Disclaimer: I don't own Harry or his world, but I do enjoy playing with it.

Thank you to Doll482223 and LadiePhoenix007 for reviewing the last chapter. Hope you guys enjoy the final one.

Chapter 36

Grief met them at the partially ruined castle doors, they felt everyone else's sorrow before they found a reason for their own. Walking into the great hall over whelmed them, bodies of students, order members and faculty lay on the cold stone floor as hordes of injured casualties waited for medical treatment. The beaten, bleeding and broken took to caring for themselves allowing madam Pomfrey with professor Sprouts help to take care of those seriously needing attention. Strolling a path between the dead praying not to find anyone they cared about Hermione, Draco and Harry came to a sudden halt behind Ron. His eyes focussed on his grieving family and the body they stood around, forgetting all-purpose he drifted reluctantly towards the body of his brother, Percy. Arthur gripped him in a bear like hug, they hadn't seen each other in almost a year and he hadn't found him on the battle field either, he'd feared finding two of his son's dead. On the floor Molly cradled Percy's lifeless body, she'd only just got him back and now he was gone forever. Dropping to his knees Ron's attempt at comforting his mother only made her sob harder as she rocked back and forth, her tears staining Percy's shirt.

Draco and Hermione stood side by side holding hands over the bodies of Remus and Tonks, new parents like themselves, their deaths mimicked their fear. Tears flowed freely down Hermione's cheeks while the sight of them laid out with their hands nearly meeting stilled Draco. Until now he'd refused to believe there was a change he wouldn't make it home to Daniel, staring down at Remus though he couldn't help wonder if the man made the same promises to himself. Sensing his wavering faith Hermione stepped in placing herself in his line of vision and blocking the Lupin's from view. '' Stop it Draco I mean it, whatever you're thinking push it out of your mind because it's not happening.''

'' Isn't it? We're literally hunting Voldemort hell we were just in the same room as him virtually, what if it's just a matter of time for us?'' He'd known fear, he spent most of his life terrified of the path his parents wanted him to take, returning to the manor while his pregnant wife searched for horcruxs kept him awake at night. Nothing compared to what he felt now though, what would happen if they never made it home?

'' No it isn't! From the start we've refused to let this war beat us, please don't give up on our future now Draco, you can't stop believing because that's when we'll become beatable. '' Their unwavering faith in each other kept them both alive she was sure of that, she needed him to shake away fear and relight the fire in his belly.

Gently he placed his forehead against hers, allowing her soothing presence to wash over him and chase demons away. '' I'm not giving up little witch not on your or our future I'll fight till it's over, it's just we never made any plans in case the worst should happen.''

'' That's because we choose to believe the worst won't happen to us, you don't need to make plans for things that aren't going to happen so let's stop this shall we, please Draco.'' Hermione pleaded with him, their minds needed to stay sharp and focused, if they clouded themselves with worry they wouldn't be ready when the battle recommences.

'' I'll stop this when we have a plan I'll feel better if I know who'll take our son if the worst comes to pass. I still have faith we'll go home as a family when this is over I haven't lost it, it's just I need to know he'll be loved if we're gone. Remus and Tonks won't have had to worry about it, they had family, we're not exactly in the same boat that's the only reason I'm bringing it up.''

Sighing Hermione gave in to his way of thinking, the practical side of her mind convinced her that an emergency care plan wasn't a bad idea. '' I have an aunt her names Marie, she's wonderful my parents used to leave me with her when they went to dentist conventions. She knows all about our world so Daniel doing magic wouldn't come as a shock, your families out of the question and other than my parents who don't know they have a daughter she's all that's left.

'' Your aunt Marie it is then if the worst should happen.''

'' Which it won't!''

'' No little witch, it won't.'' Taking shelter in each other's arms they held tight waiting for the inevitable storm to rage. They were so lost in grief they missed seeing Harry run from the great hall as the weight of what he'd brought to Hogwarts bore down on him.

Making his way down the grand staircase from Dumbledore's office Harry processed what he'd learnt from Snape's tears. Severus loving his mum came as shock, he hadn't realised the snarky potions master knew the difference between men and women, but he couldn't blame him. Judging from the little he knew about his mother he felt she'd be easy to love, he'd probably have loved her greatly himself if given the opportunity. Finally, he fully understood his place in Dumbledore's grand scheme, he wasn't supposed to live only survive until the horcrux's had been destroyed. All these years he'd fought to live to be free, normal and happy and now he walked to his death so that other could live and there was a weird peace in that knowledge. Nearing the bottom he felt the need for backups to ensure Nagini's death as it wouldn't be him that killed the snake. He knew Ron, Hermione and Draco wouldn't give up until they'd killed it, but just in case they didn't he wanted someone else to know it had to die. He watched Neville and Oliver Wood carry in the body of Colin Creevley as he reached the great hall, somehow the boy snuck back in to fight. From the doorway his eyes followed Ron and Hermione around the room as he mourned with his family and Hermione treated the wounded with Draco. He wanted to say goodbye, the friends who'd risked their lives with him deserved a goodbye, but he knew them and they'd try to him which would only waste time. '' Hey Neville can I have a word with you?'' His fellow Gryffindor hung around the back of the room half involved in a conversation with Seamus and Oliver.

'' Sure what is it Harry?''

'' The snake Neville Voldemort's snake Nagini, if you get chance, kill it, if it isn't killed then you'll never stand a chance of defeating Voldemort do you understand?'' Nodding in agreement Neville didn't know how else to respond, the suddenness of Harry sharing such vital information confused him.

'' Oi Neville your needed.'' Seamus's hollering distracted Neville long enough for Harry to slip under his invisibility cloak for his lonely walk into the forbidden forest. Harry assumed everyone for once paid him no attention while they grieved for friends and relatives, he didn't take into account a certain red-head who'd been watching him secretly for months.

At the edge of the forest Harry stalled on his death march to look once last time at Hogwarts, the place that'd become his home, even in ruins the castle enchanted him as it once did Voldemort. Standing in a rare clearing in the dense darkened forest it dawned on Harry that the games over and the snitch had been caught, suddenly Dumbledore's bequest made sense, this was the close his snitch opened at. Delving into his pocket for the golden ball he yanked it out hastily, turning his pocket inside out while doing so. Pressing it to his lips he whispered the words he knew would open it and closed his eyes, anxious about whom he'd see when he opened them. '' I am about to die.''

His mother's loving smile greeted him first when he dared open his matching green eyes, rushing forwards he reached out as did Lilly yet their hands passed through one another. '' We're so proud of you Harry my brave boy.''

'' Why are you here?'' Looking around he found his father, Sirius and Remus giving him the same sad smile.

'' We never left.'' The ghost of his mother welled up with tears yet they weren't ghosts, they were more than that just not people.

Seeking out Sirius he knew that man he'd come to love as the closest thing to a father he'd ever known would tell him the truth when he asked for it. '' Does it hurt?''

'' Quicker than falling asleep I promise you.''

'' You're nearly there son just a little further.'' James gazed at the boy who resembled him too much, he could've sworn he looked at a mirror image of himself at 17.

'' I'm so sorry, I never wanted any of you to die for me and Remus your son.'' Spinning around he found the man who'd helped him battle the dementors.

'' Others will tell him what his mother and father died for, one day he'll understand.'' Smiling kindly the tame werewolf accepted that like James he'd watch over his son from the beyond and walk by his side in memory.

'' Trust me it's not the same.'' Harry couldn't help swinging his head towards the parents he'd lost before he was old enough to know any different.

'' How dare you go to your death without saying goodbye to me.'' Ron's angry voice grabbed everyone's attention, however the red-head wasn't aware he'd an audience for his emotional outburst.

Forgetting his parents watched on with the rest of what he considered immediate family Harry stormed towards Ron. '' What the hell are you doing here? Are you crazy? The whole forest's full of death eaters and merlin knows what else, you've got to leave now I mean it or I'll drag you back to the castle myself.''

'' You didn't say goodbye.'' It'd hurt him that Harry left without saying a single word to him, he couldn't let their last words to each other be ones he couldn't remember in the heat of battle.

'' I just couldn't.''

'' Why!''

'' Because I knew the moment I tried to leave you I wouldn't be able to go through with it okay! Happy now?'' He knew as he watched Ron in the great hall he'd never part from him if given the chance so he denied himself that opportunity. A relationship with Ron wasn't in his future, no matter how much he wished it was.

'' Then don't! Come back to the castle with me Harry, please, we'll fight I know it'll be harder, but when have we ever done anything the easy way? I don't want you to die I don't want to lose you now you're finally mine.'' Ron feverishly pleaded with him as he held Harry's hand, not realising he'd just outed Harry as gay to his family.

'' I don't want to die either! There's nothing I'd love to do more than return to the castle with you, but I can't and I don't have time to make you understand why I can't, you have to trust me.'' Harry wrapped his arms tightly around Ron stopping him from pacing, he knew his parents watched, but if Ron paced any further he'd have to turn around and say all this to their faces.

'' This isn't fair Harry.'' Ron sagged in his arms, his fingers dug into skin through the thin material of his jacket as if by holding on tight enough it wouldn't happen.

'' Apparently life isn't fair.'' Harry memorized the way their bodies merged together, he wanted the memory of Ron in his arms to be his last coherent thought. Their lips crashing together muted Sirius's playful applaud, the world stopped for a moment and everything fell away as they shared their last and most meaningful kiss. It held promises of what might've been and regrets over not acting sooner. Breaking away Harry's lips curved into a smile as he watched Ron come back down to earth looking thoroughly kissed, his lips swollen and cheeks red from Harry's stubble. '' You have to leave Ron, I'm running out of time which means you are to, please don't make me be the reason you're dead.''

Backing away slowly Ron didn't know how to say everything he wanted to or where to start so instead he said nothing as tears trickled down his face. He refused to turn his back on Harry until he could no longer see him standing there. '' I love you.''

'' I know.'' Like Ron he declared internally not to move until he could no longer see the red-head, he wanted to know he'd got out to safety before he moved onto his final journey. It didn't take long for his view to become obscured by a mixture of trees and the forest's natural darkness, when the last flash of red vanished he turned ready to walk to his death.

Limp in Hagrid's arms Harry lay perfectly still as the half giant carried him on Voldemort's orders as part of his victory procession. They joyfully marched towards Hogwarts from the forest cheering as they went, shooting flashes of colour up into the air, all while the boy they thought didn't live any more shook from Hagrid's unstoppable sobbing. As they reached the ruined courtyard fighters for the light trickled from the entrance hall, all struck down by the horror of seeing their hero lifeless. Refusing to believe what his eyes saw Ron charged towards Harry's body screaming in agony, the twins grabbed him by both arms before he broke free from the crowd. He'd managed to keep quiet while Voldemort sullied his body, during Hagrid's weeping and cries from people who cared about him, but Ron's distraught cry nearly made him break free from the gamekeeper's arms. Raising his wand Voldemort silenced the crowds unwavering love for Harry, even in death they remained faithful unwilling to bow to his demands. He demanded Harry be laid at his feet as he continued to belittle their champion, suggesting they caught him fleeing from the battle allowing people to die for him once again, his lies second nature to him.

Neville foolishly rushed out of the crowd sick of hearing lies about his friend, without moving Voldemort disarmed him, sending him flying backwards much to the delight of Bellatrix. The unstable witch begged on her knees that the dark lord gift him to her as he did his parents, eager to the complete the set. Floating towards the sprawled out Gryffindor Voldemort had another plan in mind for him rather than waste pure-blood on games. '' Such bravery, it'd be a waste to spill your pure magical blood, join me Longbottom you belong amongst my ranks.''

Looking up from the bed of rubble he lay in Neville stared at the man who'd decided the fate of his parents just as he had Harrys. His gran never let him forget who he'd come from, his parents were fighters and like them he wouldn't give up what he believed in no matter the consequence. '' Go to hell.''

'' You'll regret your mistake later I'll make sure of it. Although Longbottom you are not the only pure-blood who picked the wrong side, Draco my boy don't throw away all your potential, come beg for forgiveness and I shall grant it. '' As Voldemort moved his robe dislodged a few bricks, Neville caught glimpse of a silver ruby coated handle hanging out of what looked like the sorting hat to him. '' Wouldn't you like to re-join your family Draco, aren't I a better choice than death? Come back to us and I might let your mudblood die easily instead of letting your aunt play with her corpse.''

From the remains of the stone steps Draco turned to smile at Hermione who nervously held his hand tighter the second he'd become Voldemort's focus. '' That's a really generous offer, but you, my parents and my aunt can all go fuck yourselves how about that instead?'' His retort earned scowls from death eaters and cheers from those whose side he stood on and fought with.

Voldemort raised his wand only to be distract by the two opposing sides falling into chaos, Grawp stomped around the side of the castle yelling ''Hagger'' the giant towering behind death eaters roared and ran at Grawp like a bull elephant, making the ground tremble. The sound of hoofs clicking grew closer followed by bows twanging as centaurs, ending their neutrality by joining the fray. Falling arrows separated death eaters as they broke ranks shouting in surprise, casting shield charms to save themselves. Order members, staff and students picked off the dispersed followers, using the mayhem to his advantage Harry slipped under his invisibility cloak. Grasping the sword of Gryffindor Neville remembered the last words Harry spoke to him, with his eyes firmly fixed on the snake by Voldemort's side he battled his way towards it. Waring giants caused havoc for both sides, their raging force along with the centaur herd firing arrows into the air drove the two enemy sides closer to the castle doors. Agilely Neville weaved between duels and dodged stray curses that few in every direction to edge within metres of the last horcrux, not that he knew what he was really destroying. In a single swoop Neville sliced off Nagini's head, the silver blade meeting flesh wasn't heard over battle sounds, nor was Voldemort's furious scream yet all eyes found them.

Before the enraged dark wizard could retaliate Harry threw off his cloak, his sudden return from the dead shook death eaters and rejuvenated the side who thought they'd lost their strongest weapon. '' You want me Tom not him.'' Finally Voldemort faulted, the boys miraculous hold on life caught him off guard, he'd broke his protection, found a wand more powerful to the brother of Harry's and yet still he breathes. Standing off against each other the two prophesied wizards realised who ever cast the next killing curse would at last succeed in killing the other. Engulfed by smoke the two lifelong enemies flew out of the battle, to end things once and for all without interruptions or distractions.

Charging centaurs reached the battle, scattering death eaters towards the castle where everyone else fled to escape being trampled by stamping giants feet. House elf's burst through kitchen doors, taking death eaters out at the ankles with kitchen knives, stopping many from reaching the great hall where allies reformed. The sheer size of the defending army over whelmed what was left of the death eaters, they hadn't expected Hogwarts to put up such a fight. Lucius Malfoy made it through the frenzy with Bellatrix, scouring the hall he found his target, the mudblood who polluted his son. Storming past duels he brushed away idol attempts to draw him in, pulling out his wand he laughed as his son fought side by side with the girl he'd kill in mere seconds. Together they took out Dolohov and Yaxley who'd wanted revenge since the stunt they pulled at the start of their journey in the ministry of magic. Watching the witch who'd ended their pure blooded marriage line Lucius became blood thirsty, he wanted more than death for her he wanted pain, he wanted to cut her tainted flesh from her bones.

'' Sectumsempra.'' Ron saw the flash of white light as soon as Lucius spoke the words, running the short distance from his own duel with Rookwood he dove in front of Hermione. He'd managed to knock her out of the way in time, but hadn't thought about himself, the blast severed his arm in searing hot agony. Hermione hit the floor hard, tasting blood in her mouth she assumed a rogue jinx hit until she felt Ron's heavy weight covering her. Rolling onto her back she found his lifeless face pressed against her hip, blood pooled around them and then she saw why, his left arm lay yards away from the rest of him. Finding a faint pulse in his neck Hermione acted fast, yanking off the thick cardigan she wore to stem the bleeding. Draco watched his father's wand find the wrong target in slow motion, seconds turned into what felt like hours to him as relief washed over him that it wasn't her blood she bathed in. Searching Lucius out Draco found his father's wand aimed and ready to try for his beloved wife again, with speed being his friend he ended his father's interference in his life without hesitation. '' Avada kedavra.'' He watched as the man who'd tried to mould him into a soulless killer like himself crumbled to the floor, blood ties meaning nothing as freedom rained over him. Rushing to Hermione's side he carefully lifted her from the floor, sliding her from beneath Ron still warm body just in time to get blanketed by dust as Harry and Tom smashed through a window, locked in battle.

The room stilled to watch the battle's last duel, Voldemort was the last man standing for his side, his servants failed him when he'd needed them most. Bellatrix lasted longer than the rest, nearly long until to see her master one last time until she dared to threaten one of Molly's children. Circling each other they paid no attention to those watching their final meeting, one way or another their war would be over by day break.

Draco and Hermione searched for Harry among the revellers with Daniel in her arms, Andromeda hadn't been able to stay away when news reached her about Tonks. They hadn't planned on staying now they could have normalcy, but people's natural curiosity kept them talking. The bodies of those lost were respectively moved from the floor, light and dark kept separate, Hermione led Draco to the hospital wing knowing where she'd find Harry. Their saviour, the boy who once again lived and hero of the century stood at the foot of an occupied bed staring at Ron's unconscious body, his life hanging in the balance.

'' Harry? Harry are you okay?'' Hermione felt the need to whisper as they drifted between the dead. '' How's Ron doing?''

How was he supposed to answer? He didn't honestly know, the few seconds of satisfaction he'd felt at killing Tom vanished the moment he saw Hermione struggling to keep Ron alive. Madam Pomfrey said the arm was lost which didn't bother him as long as he lived, but he'd lost so much blood too much, she'd given him all the blood replenishing potions she dared to. '' It's not looking good at the minute, apparently if he makes it through the night his survival chances are higher. Who did this to him?''

'' Ron's strong Harry he'll pull through, he's splinched and been stabbed in the last year alone and recovered. '' Hermione prayed she was right, the last thing she wanted to do was give false hope if Ron's death is only a matter of time.

'' Who did this to him?'' Repeating his question Harry sounded sterner the aggression he felt towards Ron's attacker blended into his voice. He didn't need placating, every well-wisher in the school already said the exact same thing to him, what he needed was answers from the people who saw it happen.

'' My father, I'm sorry the problems of my life clashed with yours Potter.'' Draco couldn't help feeling guilty as he watched Harry frantically worry about someone he obviously loved, the unimaginable pain written across his face. He understood caring about someone else's life more than your own.

'' I don't understand.''

Hermione gently stroked Harry's arm, wondering if he'd hold her living against her once he knew the truth. '' Lucius tried to kill me and would've if Ron hadn't of jumped in front of the curse, he saved my life Harry, I'm still breathing because of him.''

Nodding silently Harry finally broke down and wept with a hoarse crying, letting his worry, frustration and fears pour out of him as tears. '' You wanna know the worst part of this? He told me he loved and I didn't say it back because I thought I was going to die, I thought if I told him he'd be in more pain once I was gone and now he might never know.''

'' Come on Potter let's get you out of here, surrounding yourself with death won't solve anything, someone will send word to you as soon as he wakes up.'' Tugging on his arm Draco tried to move him from Ron's bedside fearing that if Weasley didn't make it to long around death my drive him to do something stupid.

Brushing Draco aside Harry refused to move, he remained steadfast at the foot of Ron's bed. '' No. I belong here with him, I'm not moving until I know his fate one way or the other.''

'' Do you want us to get you anything or stay with you?''

'' No, go home Mione I know that's where you want to go, you get your life back.'' Turning to face her he half smiled, pleased that not everyone felt pain like he did, that Voldemort's death brought happy endings for some. Reaching into his back pocket Harry pulled out the wand Voldemort used, but that didn't belong to him and held it out. '' It's yours Draco take it, you're the master of the elder wand as Severus said, you disarmed Dumbledore which means it'll only truly answer to you.''

Shaking his head Draco refused the wand he wanted no part in its long history of murder and mayhem. '' Keep it Potter. It can be a spoil of war or a trophy, I don't really care what happens to it as long as I never see or hear about it again.''

Harry felt the same, somehow the wand no matter its potential power was a nasty reminder of the struggle they'd lived with only to stand surrounded by death. Looking at it Draco saw nothing except a tool that started his separation from Hermione, the wand symbolised the past and he only wanted to look to their future. Understanding Malfoy's rejection Harry decided the wand didn't belong in the world, too many died in persuade of it and in the wrong hands they'd all pay for its survival. Applying force he snapped the white ash wood into three pieces as he walked nearer an open window that overlooking a ravine, throwing the shards he didn't wait to see where they landed. '' Now go home and enjoy what you have together, one of us should be happy today, I'm glad it's you Mione and sorry I can't share it. ''

'' If you want anything Potter or just need someone to drink with I'm up most nights, you'll find us here. '' Draco slipped Harry the address to their cottage, he hadn't discussed it with Hermione first, but judging from her grateful smile she approved. '' I know we're not friends there's no love lost between us, but sometimes it helps to talk to a stranger. Trust me, I found peace spilling my secrets in letters.'' Honestly he expected the worst to happen, he'd watched death eaters slice victims to shreds, and he'd seen people die after losing less blood than Ron but he kept that to himself. Turning the Malfoys walked with the heads bowed to the dead, their own personal happiness numbed by the heavy losses to the wizarding community.

'' It destroys him you know Mione, the way he'd treated you that is, it rips him to pieces daily you know.'' The past hadn't been settled between the four of them and it bothered him that Hermione might walk out of the hospital wing and still think badly of Ron. They'd only worked together out of necessity and now it's over he didn't want their fractured relationships to stay broken.

'' I know. Believe me Harry for the rest of my life I'll be thankful to Ron for giving me chance to live it.'' Hermione meant it, she'd suffered at his hands which changed their friendship forever, but he'd also changed and even after all this time and hurt she wanted more for him than death. The hospital wings double doors swung shut behind them as they made their way across what was left of Hogwarts toward the school gates with Daniel fast asleep in his mother's arms.

Apparating together they landed at woodlands edge on their way home, they'd finally come back to Danby Wiske openly, no more cloak and dagger meetings. Draco walked backwards down the wet incline in front of Hermione and Daniel, holding one hand to keep her steady as she gingerly made her way down. How long had it been since they'd seen home? '' You see that building mini that's where your mummy and daddy got married.'' Gently she rocked her tired son, soothing his cries with her soft swaying, drifting closer to home as a family. Opening the gate Draco draped his arm arounds Hermione's waist as their feet carried them back to their ivy covered cottage, pausing they gazed at the home they'd created when survival wasn't guaranteed.

'' We're home little witch, we made it home after everything, they couldn't break us apart in life or death.'' Shutting the front door Draco closed it to the world, they'd been everyone else's property for so long and finally they belonged only to each other.

Authors note: The last chapter, I kind of didn't want to post it because it means it's really finished, apart from the epilogue. Which you guys have a slight say on, I'm weighing up Ron's options, let me know how you feel about Ron's uncertain fate.

Actually just let me know what you think in general, I'm hoping you readers might be kind and all leave me a review seeing as it's the last chapter. A girl can hope lol.

Thank you so much to everyone who has read this story and to those who let me know what you think. I'm a woman who loves happy endings, it felt good cutting away Draco's strings and finally letting him be free to decide how he lives his life.

Like it? Love it? Hate it?

Kisses xox

Who fancies the epilogue tomorrow?