it was all sunshine and rainbows, it would be boring.