(a/n): Have to say...some of the negatives took me a bit by surprise. Still, they weren't of an abusive nature. So again, positive or negative, thanks for the reviews. This time I did have more to think about.

One thing, I never intended a cliffhanger of who dies at the end of DoM. And since, up until this point, the broad plotlines are still canon-ish the battle is a major turning point for Harry. He's gotten off pretty light with the annual DE/Tom attempts on his life (even in GoF, he didn't know Cedric all that well). As soon as I decided to have the DoM battle, I had to have someone close to him die, but no one (me, included) wanted it to be Sirius.

I will plead ignorance of British geography in the time it took them to get from Hogwarts to the Ministry. Sorry kb0... had the movie on the brain, and you don't get much time sense there. Movies don't spend even minutes getting characters anywhere, let alone hours. Though, I think I'm on solid ground with the apparating during the battle though. While you can't apparate in or out of the Ministy there doesn't seem to be anything preventing apparation in a room. They weren't going anywhere, just changing positions (again movie-influenced)

So, let me know what you think of this one.

37 – Goodbye

"EHH…EHH…WHA!" Harry awoke out of a dead sleep and felt around for his wand.

Justin Finch-Fletchley had volunteered to remain with Harry in the Hufflepuff dorm until he woke. He'd been reading ahead out of the Sixth Year History of Magic text. He rushed over, grabbed Harry by the shoulders and shook him "Wake up, Potter!" he ordered sharply.

"Justin?" he asked. Then as his eyes focused, he exclaimed "Justin! God! What a nightmare."

The Hufflepuff shook his head sadly and said "No, it really happened. Susan's downstairs. But, take my advice. Do the three S's first. You stink."

"Eww…that's me?" Harry complained as he rolled out of bed. Every part of him ached. He made his way to the dorm bathroom leaning on the wall as he went.

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Forewarned by Justin, the others in the Department of Mysteries raid were waiting for Harry right at the staircase to the Boys' dorm. They forcefully chased away any potential onlookers. Even hexing the more stubborn ones.

"Hey." Susan said softly as she reached for Harry's hand.

"I didn't even think of what happened to you that whole time." an anguished Harry said.

"Never got off the ground." She replied as she pulled a rather unwilling Harry into a hug. "For which my Mother will pay."

Harry only responded to the hug by resting his hands on her hips "I'm glad you didn't." he muttered "Enough people risked their lives for my stupidity."

"You weren't stupid Harry." said Hermione "You were tricked. By V-V-well …you know…"

Ron cut in, adding "And by that Kreacher. Nasty piece of work, him."

"It isn't his fault." Argued Hermione "Poor thing…mistreated all his life."

Ron gave an angry look and started "Sirius should stick his head on----"

"Do not even think of finishing that sente---" Hermione cut him off.

Ginny blasted them both down "YOU TWO ARE IMPOSSIBLE!"

"Ha…haha." Laughed Harry "But I love'em anyway." And as quickly as the humor appeared, it vanished. "Hagrid was my friend, too. Ain't been mucha one to him lately."

Susan ran a comforting hand through his hair and said "Harry, you can cry all you want. Cry until you can't anymore. But, don't go blaming yourself. I don't believe it, and I will not allow you to. Am I understood?"

"Yes'm." muttered Harry, in reply.

"We don't get to boss him around like that." Ron grumbled.

Susan batted her eyelashes at him and declared "I'm cuter!"

"ITS NOT FUNNY!!" yelled Harry. He was immediately regretful for the outburst "Sorry" he muttered "Nothing's funny."

Susan sighed "Harry, luv, do you remember our talk about Cedric? --- Merlin, that seems so long ago --- And it wasn't even a year ago."

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That particular event sat badly in Ginny's mind. She got up and walked out of the Hufflepuff Common Room. Now that her body was clear of Queredulax and Amortentia, the potions Seamus had been slipping her, Ginny vividly remembered that day.

It had started pleasantly enough. She and Harry were very much wrapped around each other. Then the bubbly, older, redhead had popped into the car.

Ginny had thought she worked out her jealousy issues after Harry had made them relive his torture at the hands of the Dursleys. Then, Susan's arrival reminded her of Rita Skeeter's article in The Daily Prophet. Ginny had gone off with Seamus just to spite Harry.

"Oh! I'm sorry." The Irish boy had said "Where are me manners? I invite a girl over and don't offer her a drink."

Ginny smiled at the overacting "Well, I won't tell if you don't." she joked.

"I'm counting on that. Me poor rep is in yon hands." Seamus replied "Here we go! Pumpkin juice!"

Ginny took the mug and swallowed a mouthful "Doesn't quite taste the same." She commented.

This, Ginny realized, was had been the moment she could have done something that would have prevented most of the school year from playing out as it did for her. With an almost photographic memory of that moment, she recalled that it smelled like pumpkin juice and mostly looked like it too. Though the color was slightly off.

"Me Mum's special homemade blend." Seamus had explained "Better'n that mass-made stuff once you get used to it. Try another swig."

Not wanting to offend the guy who was going to save her from failing History of Magic. And, already slightly influenced, Ginny complied. They spent the next twenty minutes discussing the course material for Fourth Year. "Thanks for your help, Seamus." She said, then "I hope helping me won't mess up your---"

"Not at all." He replied, charmingly "McGonagall said I'd get extra credit, even House Points. And a pretty girl is always good for a bloke's rep."

That had been when Seamus started bad-mouthing Harry.

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"I'm a ruddy, bloody, sodding stupid idiot!" Ginny cursed herself.

The Divination teacher intruded into the girl's self-recrimination session "There is a certain amount of truth in your evaluation, youth."

"Nobody asked your opinion, you useless fraud!" Ginny snapped. She had no patience for the subject, and less for the professor of Divination. "And it's the end of the year, so you can't give me detention!"

Sounding unlike her normally bizarre self, Sybil Trelawney said "When people consider you useless they rarely look deeper. It is a valuable trick. But, my time in this world is nearly ended."

"Another vision?" asked Ginny. She couldn't completely eliminate the sarcasm from her tone. But, the sudden change had her wondering.

Trelawney replied "In a manner of speaking. You figure highly, both in that and in the coming conflict."

"Me!?" asked Ginny, with a scornful snort. "First I get suckered by a book, then zombified by that idiot Finnegan. And both times, Harry Bloody Potter saves the day!"

Trelawney's response did little to ease Ginny's mind "In a warped, perverted sense you are not incorrect, youth."

"Thanks for nothing." Ginny grumbled, sullenly.

Trelawney ignored the complaint, asking "And with each challenge, you have advanced. Are you likely to repeat the errors of the past?"

"I'd hafta be daft to fall for that again!" exclaimed Ginny.

Smiling knowingly, Trelawney said "You would not be as prepared as you are now to learn that which you will need. Leaving now, I can assure your return prior to your brother's wedding."

"A whole year!" a panicked Ginny exclaimed.

Trelawney laid a hand on her shoulder and said "My apologies, youth. I thought that you were aware. The wedding will occur in slightly more than a month."

"Ok." said Ginny, then "Wait! How can I be sure I can trust you?"

With an approving nod, Trelawney said "You have learned. Would an Unbreakable Oath witnessed by your father satisfy your concerns?"

"Ahh…sure…Professor." replied Ginny. Her opinion of the Divination Teacher had changed markedly in the last few minutes.

The only witness to their departure was Luna Lovegood, who had just caught up to Ginny. "How odd." The blond Ravenclaw commented "Hermione says it's impossible to Apparate at Hogwarts. I suppose she's wrong."

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Two days later, the entire student body accompanied by the staff, made their way to the shabby looking pile of rocks and straw that had stood for half a century. The normally colorful embroidery of House affiliation that decorated their robes were various shades of gray.

In general, the taller students stood toward the back as they gathered around the front door, to allow the smaller ones a better view. One exception was Harry and the group around him. Susan on one side, held his hand, while Hermione on the other, curled an arm around his waist. Ron stood beside Hermione, with Hannah on his other side. Sirius stood behind him, with a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder.

Ginny Weasley was the only member of the group that had fought He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the Death Eaters in The Ministry that was not present. Her brothers had been quite concerned about her disappearance, especially after Luna's report. But a letter from Arthur, though not detailed, put their minds at ease.

Hagrid's body, in a large pine casket, was wrapped in a white silk sheet. Emblazoned on the sheet was the Hogwarts crest. It was the only one in color. Fang, the groundskeeper's large grey dog, lay in front of it. A large table held his favorite possessions.

"I was a friend of Hagrid's." Dumbledore said. "For fifty years, Hagrid served this school with all his heart. His last act was to take a Killing Curse meant for me. There is nothing more noble than to give your life for another." He picked up the umbrella that Harry knew to contain the remnants of Hagrid's wand and walked back to his place.

McGonagall stepped forward next and declared "I was a friend of Hagrid's. During my Second Year as a student, the Head Boy was particularly harsh to anyone not in his House. Hagrid was one of the few to stand up to him." She picked up the flute that everyone at Hogwarts had seen Hagrid play and walked back to her place.

A number of other Professors stepped forward as well, and spoke.

"I was a friend of Hagrid's." a tear streaked Harry said. He'd never seen a Wizard funeral before, but he'd caught on. He didn't know what else to say until he saw one of Hedwig's largest feathers among the items. "Hagrid was my first friend here. My first trip to Diagon Alley…he…got me my owl. I shoulda been a better friend to him this year."

Hermione barely managed to speak the formal words. She'd kept her emotions in check while supporting Harry. But, it was finally too much. She would have collapsed, but Ron pushed forward and caught her as she fainted.

"I was a friend of Hagrid's." said Sirius "He was there for my Godson when I could not be. For that, I owe him more than I can ever repay." He didn't claim anything from the table. Instead, he patted Fang's head and the large gray dog followed him.

When everyone had spoken and the table was empty, Dumbledore spoke again "Thank you all for your kind words. We commend Hagrid's body to the flame. And, wish his spirit well in the next great adventure."

The massive casket floated into the house as the funeral-goers backed away. Under the Headmaster's direction, everyone spread out at a distance, pointed their wands at the house and yelled "INCENDIO!!" Instantly, it erupted in fire. The heat was so intense that the rocks that made up its structure slagged down and glowed red. When --- a few days later --- the mass hardened and cooled, all that was left was a layer of black rock.

"Hehehe!" Draco Malfoy sniggered nastily as he passed the mournful group that included Harry "Good riddance to the fat oaf! How's the hand Potter?"

The events of the last couple days had led to Harry just not crossing paths with his nemesis. At least, that's what Harry believed. Careful use of the Marauders' Map by Hermione had worked to ensure it. Harry's blood started to boil. He snarled at the Slytherin "You really don't wanna start with me, Malfoy!"

"Draco, I was pleased with your change in behavior." Sirius said, getting between the two boys "It gave me great hope you would turn out better than your father."

After making sure of the presence of Crabbe and Goyle, Draco flashed a contemptuous look and said "Too bad you didn't die in the Ministry, Black. It would've put Pureblood wealth back into respectable hands."

"In case you haven't noticed..." said Sirius in a reasonable tone "…you're quite outnumbered. Take my advice and leave."

Draco sneered at his uncle and said "You don't scare me. And neither does this buncha Mudbloods and traitors."

"How'd you like an Incendio up your arse!" growled Ron. And he looked more than ready to do it.

"OH! Please! No!" Draco fake-squealed "Get some culture, Weasel-bee. For example…poetry…I put this little one together in honor of the occasion."

Poor little Potter…… What a rotter…… Look at him cry…… Wonder who'll be next to die.

"Maybe me, maybe you, Malfoy." Harry responded. His tone was flat and soft "Care to find out? Get outta the way, Sirius."

Among the other attendees had been people Harry knew to be members of the Order of the Phoenix. In a group, accompanied by Dumbledore, they came up and intervened. Remus Lupin laid a hand on Harry's shoulder that was part comforting, part restraining.

"Come along with me, Cousin Draco." Tonks said, coldly. Her normally shocking pink hair was a subdued auburn. The young Auror grabbed the blond boy's ear and dragged him along beside her. Crabbe and Goyle huffed and puffed to keep pace. Tonks' lecturing voice faded in the distance "And I'll be keeping my eye on……"

Harry laughed at the spectacle. As the distance increased, he asked "Ain't you worried? I mean there's four of'em."

"Against that group?" countered Remus, dismissively "Tonks would be offended if I followed. Besides, far more effective to have them show up just like that at the Slytherin Common Room."

Sirius snickered amusedly "Still…wouldn't mind trailing along…Y'know…Record the thing for posterity."

"Harry, you and I must talk." said Dumbledore in his calm, measured tones. "Privately."

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Despite his protests, Harry did find himself alone with the Headmaster in his office some minutes later. He flopped down in a chair and snapped "Well?"

"Let us start with displays like that." Dumbledore said, impatiently "Harry, due to your situation, I have always been quite tolerant of your outbursts. But, th---"

Harry whipped out his wand and yelled "REDUCTO!" An entire section of shelving exploded on the Headmaster's left. The Sorting Hat floated to the floor.

"HEXIUS GLOBULUOUS!! countered Dumbledore.

Harry was imprisoned in a ball of six-pointed stars "LET ME OUTTA HERE YOU BLOODY OLD COOT!!" he roared. "DIFF—"

"SILENCIO!" cast Dumbledore "It is most dangerous and unwise to do that, Harry. Spells may enter, but one cast from the inside will reflect back on the user."

Harry roared in frustration, though barely a squeak made it through the spell. He did, thanks to his so-called lessons in Occulumency, know one spell that didn't follow most of the rules. With great satisfaction, he saw Dumbledore flinch and he managed to pluck that one piece of knowledge from the Headmaster's mind before getting shut out. This time directly at Dumbledore, Harry fired another "REDUCTO!"

"Harry wha---?" asked the Headmaster. Then he felt the Legilimency probe. It wasn't especially powerful, but it was so unexpected that it got through. And, with the spell holding Harry at the front of his mind, the counter-curse was gone before Dumbledore could close his mind. Then, he didn't have time to dwell on the surprise. All he could do was raise a shield against the incoming attack "PROTEGO!"

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Outside, the group waiting for Harry heard explosions. Susan screamed "HARRY!!" and threw herself against the gargoyle. The guardian threw her back. After Ron pulled her to her feet she charged it again. Only to go sailing through the air.

"Come on, Susan, think rationally." Hermione said.

Susan nodded and said "Right." She drew her wand. Hermione had no choice but to duck. "BOMBARDA!" The spell had become a DL favorite. Nothing material could stand up to it, and using it against their shield spells had built up powerful defenses.

Dumbledore's guardian was no mere stone statue, however. The magical attack brought it fully to life and it lumbered forward, swinging its broadsword.

Without the DL, and without the Department of Mysteries battle, they probably would've panicked. But, Ron, Fred, George, Hermione, Hannah and Susan held their ground and they all opened fire at the charging statue. It took two volleys and almost reached the teens, but on the third the screaming gargoyle fell to dust.

"Professor Dumbledore's going to be so mad." said Hermione in a faint voice.

Susan gave her an angry look and sneered "Who's more important? Dumbledore? Or Harry?" The door to the Headmaster's office presented a new barrier that they began assaulting.

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Alarms had gone off in every Professor's office. The wards they all controlled to some degree screamed emergency and the source. Wands out, they all headed to the Headmaster's office. And, despite warnings to stay in dorms, students followed.

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Only staying away from the Unforgivables, Harry fought with everything he had. He nimbly dodged several spells, and viciously blasted away at Dumbledore. He couldn't tell if the Headmaster was fighting fully --- If so, he wasn't impressed --- Or Dumbledore was holding back. Harry found that thought insulting and, driven by adrenaline, fought harder.

Albus was fighting a two-front battle. He had only meant to contain Harry, to get the teen to listen to reason. Instead, he was facing a formidable, if inexperienced, opponent. Had he ONLY be battling Harry, Albus could have contained the teen until he exhausted himself. And that was exactly what he started with. But, his magic was suddenly drained when the gargoyle which guarded his office door came under assault. Not knowing the cause, he had no choice but to fully activate it, further draining his power. Torn between priorities, the Headmaster was now splitting his power between holding the door and matching Harry.

"HARRY STOP!!" screeched Hermione at the top of her lungs. She was the first one through as the door finally splintered.

Fred and George were next through, all they could do was stare at the spectacle.

Susan wasn't so passive. She immediately fired an "Expelliarmus!" at Dumbledore only to have her own wand go flying.

Outside the office, Ron and Hannah had been stunned from behind by Professors led by McGonagall and Sinestra. It was Moody that disarmed Susan. He then disarmed the Heads of Gryffindor and Slytherin. Gruffly, he commented "Those two have issues."

"Fighting is no way to resolve it!" Minerva complained "Potter! Desist!"

"We think Dumbledore…." George began.

Fred finished "…deserves a good thrashing."

"Potter's good---I grant that." Admitted Moody "But, he ain't that good. And he needs to realize that."

The odds shifted as more professors entered. Intervention became more likely, but less necessary. The Headmaster's shield solidified despite Harry's continued attack. Free of the need to fight two battles, Dumbledore was able to concentrate his power. Youth and adrenaline had served Harry well against Snape's experience. But, Dumbledore had ten times the younger wizard's knowledge.

"HOLD!" the command echoed, not in the room, but in everyone's minds. And a blinding gold light appeared between the two duelists. The light slowly faded and took the form of a person. The vague form became clearly a man. And, without apparent effect, he took the impacts of both Dumbledore's and Harry's final spells.

Harry slumped back against a wall and panted "Who…the …blood…y hell…er'you?"

"You were not in the best condition to talk, before, youth." The man said.

With visible effort, Dumbledore straightened and greeted the intruder "Hello Nicolas. You are looking remarkably well."

"Flamel." said Susan, more to herself than anyone else. Her memory flashed instantly to the first time she met the oldest living wizard. Meeting the reclusive celebrity had been something of a thrill. But, it had been clouded by Harry's then critical condition and the dire prediction that Susan deliberately avoided thinking about.

"How is it you're alive?" asked Hermione. She blushed slightly and added in a rush "What I mean is --- after First Year --- the Stone was destroyed."

After brief glances at the combatants, Flamel smiled paternally at her and replied "Ahh… a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Granger. A seeker of the truth in the best sense. Tell me, would you consider an event that is perhaps a week or a month away imminent?"

"I—suppose." She replied, haltingly.

"Well," he replied "being somewhat older, my timescale is rather more stretched out."

George snorted in amusement "Like an old sock."

"Like this one?" Flamel said lightly. He waved a hand and an old, torn sock materialized in the boy's mouth.

George spluttered and spit it out in disgust. Then, unable to help himself, joined in the laughter.

That was the moment Sirius entered the Headmaster's office. He took in the massive destruction and the oddly laughing group and demanded "Just what the bloody hell is going on?"

"Ahh…the notorious Mr. Black." Flamel said "I was pleased to hear the outcome of your trial. Your family has been somewhat anti-social recently. It is a vast relief to see someone like yourself break the pattern."

Feeling out of the loop and confused, Sirius replied "Thanks…I think…Harry, are you alright? What are you doing here? The professors could have handled whatever set off the alarms."

"Potter himself was the cause." Professor McGonagall snapped, angrily "Attacking the Headm---"

Flamel interrupted mildly "Minerva, loyalty is a wonderful thing. But blind loyalty will get you into trouble."

"HOW DARE YOU!" the Head of Gryffindor shot back. She was fuming. She didn't care who he was, no one talked to her like that.

The timbre of the ancient wizard's voice changed "Now, it would be best if I spoke to Albus and Harry alone." He said. And, before anyone realized it, they found themselves outside the Headmaster's office again.

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"I…I cou-couldn't h-help m-myself." Ron stuttered. "I can't believe I'm that pathetic! BOMBARDA!!"

The magically restored door to Dumbledore's office held.

"Easy Ron." said Sirius "we all followed orders. It wasn't like any imperious I've heard of though. I don't believe Harry's in any danger so…Why don't you tell me what's going on?"

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Shaking his head sadly, Flamel chided Dumbledore "Did I not tell you --- Albus --- just because people disagree with you, they are not evil."

"Finally!" Harry huffed "See!"

Giving the boy exactly the same expression, Flamel said "As I see it, Harry, in your conflicts with Albus and others you have been right approximately one-half of the time."

"Aww…wha-d-ya know?" Harry groused.

It wasn't the middle-aged face, but the ancient eyes that silenced his complaint "You and I shall discuss that later, Harry." said Flamel "The two major issues we need, Albus, are for you to also accept that you cannot save everyone."

"Severus---" the Headmaster began.

Flamel interrupted him smoothly "---Will either continue his current path, or not, of his own accord. Nor is it necessarily your fault. And, it certainly is not Harry's."

"I've about had it with hearing about Snape!" exclaimed Harry.

Dumbledore pinched his nose and said "Harry, had you not carried this grudge----"

"YOU'RE BLAMING THAT ON ME!!" Harry roared.

Flamel inserted a quiet "Enough." that silenced both of them "In this case, Albus, I must agree with Harry. And, perhaps, you could have helped the situation instead of making it worse. At any rate, the other concern is Harry's living arrangements for the summer."

"Of course, due to the Blood Mag---" began the Headmaster.

Glaring at him, Harry snarled "I'd rather live in a sewer than the Dursleys'!"

"That will not be necessary, child." Flamel assured him "And, I would point out that the wards you set up that day are beyond repair. I believe you know that, Albus."

Sighing defeatedly, Dumbledore nodded "Yes, Nicolas, I imagine so. I had hoped that, with some good will, they could be rebuilt."

"I can assure your safety, Harry, in a way that even Albus could not." said Flamel. "Except for two events, you would be entirely out of your enemy's reach."

Offering a sour look, Harry asked "Do you know everything?"

"Knowing everything --- As you put it, youth --- would require infinite knowledge and infinite power." Flamel replied "Now, might I suggest you take your leave of your friends. You and I will be quite busy and contact would be difficult. Meanwhile, Albus and I will settle other matters."

Harry felt amused to see someone talking to Dumbledore the same way as the Headmaster had always talked to him. But one thing worried him "Just how can you do that?"

"You will see when we get there, youth." Nicolas promised "It is best not to offer details, but we will be traveling quite far."

Harry left the two old wizards to talk. The door that had prevented anyone from entering easily yielded to him as he exited Dumbledore's office.

"Harry! I was so worried!" exclaimed Susan as she virtually attacked him.

Harry stroked her head comfortingly and said "I'm fine…why all the upset?"

All she could do was sob into his chest.

"What's the plan, mate?" asked Ron.

Harry tossed a rude look at the door and said "Well Bumbledore wanted me to go to the Dursleys for the summer again."

"NO BLOODY SODDING WAY!!" yelled Sirius. He threw himself against the door to the Headmaster's office and simply bounced. "I'LL KILL THEM THEN I'LL KILL HIM!!"

Harry felt quite pleased, in a way, that his Godfather had suddenly become so angry "Don't worry, Padfoot, that's not happening." he said.

"Oh?" asked Sirius.

Harry nodded "Uh-huh" he replied "Flamel don't even wanna tell Dumbledore where. Kinda wicked watching him get some of his own medicine."

"So, that's what he meant." Susan said sadly.

Harry pulled away a bit and, with a curious look, asked "What do you mean?"

"Flamel…" said Susan "…he said... He told me I wouldn't like it when I saw him again."

This time, Harry frowned and completely pulled out of the embrace "You mean you lied to me?" he asked, accusingly.

"Wha-huh?" confusion lined her face.

Betrayal in his expression, Harry said "Remember. We talked about Flamel. You told me you said EVERYTHING about what happened."

"You're totally wrong. And I don't much care for being called a liar." Her calm tone hid her hurt and anger.

Harry crossed his arms and countered "If the shoe fits---" He didn't finish the sentence as Susan walked off.

"That was low, Potter!" Hannah sneered "And especially after everything she's been through with you!" The blond Hufflepuff rushed off in pursuit of her friend.

Harry felt angry and regretful at the same time. He knew he was right to be angry. But, he hadn't meant to come down that hard. It wasn't that they'd never argued before, but Harry had a much quieter relationship with Susan than he had had with Ginny. Harry was lost in thought until Sirius squeezed his shoulder.

"It's been a while since I dealt with girls, Harry..." The former convict said "…But, I have a hunch something else was on her mind."

Harry slapped the corner of the wall and muttered to himself. Looking down three long hallways, he complained "Wish I had the Map."

"We'll sit with you." Sirius said, speaking for the group. "In the meantime, to quote Ron, what's the plan?"

Shifting his gaze to his Godfather, Harry replied "Well, Mr. Flamel offered to take me someplace where he says Voldemort can't reach me. Better than the Dursleys."

"What about Professor Dumbledore?" asked Hermione "He's always said you're safest with your Aunt."

Harry gave her an unpleasant look and replied "One, I don't think much of Dumbledore anymore. And two, remember last summer? If I never go near that hole again it'll be too soon!"

"Still, I would love to see Nicolas Flamel's home." Hermione said, wistfully (and as a change of subject) "Him and his wife have been around for so long they must have some interesting books."

Harry couldn't help laughing. "I'll see if he can't spare a few." He offered.

It was after fifteen minutes of waiting that Flamel and Dumbledore appeared "It is rather against my better judgment, Harry" the Headmaster said "but Nicolas is certain of maintaining your safety."

"Something…ain't it?" Harry commented "Not having all the answers."

Everyone looked quite uncomfortable at the blatant contempt. The Headmaster merely sighed "I look forward to seeing you in September. Good luck this summer."

"Time presses, Harry." Flamel said "Are you ready?"

Harry gazed down the hallways again, this time forlornly. He felt a new surge of anger and said "Ok. Fine. Let's go."

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Everyone had said their farewells to Harry and were gazing at the empty spot that he and Flamel had been standing in.

"He's gone, ain't he?" an angry sounding Susan complained. She had arrived just in time to see a faint outline of the two wizards vanishing.

Hermione turned to her "Please don't hate him, Sue." She said, softly "He doesn't understand why you…well… did what you did. I'm not exactly sure I do, either. What did you do, anyway?"

"Stay out---" she began, harshly. She shook her head and said "Cancel that…I'm sorry…And, no, I don't hate Harry. I'm angry…and confused. And now, it's gonna be how long before I see him again. And where did Flamel take him, anyway?"

Hermione sighed "Sorry, Sue, they wouldn't tell us. Only that it was better than his relatives'. But, really, Professor Dumbledore did not look happy."

"He's been looking for a way to pay Bumbledore back for---" Susan was chuckling. Abruptly, she stopped and finished the thought "---For always hiding things from him. And, that's the way Harry took it."

It was Ron, surprisingly, who had followed the rather disjointed thoughts "Harry thought you deliberately hid something from him. Something Flamel said." He said "Does that mean you forgive him? He really cares about you."

"Oooh-Hoo…No…He's not getting off that easy." declared Susan "Just because I understand him don't mean he don't deserve a good earful."

Hannah nodded curtly "Got that right…and then some."

"You leave that to me, Miss Abbott." Susan scolded her friend. She turned on Ron and Hermione as well and added "That applies to you, and you, too. They say when he'd be back?"

Hermione answered "Apparently, Mr. Flamel was aware of Bill and Fleur's wedding, as well as Frank and Paula's. He guaranteed Harry's return for them."

"That long." Susan commented, disappointedly. Her brother's wedding was scheduled for the first Saturday in August. The Weasley wedding on the second Saturday. The couple had received separate invitations to that. One had come to Susan through Amelia, who was Arthur Weasley's boss. The other, to Harry, had come directly from the bride. Fleur's note apologized for the groom's lack of manners, stated that she very much wanted to see her fellow Tri-Wizard Champion and, much to Harry's embarrassment, hoped that he would allow Gabrielle one dance with her hero.

ps. Anyone recognize the formula for the speeches at Hagrid's funeral?