Chapter 45
Tying Up Loose Ends
'Harry!'
Harry looked behind him. Red hair flowing behind her and eyes blazing, Ginny ran up the corridor towards him. There was a sense of urgency about her. Harry stopped walking and turned to face her. Ginny stopped in front of him. She didn't speak straight away, instead looking uncomfortable. As if she was about to tell him something she didn't want to. Harry had a feeling he knew what this was about.
'Harry,' Ginny started awkwardly, 'there's something I –'
Harry placed his finger over Ginny's lips. Her brown eyes looked at it, then up at him. Harry smiled and ran his hand over Ginny's cheek.
'I know about you and Neville,' said Harry quietly. 'Luna mentioned the, er … love bugs.'
A flush crept into Ginny's cheeks. Harry chuckled.
'I honestly didn't intend it to happen, Harry,' said Ginny. 'But it did. We knew it was wrong but neither of us wanted it to end. I'm sorry.'
'Don't be,' replied Harry. 'I don't blame you for finding someone else. There was no guarantee I'd live. I would have wanted you to move on if I didn't. I'm glad you've found someone else. Neville's a great guy.'
Ginny nodded, then said, 'Have spoken to Jenna?'
'Not yet.'
'Well, make sure you do,' said Ginny, smiling. 'She needs to know.'
Harry gave Ginny a strange look. She just shrugged and turned away. Harry watched as she walked down the corridor and turned the corner. To say he was disappointed is true, but Harry was glad she'd found someone else. Once she'd gone Harry continued to the Astronomy Tower. Taking the stairs two at a time Harry jogged towards the top of the Tower. He slowed as he approached it. Harry climbed the last few steps and stopped in front of the door. He couldn't hear anything behind it so Harry pushed it open and stepped on to the platform. His eyes travelled around it until they saw who he was looking for.
Sitting on the wall with her jacket lying on the ground behind her, Jenna silently faced away from him looking into the grounds. She hadn't noticed he was there. She sat back on her hands, her hair blowing behind her in a gentle breeze. Harry made a mental note to tell Jenna to grow her hair back; she didn't look right with short hair. Her fringe hid her eyes for a start. As Harry watched her his eyes were drawn to what Jenna was looking at. A silver doe, bright as the sun but pale in the rising daylight, was cantering about in the midair. And the only source of her was right in front of Harry. A smile came to his face.
The Patronus vanished as Jenna stirred. She swung her legs back over the wall to the platform. Bending to pick up her jacket, Harry caught a glimpse on the scars on her back as her top rode up. She'd been through so much for him. Now it was time for something to go right for her. As she stood straight, Jenna's eyes met his …
-o-
I ran all the way up to the seventh floor when I returned to my normal form. I slowed to a walk. My footsteps echoed in the empty corridor. I walked passed the one which led to the portrait of the Fat Lady and the warmth of the Gryffindor Tower. I turned the corner and walked down the next corridor. At the end was the door leading to the Astronomy Tower. It had been repaired since the fight last year.
I took hold of the handle and pushed the door open. I didn't rush, taking each step up the Tower slowly, my fingers brushing the wall as I walked. I past the door to the classroom and continued upwards. At the top of the stairs was another door. I opened it and stepped on to the observation platform of the Astronomy Tower. I shielded my eyes from the bright sun which had risen fully by now. It dazzled over the water of the lake creating an atmosphere so warm you wouldn't have thought a war could have just been fought on this ground.
I closed the door behind me and walked over to the wall. Pulling off my jacket I stretched, my camisole riding up slightly. I climbed on to it and swung my legs over the edge. I leant back on my hands and took a deep breath. I closed my eyes, feeling the breeze on my face. Such bliss. I sighed and looked out over the grounds. The remnants of the war were still there but none of that mattered to me. Voldemort was gone and so was Bellatrix. I was finally free from this ongoing battle.
I sat there for half an hour or so in silence, just staring into space. It was so peaceful, I didn't want to disturb it. I turned my wand in my fingers idly. With a smooth flick, I pointed it in front of me. I drew up my happiest memory and whispered, 'Expecto Patronum.' The doe Patronus burst form my wand and cantered around in a circle in front of me. I smiled at it. She continued to run, enjoying her freedom. Some said a Patronus was a representation of the soul. Well that was certainly true in my case.
As I watched the doe gamble about in the air a thought occurred to me. I still had to talk to Harry about what I did. About leaving him and … about my feelings. I sat up and sighed, running my hand through my hair and pushing my fringe back. He'd said he loved me but I hadn't reciprocated it yet. A part of me was still scared to do it. I glanced at the doe.
'It's easier for you,' I muttered to it. 'You just change and appear as the one I love. You don't have to say it.'
The doe looked at me then vanished. I sighed again then swung my legs back over the wall to the platform. I slid off the wall. I picked my jacket off the floor and turned for the door. I stopped when I saw who stood in front of it.
'Hey,' said Harry quietly.
Butterflies instantly rose in my stomach. He hadn't seen my Patronus, had he? I bit my lip nervously as Harry walked towards me. I couldn't tear my eyes from him. His clothes were dirty and torn from the fight; his body was covered in various cuts and scars; his hair was as wild as ever but a smile was on his face despite his tiredness. Well we'd all been up since yesterday. Harry stopped just in front of me. I stared up at him, not knowing what to say.
'Are you for real?'
'Why don't you see for yourself?' Harry suggested.
My heart rate sped up when Harry said that. I swallowed nervously and raised my hands. I looked down as I placed them on Harry's abdomen. I could feel him. I let out a short laugh. I couldn't believe he was here. I let them trail slowly up Harry's chest, feeling every part of him to make sure. Next I ran my hands over his shoulders and upper arms. I looked up at him. Harry smiled gently at me. I bit my lip and moved my hands to his neck and face, my fingers brushing his cheek. Harry raised his own and placed them on my waist.
'You're here,' I breathed. I wrapped my arms around Harry and hugged him. Harry hugged me back, holding me tightly. 'I wasn't dreaming … You're really here …'
'I said I'd always be here,' whispered Harry. He pulled back, his arms loose around my waist. He brushed back my hair and tucked it behind my ear. 'I said I'd never leave you.'
'But how is it possible?' I asked. 'I saw you die. I saw the Death Curse hit you.' My eyes travelled down to the area where he had been hit on the centre of his chest. I placed my hand over it. 'You were dead.'
Harry's hand took hold of mine making me look up.
'Not entirely,' he told me. I gave him a confused look. Harry chuckled. 'When Voldemort took my blood three years ago, he took my mother's protection and unintentionally tethered himself to me. So when he tried to kill me tonight, he did kill me but also injured himself in the fact that … part of his soul lived inside me.'
'What?' Harry raised his hand and pushed back his fringe, revealing his scar. I stared at it. 'Your scar … You were a Horcrux.'
'As long as a part of Voldemort lived in me, I was protected,' said Harry. 'When he killed me, he destroyed that last part of him, hurting himself but saving me. He knocked us both unconscious and I saw what he'd become. Both our souls appeared in this sort of King's Cross limbo. Then Dumbledore appeared and he explained everything.'
'Dumbledore was there?' Harry nodded. But he was dead, how –? 'Of course,' I breathed. 'Fawkes said he'd be back.'
'What d'you mean?'
'Last year, when he died and Fawkes performed that lament, I could hear what was being said,' I explained. 'Fawkes said Dumbledore would return and I guess he did in some ways. He returned to you, to guide you for the last time.'
'Well, he came back either way and gave me a choice,' said Harry. 'To move on or to come back. And I chose to come back. It turned out that Voldemort had knocked us unconscious for a few moments. I felt and heard everything that happened in the Forest and castle. From you defending me,' Harry raised my hand and linked his fingers with mine, 'to the soft touch of your hands. I felt and heard it all.'
Harry smiled at me. I smiled back. A thought then occurred to me.
'If you had the chance to move on then why did you come back? You had the chance to leave all this. Why come back?'
'I think Hermione called it my "saving people thing",' Harry joked. I laughed. 'I decided to come back because it started with me, it had to end with me. Plus, I'd worked out all that stuff to do with the Elder Wand so … I had to end it.'
I nodded.
'I'm just glad you're all right,' I said. I could feel the flush start to rise in my cheeks and I automatically looked down. 'I – I thought I'd lost you.'
I looked at Harry from beneath my eyelashes. I half expected him to laugh in my face at that. But when I saw that warm look in his eyes … It merely made my heart race even more.
'Speak for yourself,' said Harry. 'Watching that fight between you and Bellatrix. Were you trying to get yourself killed?'
'I had it under control,' I said reproachfully.
'Says the blood on your jacket.' Harry looked at me pointedly. I shrugged. I was fine now, wasn't I? 'Talking of that fight actually, it's just reminded me of something.'
'Really?' I asked.
'D'you want to explain the, er, wings you had back in the Hall?' asked Harry. 'And the healing tears back at Shell Cottage?'
'Oh …' I hesitated. 'Yeah well, um, about that …' Harry raised his eyebrow. 'It's kind of a long story.'
'Then give me the short version.'
I bit my lip in thought. There wasn't really any other way to get round it, was there?
'You remember I told you Bellatrix almost killed my Mum when she was pregnant with me?' I said. Harry nodded. 'Well, it was that same curse that she used on me last night. And, like me, Mum used phoenix tears to heal herself. Phoenix tears from Fawkes. And because she was pregnant with me and the gash was on her abdomen, some of their magic got through to me.'
I stepped back from Harry and raised my hand. I thought of Bellatrix. A fireball appeared in my hand. I extinguished it then thought of the wings. They sprouted from my shoulders and lifted me slightly off the ground. I let go of the thought and dropped back to the ground.
'So you can use a phoenix's magic?' asked Harry.
'Sort of,' I shrugged, 'but it won't last forever.'
I put my hand in my pocket and pulled out the ring. If this was what I thought it was, I could finally try that task I'd been set. Harry's reaction told me it was. His eyes widened when he saw it.
'That's the Resurrection Stone,' he said. Harry walked up to me and took the ring. 'I lost this in the Forest. How did you find it?'
'I saw it lying there when Voldemort marched us back to the castle. I purposely fell over and picked it up.'
'Jenna, you can't keep it,' said Harry, straight away. 'That Stone is dangerous. It won't give you what you want. It won't give you back your parents.'
'I don't intend to keep it,' I told him. 'But I do intend to use it.'
I took the ring back from Harry and faced away from him. I closed my eyes and turned it over three times in my fingers, thinking of who I wanted to see. A warmth started in my fingers and I opened my eyes. Five small balls of white light floated from the Stone. They floated away from where Harry and I stood then divided into a group of two and three. A few seconds later five people stood before us. James, Lily, Lupin, Dad and Mum were all smiling at us. They were here. I slipped the ring back into my pocket.
To look at James was like looking at an older version of Harry. He was the same height and wearing the clothes which he had died in, and his hair was untidy and ruffled exactly like Harry's. They had the exact same thin face and upon James's nose sat his round glasses, slightly lopsided.
Lily was as beautiful as I thought she would be. She had shoulder length hair pulled casually over one shoulder which she brushed back from her face; her green eyes were exactly the same as Harry's and her smile was warm and kind.
Dad was tall and handsome, looking younger than I'd ever seen him before. His grin was exactly how I remembered it, his shoulders slumped and his hands in his pockets in a casual elegance. His grey eyes fell on to me and his grin widened as he winked at me.
Lupin was younger too, and much less shabby, and his hair was thicker and darker than normal. So this is what he looked like. He looked much happier than I'd seen him before, glad to be back with his friends and his sister.
Mum was the shortest of the group, also the youngest. Her face was warm as she smiled at me, her blue eyes almost glinting with life. Her long hair was drawn back in a plait which went down the full length of her back, as sleek as my own black hair used to be before it was cut off. It was her I had most wanted to see.
Harry and I looked at each other then he went to join his parents. I watched as he went and spoke to them, being enveloped in Lily's arms, then looked back at my own. They were all watching at me. Lupin smiled warmly at me; Dad grinned and put his arm round Mum's waist; but to look at my Mum was like looking in a mirror. She looked like an older version of me and was as beautiful as I'd always imagined her.
'We are so proud of you, Jen,' said Sirius. He held out his arm, like he was welcoming me to them. I stepped closer to them but did not go right up to them. Dad looked at me strangely.
'What's wrong, sweetie?' said Tala. Her voice was so soft.
'Nothing,' I replied quickly. 'It's just … are you really here?'
'We're not here as such,' said Sirius. 'We're neither ghost nor human. More the souls of who we were. We are here but are still separated from this world by … a veil, if you want.'
'But otherwise we're as real as you want us to be,' finished Tala gently.
She held out her hand to me. I looked at it. I hesitated. I wanted so much to reach out and touch it, to be held by my Mum, but something was holding me back. Nonetheless when I looked at the group again I knew Mum was right. They were as real as I wanted them to be. Stepping closer I reached out my hand. My fingers touched Mum's. I couldn't feel her skin as such but I could feel her warmth. Mum smiled at me. Instantly I went and hugged her.
'I can't believe you're here,' I breathed. I felt like I was going to cry. Dad stood beside her gently stroking my hair while Lupin watched. 'There is so much I want to ask you, so much I want to tell you. So much …' I pulled back and looked at the three of them, 'so much I wish I could have done with you.'
I couldn't hide the sad tone in my voice. Mum and Dad looked at each other.
'We are so sorry, sweetie,' said Tala. 'We wish so much we could have been there for you properly. To help you discover and guide you through your magic like a parent should. It wasn't fair on you or Harry what happened.'
'But I had Remus,' I said, glancing at him. Lupin smiled at me. 'He helped me. He saved me from a life of loneliness, of never knowing. He was there whenever I needed him, doing what he promised to do when I was born. Being the best Uncle I'd ever have.'
'I tried, but even I made mistakes,' said Lupin. He was as modest as ever.
I smiled at Lupin for a moment but then I had that guilty feeling again.
'I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you about Bellatrix.'
'You have nothing to apologise for,' said Lupin firmly. 'I was as much in the wrong that day as anyone else. There were things I shouldn't have done which I did that I can't take back. However, it is our present actions that really count. You defending me was apology enough.'
I nodded, then proceeded to ask, 'Why didn't they tell me?' I blinked. A single tear fell from my eye. 'Why didn't my premonitions tell me you were going to die?'
'Because you had to learn there are some things you can't stop,' said Lupin gently. He placed his hand on my cheek; like with Mum, I could feel it was there but I couldn't feel his touch. His thumb wiped away the tear. 'You tried to stop both your Dad's and Cedric's deaths because you were warned about them. If you had been warned about mine, you wouldn't have tried to help me and I wouldn't be dead. But I was meant to die, just like the others were.'
'Everything happens for a reason, Jenna,' said Tala. 'But as you proved last night, you can go against what is predicted. What is meant to happen.'
'What d'you mean?' I asked.
'The future is fluid, always changing,' explained Tala. 'A month ago you had a premonition depicting Harry's death. In that premonition, you and Harry both walked into the Forbidden Forest and into Voldemort's grasp. However you made that premonition change.'
'How? I didn't do anything related to that premonition to try and stop it. I just … left it to play out.'
'Exactly,' said Tala. 'You didn't stop it. You followed your own path and it led you back to Harry the way it was meant to.' I glanced over my shoulder at where Harry stood with his parents. He was happily talking to them. In a brief moment our eyes met. He smiled. 'If you had gone back to Harry the moment you had that premonition to warn him then it would have changed. Harry would never have let you go with him. But what did make it change was what happened in that corridor last night. You didn't have to protect the others in the corridor but you did, weakening yourself greatly, and what happened after that changed the premonition.'
I thought about it. Harry had saved me in that corridor. That had made the premonition change? He'd said in the Forest that seeing me lying there made him realise … If I hadn't of protected the others, Harry would never have saved me. Did that mean Harry would have never told me how he felt? Was it really that which made him tell me?
'You made that premonition turn out the way it did, Jenna,' said Tala. 'Just like you've made mine turn out the way it has. Or at least, has so far.'
I knew the premonition Mum meant.
'That premonition you had before you died,' I muttered, 'it showed you guys all dead.' Tala nodded. 'But it also showed me … using Dark magic, didn't it?'
'Bellatrix had managed to corrupt you,' said Tala. 'That confrontation you had with her earlier was what almost made you what I saw, made you feel what you did. If she had managed to do what she wanted, then your natural magical skill combined with the magic you possessed from the phoenix would have made you a force to be reckoned with.'
'I know,' I said. 'When she said all that stuff, it was like I could feel something inside me trying to claw its way out. It threatened to take over me. Like there was a darkness inside of me. I just wanted to cause her so much pain and –'
'But it was your compassion for others which saved you.' Mum raised her hand and gently touched my cheek, just like Lupin used to. I looked at her. 'Like you said, it's that which makes you stronger. Your compassion for others. You showed Bellatrix compassion by sparing her life.'
'Mum, I still killed her,' I said. 'I fought and killed her barely two hours ago.'
'And showed remorse for it afterwards. Jenna, sweetie, you are not a killer and you are not a Dark witch. You are a kind, compassionate, strong young witch, and it was that which changed my premonition, allowing for my other one the possibility to come true.'
I smiled and nodded. I finally understood. Mum smiled back.
'Harry,' I called over to him. He turned and looked at me. 'Can I borrow your parents for a moment?' Harry nodded. He and his parents came and joined mine.
'What's this about, Jen?' he asked me.
'You'll see,' I replied.
Harry looked at me strangely as he came and stood beside me. I merely smiled then turned and faced the others. Mum, Dad, Remus, James and Lily were all watching us. I paused for a moment trying to think what to say.
'Every one of us has a part to play in the story of lives,' I said, telling them what Dumbledore had said to me. 'We find the tasks set to us sometimes difficult, sometimes unwanted, sometimes draining, but we all must do our parts. Only then do we realise our purpose in this world and see that there is always something worth fighting for. We must use our gifts, whether they be power, or wisdom, or love, for what they are intended for and live with the consequences they bring.
'Well … now I know what my part to play in this story is. It wasn't just to help Harry,' I glanced at him, 'but to give him something no one else could. I was given a gift and a task and I finally know how to do it.' I looked over at Mum. She beamed at me. 'Thanks for showing me the way.'
'What task were you given to do?' asked Sirius.
I took a breath, preparing myself for the worse, then said it.
'If you could have the chance to come back, if someone gave you the chance to come back, to have a family, would you take it?'
'There is nothing in the world we would want more than to be there for our children,' said Lily. I looked across at her. Harry really did have her eyes. 'But everyone knows no spell can bring back the dead. We have all moved on.'
'But if you had the chance, would you take it?' I asked again.
'Without a second's hesitation,' said James.
'We would take it the moment it was offered,' agreed Sirius. 'To have a second chance to be with you and Harry again … Nothing would compare to it.'
'Then it's a good thing I'm offering you that chance,' I said simply. Everyone stared at me. 'I have a gift, a gift from a phoenix, and the power to give you all a second chance to be with your children. I don't know if it will work but I believe in myself enough to give it a try. All I need to know is if you are also willing to try it too.'
'Jenna, hang on,' said Harry behind me. He took my arm and pulled me aside. 'Jenna, if you're saying what I think you're saying –' he whispered.
'I know what I'm doing, Harry,' I said quietly. 'Just trust me.'
'Jenna, if you try this, you could die,' said Harry.
'I know,' I replied simply. I looked Harry straight in the eye. 'But I've got to try. Don't you want to know your parents?'
'More than anything but it's not worth risking your life to do it.'
'You've got to let me try, Harry. There are some things in life we have to do and this is one of them. You've got to let me do it.' Harry looked at me worriedly. 'Just trust me.'
Harry continued to look worriedly at me for a minute or two more, then released my arm. I took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
'So, do you want to try?' I asked our parents and Lupin.
James and Dad looked at each other while Lily seemed unconvinced. Mum remained silent. I knew her view already. Lupin was the one to speak out.
'If you're willing to try it, then so am I,' he said. 'I believe in you, Jenna.'
'Dad? Mr and Mrs Potter?'
'What d'you reckon, Padfoot?' James asked Dad. 'She's your daughter.'
Dad looked at me, then smiled.
'I reckon she knows what she's doing,' he said.
'Then I'm in too,' said James.
'Go for it, Jen.'
Now I just needed Lily to agree. She was still looking warily at me. I could tell she didn't believe me.
'Lils?' James put his arm round her waist and brought her closer. He brushed back her hair. My heart skipped a beat as I saw how much like his father Harry really was, the exact same motions. 'What d'you think?'
'I just don't want to be disappointed,' said Lily. 'We're putting our future happiness in the hands of a seventeen year old witch who thinks she can defy all laws of magic. I don't want to get my hopes up for my son only to be disappointed.'
'Well I believe in her.' James and Lily both looked up; I looked behind me. Harry walked straight up to me and took my hand. My heart fluttered. Knowing that Harry believed in me seemed to make all the difference. 'I always have and I always will. I know how strong she is and she doesn't give up without a fight. If I can believe in her then surely you can too, Mum?'
Lily looked between her husband and her son. After a few minutes thought, she conceded.
'All right. I believe in you, Jenna.'
With everyone's agreement I sat down on the Astronomy Tower platform and started to work. I unclipped my bag and began digging around in it for various things. Everyone else watched from where they were. From my bag I pulled out a cauldron, my box of potion ingredients, the phial I'd poured some of the phoenix tears into and then most importantly, the letter that had the phoenix feathers inside.
'Jenna, are you sure you know what you're doing?' Harry asked me.
'No, I'm not,' I said. 'But I'll never know until I try.'
I pulled out my wand and placed my cauldron in front of me. Tapping my wand on it I used the Multiplying Charm to create four more cauldrons. I'd need those later. Next I created a fire with phoenix flame beneath the first cauldron and set about making the base that all potions needed. The only downside to making a potion was that the base always took nearly half an hour to make as it needed to simmer slowly until ready to start adding the ingredients. While the base simmered, I started to dig around my potion kit. I had the general ingredients that we used every year in Potions class along with several herbs and things I'd collected while on the run. But there was one thing I saw I was missing.
'I need Voldemort's wand,' I told Harry. 'I need the wand he used to kill your parents.'
'What good will that do?' asked Harry.
'His wand was made of yew. Some of the yew tree's magical properties are used in Healing Potions. It's associated with both life and death so it's magic will help reverse the effects of the Killing Curse. Or at least, I hope it will.' Harry looked at me sceptically. 'You said you believed in me,' I reminded him. 'Please, Harry.'
I could see Harry wasn't entirely willing. He finally conceded and said, 'I'll try and summon it. You get on with the rest of the potion.'
I smiled and thanked him. Harry stood up and, with a squeeze of his hand on my shoulder, walked over to the other side of the platform to summon Voldemort's wand. While he did that, I got on with the potion.
The base was now simmering gently. It was ready. Firstly I added some shredded nettle leaves. They were supposed to help remove curses and spells. I cut them up and put them into the cauldron and gave it a couple of stirs clockwise. All of this was pure guesswork. The potion turned a darker green, smoke rising up from it in gentle waves. Next I took out some asphodel and dittany, ingredients used in the Wiggenweld Potion, and threw them into the mix. The potion changed from green to a blood red. So far so good.
I let the potion simmer for ten minutes or so while I prepared the next ingredient. I pulled out from my potion box one of the ingredients I had collected. It was a small plant with delicate pink petals called a Spiritu and was supposed to restore life. It had seven petals. Gently I pulled each one off and put them into the potion. The colour paled slightly and let off spirals of red smoke. It smelt almost like roses.
'All I need now is the wand,' I muttered.
As if on cue, Harry appeared beside me. In his hand were two wands; his brown holly and phoenix feather, and its twin, the yew and phoenix feather white wand of Voldemort. He handed it to me then reassumed his seat beside me. From my bag I took out another phial. I broke the wand in two and put them inside it. Sparks hissed angrily like a snake from it. I pointed my own wand into the phial and said, 'Reducto.' The white wand instantly turned to ash from contact with the spell. I poured it into the potion. It turned grey.
'How much longer d'you think it'll be?' asked Harry.
'Shouldn't be too long,' I muttered. 'I need to let the potion mature for a few minutes and then there're a couple more ingredients I need to add.'
I gave the potion one last stir and it changed from grey to silver with a smooth texture. I then let it sit for five minutes. While it did that I sorted out the last of the ingredients. I checked the phial of phoenix tears. There was just enough in there for each potion. One drop would do. Next I picked up the letter from Dumbledore which told me about my powers. Inside were the phoenix feathers. I took out five of the six leaving one still in there. I placed them on the ground next to the tears.
'Right, now I have to divide the potion.'
I dug a ladle out from my bag and scooped up some of the potion. I divided it equally into the four other cauldrons I'd created, leaving some in the first. I lit phoenix fires underneath each of them to keep them simmering. The five separate potions bubbled gently in front of me in a semicircle, each giving off silvery wisps of smoke. The last ingredients were ready, the potion was ready. Now to see if this would work.
'Feathers of fire and life …'
I dropped one feather into each of the cauldrons. The potion changed instantly from silver to a gleaming mixture of gold and red.
'And the tears that heal …'
I picked up the phial of tears and uncorked it. Carefully I let a single drop fall into each. It was at that moment though I realised something was missing.
There was one last ingredient I needed. Blood from me and Harry. We had the blood that ran through our parents. It was a vital part of the potion to bring back our parents. Sure, my blood wasn't exactly Lupin's but I was his niece and I couldn't use baby Teddy's. Besides he'd always said I was his blood. I search around in my bag for a few moments to look for something to prick my finger with. You'd think in a bag of bits of bobs with the most random objects ever inside it I'd have a knife of some sort. I was sure Dad's knife was in here somewhere ... Found it.
'Harry, give me your hand,' I said. Harry held it out to me. I picked up the knife and placed it on his palm, folding his fingers around it and mine around his. 'This may hurt a bit.'
Harry gasped as the knife cut across his palm. I pulled it from his hand and gently squeezed it. A trickle of blood appeared at the hole. Quickly I held his hand over one of the cauldrons and squeezed it again. A single drop fell into the cauldron. It instantly turned emerald green in colour. I moved Harry's hand over a second cauldron and let another drop fall into it, again turning the potion emerald green. I let go of Harry's hand.
'Here,' I tapped it with my wand and whispered, 'Sanare.'
The cut healed itself leaving Harry's hand mark free. I then proceeded to do the same with my own. I placed knife in my hand and curled my fingers around it. Taking a breath, I pulled it out and felt it slice across my palm. The blood began to trickle to the edge of my hand so I held it above the remaining cauldrons. This time when the blood fell into it the potion turned pale blue.
'Blood of the children …'
I healed my hand then conjured five glasses and filled each with a separate potion, one for each of our parents. I handed Harry two of them to give to James and Lily and took the remaining three for Mum, Dad and Lupin. I got up and walked over to them.
'You all need to drink this,' I told them. 'If you can touch and hold Harry and me, you surely should be able to hold these.' I handed Mum, Dad and Lupin one of the glasses. Harry gave his to James and Lily. 'OK, drink them.'
'Cheers, Moony, Prongs,' said Sirius and he upended his glass, drinking the potion. Mum, Lupin, James and Lily followed suit.
'And souls of the ghost …' I took a deep breath while they finished their potions. 'Return what was lost. Let them now be real.'
I stepped back from my parents, Harry doing the same, and watched. They each put down their glasses on the wall behind them and waited. Nothing seemed to be happen. I sighed; the potion hadn't worked. I'd wanted so much for that potion to work, to be able to be with my parents. I let out a sigh of disappointment and went to clear up my things. I took a step forwards –
-o-
'Jenna!' Harry ran forwards and caught Jenna as her legs gave way. He put his arms around her to help her stand but Jenna didn't have the strength. Her skin had paled and she was barely breathing. 'Jen, what's wrong?'
'I don't know,' she breathed. 'I feel … weak …'
Jenna let out a breath and fell unconscious. From her chest a small flame rose up, hovering above her. Harry watched as it floated in front of him. It grew larger until there was a bright flash. Harry shielded his eyes with his arm. Fawkes appeared in place of the flame. He floated in front of him, his black eyes focused on Harry.
'Harry Potter,' said a voice. Harry looked at Jenna; it was coming from her but it wasn't her voice. 'It is not Jenna who is speaking,' said the voice. Harry automatically looked up at the phoenix. He bowed his head at him. 'I have temporarily borrowed her body so I can speak to you. Do not fret, she is safe,' Fawkes added as a look of fear crossed Harry's face. 'But only until you have made your decision.'
'What d'you mean?' asked Harry.
'I am here to present you with a choice,' said Fawkes. 'I bestowed upon Jenna some of my powers before she was born. She has used them wisely, to help others. Now, in according with a vision her mother had, she is trying to help you by returning your parents to you. However, it is not as simple as that.
'Jenna does not possess the magical strength to complete the spell. It is that which called me here. You now have to make a choice, Harry Potter. A life for a life, a wand for a wand.'
'What are you talking about?' said Harry. 'Where is Jenna? What have you done with her?'
'I have told you, she is safe,' said Fawkes. 'Her soul is intact but momentarily absent from her body while I speak to you.'
'But what is this choice I have? A life for a life, wand for a wand?'
'Because Jenna does not have the magical strength to complete the spell on her own, she cannot sustain her life as well as the others in order to return them to this world. Her life is now in your hands; it is up to you who you decide to save: choose Jenna, you will reclaim her soul; restore the life of your parents and Jenna takes their place.'
'Hey, wait a minute!' said Harry. 'Are you saying if I choose my parents, Jenna dies? That isn't fair! I can't choose between her and my parents. It's not a fair choice!'
'You cannot save both, Harry Potter,' said Fawkes. 'A life for a life, a wand for a wand.'
'That's not fair!' repeated Harry. 'I can't choose.'
'You must,' said Fawkes. 'Choose wisely, Harry Potter.'
It appeared that Harry didn't have any other option. He looked across at his parents. His father was smiling at him, his mother beside him, her green eyes blazing with life. Harry turned and looked at Jenna in his arms. She just lay there in his arms unconscious, her eyes closed and breathing steady as Fawkes used her body to communicate with him. He couldn't lose her, not now, not after all they'd been through. It just wasn't fair. Harry wanted both to be with his parents and Jenna. He had to choose.
After a few moments thought, Harry looked up at Fawkes.
'Have you chosen, Harry Potter?' he asked.
'Yes,' replied Harry. Fawkes waited expectantly. 'And I choose Jenna.'
Fawkes bowed his head, and said, 'You have chosen well, Harry Potter. I stay true to my word. I restore Jenna's soul to you.'
The phoenix let out a cry and vanished into flame.
-o-
I opened my eyes to find myself resting against Harry, being held up by his arms. I swallowed and took several deep breaths. What had just happened? All I could remember was going to clear up my potion equipment then passing out. My head was thumping and I felt like I was going to faint again. It was like my magic had been drained.
'What happened?' I asked. I stood straight with Harry's help.
'You passed out,' said Harry. 'You didn't have the energy to complete the spell. Fawkes had to restore you.'
I looked across at our parents to see they were still there but no more solid than before.
'I really wanted it to work,' I said. I buried my face into Harry's shoulder and held on to him. 'I just wanted to give you back your parents.'
'I know you did,' said Harry gently. 'But I couldn't risk you.' I pulled back and looked at Harry strangely. 'Fawkes gave me a choice. I could either choose you and lose my parents, or have my parents back and you take their place. I wasn't going to choose them over you. I had my time with them. Now … it's my time with you.'
'But why?' I asked. 'You had the chance to be with your parents. Why choose me?'
Harry looked straight into my eyes. My heart skipped a beat at what I saw inside them.
A strange glow started behind us causing Harry and I to turn round. It was coming from our parents. Slowly their souls became more opaque and solid; colour appeared in their faces from the black of Dad's hair to the green of Lily's eyes; they no longer seemed to float above the ground but their feet stand firmly on the stone. A voice suddenly spoke to us.
'You chose well, Harry Potter, and because of your love for this woman, I aid her spell and give your parents a second chance. I return them all to you.'
A bright flash. Harry instantly pulled me into him. After a few seconds I felt Harry's grip relax and I looked up. Our parents were still there, standing in front of us. They looked at each other, their eyes scrutinizing every inch of themselves and the person they were next to, their hands touching their bodies and faces. I looked at Harry then stepped away from him towards them. I approached our parents cautiously and held out my hand, just like Mum had done with me. I waited for one of them to respond. They all looked at me but Mum was the first to respond. She reached out and touched her fingertips to mine.
'I can feel you,' I breathed. 'I can feel you.' I pressed my hand against Mum's, linking my fingers with her own. 'It worked! Harry, it worked!'
I stepped forwards and wrapped my arms around Mum. I heard Harry's footsteps approach us and he too was hugged by his parents. The potion had worked! I could feel Mum's arms around me, feel her breath on my neck as she held me, feel Dad's hand stroking my hair. I felt like I was going to cry. I was just so happy. I finally had my parents! But I noticed someone wasn't there.
'Where's Remus?' I asked. I pulled back from Mum and looked between her and Dad. 'Where'd Remus go?'
We looked around but there was no sign of him. Surely the potion had worked for him too? He was nowhere. I heard a noise start from behind the door. I turned round as Mum and Dad looked up. The door to the stairs was pushed open. Standing in the doorway, breathing heavily from the sprint he'd just done and back in the worn clothes he died in, was Lupin, looking the same young self his soul had been. His brown eyes met mine. Instantly I ran at him and into his open arms. Lupin picked me up in his embrace, holding me tightly and swinging me around. After a few moments Lupin put me down but his arms remained around me. He held me tightly, his hand stroking my hair. I buried my face in his robes, breathing in his comforting smell. Eventually he pulled back. Lupin took my face in his hands, his eyes roving over me.
'Thank you,' he breathed. 'Thank you so much, Jenna.'
'I said I'd come back for you,' I cried, unable to hide my happiness. 'I promised.'
Lupin smiled at me, a smile so warm it almost didn't seem like him. I'd never seen him look this young or happy. Mum and Dad then came and joined us.
'I knew you'd figure it out,' said Tala. She smiled at me. 'My brave little girl.'
'Enough of the little, Mum,' I replied. It felt weird to be able to say "Mum". 'I'm seventeen, you know.'
'You'll always be my little girl, no matter how big you get.' She gave me a kiss on my forehead. It felt so nice. 'I am so proud of you.'
'We all are,' said Sirius. He stood next to Mum, his arm around her waist and his other round me, the grin I'd seen so often before gracing his handsome face. 'Our little firebird.'
'Firebird?' I repeated. 'Why that?'
'Why not?' countered Sirius. I laughed. Same old Dad.
The next half an hour or so I remained with my parents, Harry with his, on the platform of the Astronomy Tower simply talking. In that time I saw that the potion had brought back our parents exactly how they were when they died. Of course, Mum was a bit annoyed she'd aged seventeen years without her knowing but, what are you going to do? But what made Lupin the happiest was that because I'd used my blood to bring him back he was no longer infected with lycanthropy. The werewolf inside of him was gone for good. He could finally have his life back.
'Jenna, I don't how to thank you,' said Lupin. 'You've brought me more happiness in my life than I could have ever had alone.'
'Just love Teddy the same way you loved me,' I said. 'Teddy needs his father.'
'Who's Teddy?' asked Sirius.
'Teddy is mine and Dora's son,' explained Lupin. Mum looked at him astounded.
'Sorry, is this my brother speaking?' she said. She put her hand on his face and turned it from side to side. 'The brother who believed that no one would ever love him? Who resigned himself to loneliness at sixteen? Hang on, I have a nephew?'
'More importantly, who's Dora?' said Sirius. He looked at Lupin pointedly.
'Nymphadora, Sirius.' Lupin held up his hand. His wedding ring glinted in the sunlight. 'I married her last year and she gave birth to Teddy in April.'
'And you got ratty at me for falling for Tala!' said Sirius. 'You're such a hypocrite, Moony!'
Mum and I looked at each other as Dad and Lupin began arguing. I guess this was what they used to be like when they were my age. Mum merely sighed and shook her head in exasperation at her husband and brother. I laughed in agreement.
'I think someone over there wants to speak to you,' she then said to me. I looked at her strangely. She nodded at someone behind me. I followed her nod and saw Harry watching me as he spoke to his parents. 'He's been watching you for the last five minutes,' said Tala quietly. 'Why don't you go speak to him?'
'Only if he wants to,' I muttered. Mum raised her eyebrows. I just shook my head.
Coincidence or not, a few minutes after that Harry, Lily and James came and joined us. Mum, Dad and Lupin greeted their old friends warmly. The Marauders were reunited at last. Just behind them I saw Harry waiting silently, his eyes on me. He smiled. I smiled back nervously. I felt a flush creep into my cheeks. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Mum look at me pointedly. She nodded in Harry's direction. I took the hint. As our parents began talking, I walked over to Harry.
'Hey,' I said quietly.
'Hey,' said Harry in return.
Silence followed for a moment or two. I stood there, my hands in front of me twisting in nerves, looking up at Harry. He smiled back, that warm glow deep within his green eyes.
'Thank you,' said Harry after a while. 'Thank you for giving me back my parents.'
'Don't thank me,' I replied. 'Thank Bellatrix and Fawkes. It was his magic and because of her that I got it. And because of you …' I felt my cheeks get hotter, 'because of your choice.'
Again silence. We just looked at each other, not saying a word. I still felt slightly drained from what had happened. I stumbled slightly but Harry caught me just in time before I fell. His arms went round my waist and held me up while my hands grabbed on to his arms to keep my balance. He helped me stand, his arms remaining round me.
'You OK?' he asked, worried.
'Yeah,' I breathed. I ran my hand over my face. It felt quite hot, like I had a fever. I pushed back my hair and took a deep breath. 'I just feel a little dizzy at the moment, that's all. I guess I've used those powers on what they were intended for.' I looked up at Harry. 'I'm finally normal. Well, as normal as I'll ever be.'
Harry chuckled.
'Before I forget …' I took the Resurrection Stone back out my pocket. I gave it to Harry. 'D'you want to do the honours?'
Harry took the ring and pulled out his wand. With a tap, the ring was Banished, flying towards the Forbidden Forest to be lost forever. Harry then turned and faced me. 'Done.'
Another silence was held between us. We just stood there in each others arms, Harry's around my waist and my hands resting on his chest. As the seconds ticked by I felt Harry's hand move up to my face. He gently ran his fingers over my cheek as he brushed back my hair, his finger then curling under my chin. He raised it ever so slightly. It was then I noticed how close we were to each other. My heart began to race again. I saw Harry move closer to me. I knew what he was going to do. However, as he was about to kiss me, I placed my finger on his lips and stopped him. Harry pulled back.
'Why did you stop me?' he asked, confused.
I had a more important question on my mind before anything else happened between us. Preparing myself for what could happen, I said, 'Have you spoken to Ginny?'
Harry closed his eyes and sighed. I guess he'd expected this.
'I knew this was coming,' he said. Thought so. 'What if I haven't?'
'Then you know I won't do anything,' I replied.
'Why?' asked Harry.
'Because I can't let myself do that. I would never get in between you and whoever you were with, no matter how I felt.'
'Then I guess it's a good job I have,' said Harry. 'I already knew about her and Neville.' I looked at Harry strangely. He did? 'Luna told me about the love bugs the day after she and Dean snuck out to Hogwarts. On your request, I believe.'
Harry raised his eyebrow at me. I automatically looked away. Yeah, about that …
'What happened, Jenna?' Harry continued. 'Why did you leave?' I turned away from Harry. I wasn't ready for this. 'Because you didn't want to accept you had feelings for me?'
I didn't reply. Footsteps approached me. I felt a hand on my face. Harry stood in front of me, his hand holding my face.
'Do you have feelings for me?' asked Harry softly. His voice was so deep, so soft. How could I have never noticed this before? A shiver ran down my spin. I tried to look away but Harry's hand kept my face raised to his 'No, don't run from me. Just tell me the truth. Do you have feelings for me?'
I swallowed trying to repress my nerves. I lowered my eyes then said, 'Yes.'
'How long for?'
'Since our kiss at Christmas at The Burrow.'
I raised my eyes to see Harry gazing down on me, an almost disappointed look on his face.
'Jenna, why didn't you tell me?' asked Harry. 'Why didn't you tell me you had feelings for me?'
'Because I couldn't,' I said. 'Because … because I was scared.'
'Scared of what? Of Voldemort? Of me dying –?'
'I was never scared of you dying.'
I broke free of Harry's grip and turned away. It hurt to much to look at him as I admitted the reason why I couldn't love him, something which was surprising me as well. I stood away from him. My arms were crossed over my chest and clutching each other, my eyes were focused in front of me.
'Then what were you scared of? Because, Jenna, I sure as hell don't know.'
'Of losing you to someone else. Seeing you kiss Ginny, it was like someone had ripped out my heart. It hurt so much to watch the two of you together, knowing I would never have that with you. But no matter how much it hurt watching you with someone else, it always hurt more when we kissed, knowing you couldn't be mine.'
I let out a silent sigh. I couldn't believe I was saying this.
'I thought if I kept my distance, I'd get over you. I thought if I pretended I was imagining these feelings then they would go away. I was wrong. All it did was make those feelings stronger. But every time I saw you with Ginny, I knew that my feelings weren't returned, that you felt nothing for me, and it felt like I no longer had a place in your life.'
I heard footsteps approaching me followed by his hands resting on my shoulders. I tensed slightly, closing my eyes. He then proceeded to hold me, his arms travelling round my waist and across my chest so his hand gripped my shoulder. I held on to him.
'That works two ways,' said Harry quietly. 'Like I told you, seeing you kissing that other guy, the temptation to just walk up to him and punch him, to stop him from kissing you, was unbearable to hold back. It felt like he was trying to steal you away from me.'
I felt myself being turned around and I opened my eyes to come face to face with his own, my blue ones gazing into his green, our faces so close together. A soft smile was on Harry's face as he gazed down on me. My heart raced. His arms held me round my waist, our bodies just touching each other.
'Since that kiss in the snow, I'd been feeling things for you too. Things I'd never felt before, not even for Ginny. I couldn't get you out of my head after that. You made my heart beat faster every time I saw you. Made me forget what was happening every time we kissed. Each time I wondered if you ever got the same feelings I did or whether I'd ever get the chance to kiss you again, hoping I would. But the more times we kissed, the further apart we became. I hated it and I wanted to know why you were pushing me away. But you ran. Why?'
I swallowed, not wanting to say it. I was scared what would happen, that this would drive Harry away from me.
'The hardest part of loving you was watching you love someone else so when you found out, I ran,' I muttered. 'I didn't want to admit my feelings because that would mean admitting to what I'd pretended wasn't there. The trap I didn't want to fall into but already had. You see … I screwed up. I did fall for you.'
I waited for Harry's reaction. The smile was still on his face as he gazed down at me. For a second time Harry moved closer and leant down to kiss me. And a second time, I stopped it, this time by looking away. Harry let out a frustrated sigh.
'Jen, come on, why do you still block me out?' he asked. I could hear the anger simmering in his voice. 'I know you're scared, hell, I am too, but this is the first time in my life I've ever been sure about something. So sure that what I'm feeling for you is real, sure I want to be able to hold you and kiss you whenever I want. Sure that it's you I want to be with.'
I looked at Harry, shocked. He was really serious about this, wasn't he?
'I can't lose you, Jen. Watching you fight Bellatrix was like watching Voldemort personally torturing you. Don't do this to me. I want to know you'll always be by my side, be there when I need you. I love you. You're my world and I don't know what I'd do without you.'
I didn't reply straight away. I just watched him. Harry sounded so genuine. I could see the desperation in his eyes. A smile slowly came to my face. Gently I placed my hand on his cheek, stroking it, before running my fingers through his wild hair. It was so soft, gliding through them with such ease. I let out a short laugh at how pathetic we both were.
'That's the cheesiest thing you've ever said to me, Harry James Potter,' I told him. 'But somehow … it worked.'
If it was possible, the smile on Harry's face grew as he gazed down on me. I was at least half a foot shorter than him. He ran his hand over my cheek, brushing back my hair, while his other took mine. His fingers linked with my own.
'You know … I met a little girl years ago after she was bullied by my cousin in a playground. That same girl then told me a few years later that if you looked into someone's eyes, you could sometimes see into their hearts, as if they were a key to them …' I bit my lip, blushing. I remembered the necklace he'd given me. 'Now that girl has grown into a beautiful woman and she stands before me. And I love her more than anything.'
I raised my eyebrow at Harry.
'I too met a little boy years ago when his cousin tried to hassle me. Never did I think we'd go through so much together. Never did I think that scrawny kid could turn into such a handsome man …' I ran my hand through his hair again, 'even with his unruly hair.' Harry laughed. 'In sixth year he told me no one would be good enough for me unless they could win the key to my heart. Well someone has won it …'
I picked up the chain that hung around my neck and pulled it out from underneath my top. On the end of it lay a heart pendant. But no key. Harry eyes flicked down to it, then back to me. I removed my hand from his hair and placed it on his collar bone. Reaching beneath his t-shirt, I pulled out another thin chain, a small key hanging from it. Nonverbal Switching Spell and Multiply Spell on the chain.
'If you told me back then that he'd be the man I fell in love with, I'd say you were under a Jesting Charm. But the thing is, I am in love with him … I always have been and I always will be.'
There was a moments silence in which Harry and I just stood there. One of his hands was gently resting on my waist while his other gripped my, our fingers interlocked, while my free hand rested on his chest. Our eyes looked into each others, blue into green, until I had to look away out of sheer nervousness. I looked at my hand, my fingers pulling at some loose threads in Harry's shirt.
'When you first met me, did you ever think this would happen?' I asked quietly. 'That we'd fall in love?'
'No,' replied Harry. 'But I'm glad it did.' Harry released my hand. He brushed back my hair and raised my face. 'Now how about I give you that kiss I owe you?'
'But we've kissed twice since then,' I replied.
'Ah well, yeah, we have,' said Harry casually, 'but the first time, you kissed me, and the second time, I thought I'd never get to see you again. Different circumstances.'
'Just because we know how we feel about each other now doesn't mean you can think you'll get to kiss me whenever you want,' I teased.
'We'll just have to see about that,' said Harry slyly. He wrapped his other arm round my waist, bringing me even closer. 'After all, third time's a charm.'
He lifted his hand and touched my cheek. My eyes remained on him, watching. Harry moved closer, leaning down to me. I knew what was going to happen and this time I wasn't going to stop it. Instinctively I tilted my head, my eyes closing. I felt Harry's lips brush mine sending a shiver down my spine. I took in a sharp breath and tensed but then Harry's lips were on mine and everything seemed to no longer matter to me.
Harry's grip around me tightened as the kiss continued, our bodies pressing together. Our lips moved slowly against each other. I held and savoured each one of them. Harry's hand stroked my face and I felt his fingers run through my hair. Our kisses deepened, taking me by surprise when Harry pulled back, his teeth gently grazing my bottom lip, then went for another kiss. I felt Harry's tongue run over my lips asking for access. A shiver ran down my spine and I denied him at first, only granting him passage as my own need increased. Hesitantly I ran my hand up Harry's chest to touch his face. My fingers stroked his cheek until I raised my other arm, wrapping them both round Harry's neck in an effort to pull myself closer to him. I was in heaven and I didn't want this dream to end.
-o-
For the last half an hour or so, Lily, James, Tala, Sirius and Remus had been talking. It was exactly like how it used to be. The five of them together again talking about whatever they felt like, all thanks to the belief of their children. As they did so, Tala's eyes drifted to the other side of the Astronomy Tower platform where Jenna stood with Harry. The two of them were facing each other as they spoke. Tala watched curiously. There was a strange closeness being shared between the two of them. It seemed so familiar to her. As the others continued to talk, Tala's attention remained drawn to the two teenagers and when she saw Harry move in closer to Jenna, realisation hit her.
'Guys,' said Tala quietly. 'Remember when we found out we were in love? Me and Sirius, Lily and James, now Remus and Dora.' They all nodded. 'Well, I think there's just that little bit more love in the air. Look.'
James, Sirius, Remus and Lily all looked at her. Tala nodded her head towards the other side of the platform. The four of them looked over to where she was indicating. They saw Harry and Jenna standing together, Harry's arm wrapped round Jenna's waist while her hand rested on his chest. Their eyes were focused on each other, not realising that they were being watched by their parents. The five of them watched in silence.
Harry wrapped his other arm round Jenna and brought her closer, their bodies touching. He lifted his hand and stroked Jenna's cheek. He loved the feel of Jenna's skin beneath his hand. Actually, Harry loved everything about her. He leaned down to her, his eyes closing. Almost instinctively Jenna raised her face to his, her blue eyes closed as well. Their lips gently brushed each other for the briefest of seconds until, unable to wait any longer, Harry closed the gap and pressed his lips against Jenna's.
A spark seemed to shoot through the pair of them as the kiss continued, their lips slowly starting to move against each other in long, passionate movements. Harry's grip instantly tightened around Jenna to bring her closer, holding her and not wanting to let her go. He raised his hand and let his fingers run through Jenna's hair. It was so soft. Their kisses deepened. A shiver ran down Jenna's spine when she felt Harry's tongue run over her lips and, after denying him first, she responded hungrily to his motions by granting him passage. Her hand which had resting on Harry's chest made its way up to his face. Jenna's arms continued until they were wrapped around Harry's neck, removing any remaining space between their bodies.
Their kisses continued, the pair of them oblivious to the fact that their parents and family were watching them. They were content in a world of their own, not wanting to be disturbed. James and Sirius looked at each other. They knew they were thinking the same thing. After all, once a Marauder, always a Marauder.
'Er, shall we, Prongs?' asked Sirius offhandedly. 'You know, for old times sake.'
James glanced at his son, then back at his best friend, grinning.
'I will if you are,' he replied. He looked at the two teenagers one last time, still kissing, then back at Sirius. He nodded. 'Go on, get in there, my son!'
'Get a room!'
-o-
Harry and I broke apart as we heard the voices of our Dads jeering at us. We looked across at them to see James and Dad having a hoot of a time while Mum and Lily were shaking their heads at their husbands. Lupin just shrugged at us then nodded his approval, a smile on his face. I couldn't help but laugh. Our parents had been back half an hour and they were already back to their usual selves. I rested my forehead against Harry's chest in embarrassment and wrapped my arms round him. Harry too was laughing as he held me, his arms loose around my waist and his chin resting on my head.
'Is it too late to reverse the spell?' I asked. Harry smiled and looked down on me.
'Would you really want to?' he asked.
I thought for a moment, watching our parents, then said, 'Never.' I sighed and snuggled into Harry's arms. I reached up and gently gave Harry another kiss. It lasted several seconds before I pulled back and said, 'I have everything I've ever dreamed of now.'
'Merlin, who'd of thunk it, Prongs,' Sirius said loudly. 'Your son and my daughter. Getting it on.'
'Oh, Sirius!' I sniggered as Mum gave Dad a sharp tap on the shoulder. He pouted at her. 'Leave them alone. Insensitive git.'
'So, is this what it looks like or are James and Sirius's remarks invalid?' said Lupin lightly. He raised a knowing eyebrow at me and Harry. I blushed.
'Yeah,' replied Harry. He brought me closer. 'It is what it looks like.'
'Merlin, who would have thought,' said James. 'Seems like the Potter charm lives on.'
'In your dreams, James,' said Lily. 'I'm sure Harry was a perfect gentleman.'
'That's the charm! You should know that, Lils. You fell for it too.'
Lily gave me a significant look.
'I hope you know what you're in for, Jenna,' she told me. 'Potter men are hard to handle.'
'You forget though, Lily,' said Sirius. 'She's got Black blood. She'll be able to handle him.'
Harry and I glanced at each other.
'I think I have it under control.'
It was nearing half past eight when Harry and I left our parents. Leaving them to explain what happen, Lupin took them down to find any of the Weasleys or teachers while Harry and I returned to the Gryffindor Tower. We walked down from the Astronomy Tower and headed back to the common room. We walked in a comfortable silence, my hand clasped in Harry's. When we entered the common room to find it was empty. I let go of Harry's hand and started for the staircase to the girls' dormitories. However, Harry had other ideas.
With a soft kiss, Harry took my hand and led me away from the girl's dormitory door. I followed willingly. We climbed up the staircase to the boys' dormitories to the top where the seventh year boys' dormitory was. Harry pushed the door open. We looked inside. Seamus, Neville and Dean were all asleep in their beds, the hangings pulled round them. In the other occupied bed, I saw Ron and Hermione lying there together. Ron had his arm round Hermione's waist and the pair of them were asleep.
'It's about time those two got their acts together,' I whispered, looking at them.
'Yeah,' agreed Harry. He took out his wand and flicked it at Ron's bed. The hangings pulled shut. 'Best give them some privacy.'
I nodded in agreement.
Taking my hand again, Harry led me inside and over to his bed. I followed. We sat down on it facing each other. Harry flicked his wand. The hangings drew shut and a Silencing Charm was put around us. The glow of the morning was the only light in the room, shining through the window beside Harry's bed. Neither of us spoke. We seemed as unsure as each other about what to do. But when I looked at him, I didn't see the boy I'd met almost ten years ago; I didn't see The Boy Who Lived or the Chosen One; I saw the handsome young man Harry had become, brave, strong and with the courage of a true Gryffindor.
'I can't believe it's over,' I breathed. 'You're finally free, Harry. To live your life as you want it.'
'And with who I want,' said Harry. He moved closer and kissed my cheek. 'And I want to be with you.'
I blushed, looking away from him, but I couldn't help but smile. I bit my lip as my nerves crept in again. I never used to be this nervous around Harry before. I felt like an embarrassed little schoolgirl. I looked back at Harry to see him smiling back at me. Next moment we were kissing again, Harry's hand on my neck, my own resting on his chest. I followed Harry's rhythm, our lips fitting perfectly. The kisses were long and I could feel the passion in them.
I felt Harry's arm creep round my waist and bring me closer. I ran my hands up Harry's chest and pushed the jacket off his shoulders, continuing down his arms. They were so strong, so powerful. My hands travelled down them until they found the bottom of his t-shirt. Harry's hands moved on top of my own. His t-shirt was soon discarded, my hands exploring his bare chest. I felt Harry's arm go back round my waist and I was lowered back on to the bed, his hand trailing up my side.
After a while Harry and I broke apart. We didn't say anything and our eyes didn't part as he lay lightly over me. I could feel my heart racing and we were both panting slightly. The butterflies in my stomach were going crazy. I raised my hand and brushed back Harry's hair, letting my fingers linger on his cheek, then rested it on his torso. His muscles tensed at my touch causing me to gasp slightly. Stealing a glance I saw Harry's chest was very well defined for his age. I instantly blushed. Harry laughed gently then gave me another light kiss on the lips.
'You know, you're cute when you blush,' Harry whispered when he pulled back. 'If I'd known you embarrass this easily, I would have tried it years ago.'
'It's you who makes me blush,' I said. 'Ten years ago, I didn't exactly picture myself kissing you without a shirt on. Actually I didn't picture myself kissing you at all.'
'And are you disappointed?' asked Harry.
I gazed up at Harry for a second, then said, 'No, you've never disappointed me. We've been through our hardships, yeah, but never did you disappoint me. It's just that I can't believe this is happening to us. Falling in love at seventeen.'
'You're not regretting it, are you?'
'No.' I looked at Harry earnestly. 'I just can't believe it's me you chose. There are tons of girls who would fall at your feet because of who you are, this Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One. None of them know you like I do. And the fact that you picked me …'
Harry placed his finger over my lips to stop me.
'I picked you because I fell in love with you,' said Harry. 'I want to be with you, Jenna. I don't want to lose you. I want you beside me now and always and not have to worry for your safety any longer. But I also want you to love me like I know you do inside.'
'I think I can do that,' I replied.
Harry smiled, then kissed me, and said, 'Now, I believe all that is left to discuss is my access rights over a certain piercing I know to lie in your belly button.'
'How did you know about that?' I asked.
'I have my sources,' mused Harry. 'But never mind that. I have the right to see that piercing.'
'Oh, do you?' I teased, running my finger down his chest.
'Yeah, I do,' said Harry, grinning. 'If I'm correct, I now obtain all access rights over that piercing meaning I can see it whenever I like and do whatever I please with it. In fact, I want to see it right now and you are powerless to stop me.'
'Am I now? And what gives you that idea?'
'Because you're ticklish.'
I squealed as Harry moved on top of me, his hands running up and down my sides trying to lift up my top as I tried to keep it down. I squirmed beneath him but I loved every second of his attention. Taking control Harry took my hands and held them above my head with one of his. He straddled me and lifted my top with his free hand. He pressed it lightly on my stomach to keep me still then bent down and kissed my piercing. I watched as he then held himself above me resting on his elbows, looking into my eyes. His fingers played with my hair.
'I love you, Jen,' he whispered.
'I love you too,' I breathed.
We lay there for a couple of minutes in a comfortable silence until Harry leaned down to me, pressing his lips on to mine. It was as soft and gentle as Harry always was. I felt Harry's arm slide beneath me to bring me closer. I raised my hand and ran it over his cheek, my fingers then tangling into his hair as my arms went round his neck. When the kisses deepened, I responded with a hunger I never knew I had. I just wanted Harry. Nothing more, nothing else. I just wanted to kiss him and for Harry to never let me go again.
So this is what love feels like … I thought. We broke the kiss and I looked up at Harry. His green eyes gazed down at me, full of the love he had for me. Though still slightly amazed by the idea, I knew it was true. I knew he loved me. Harry moved and lay down beside me; he wrapped his arm round my waist and brought me closer. I laid my head on his chest as it gently rose and fell. I just wish it hadn't taken me so long to realise it …
It wasn't until late that afternoon that Harry and I woke up. I'd opened my eyes when I felt Harry turn over slightly and pull me closer. I looked at him to see him facing me; his arm was still round my waist while the fingers of his other hand were brushing my piercing; his breath was warm on my neck. I smiled. I gently ran my fingers over his cheek. A smile appeared on Harry's face. I closed my eyes and snuggled closer.
'Mr Potter?' Harry and I both opened our eyes. It was Professor McGonagall. Harry placed his finger to his lips to tell me to be quiet, then reached over me and pulled back the hangings enough so that he could see the door. 'Mr Potter, Kingsley wishes to speak to you, Mr Weasley, Mr Longbottom, Miss Granger and Miss Black in the Headmaster's office.' There was movement in the bed next to us. Ron and Hermione must have woken up. 'I assume that seeing as the two girls' beds are empty, you'll know where they are.'
Harry and I looked at each other as we heard Professor McGonagall's footsteps walked away down the stairs.
'Harry? You there?'
'Yeah, Ron,' Harry replied.
'What d'you s'pose Kingsley wants?' asked Ron.
'Don't know. We'd better go see.'
'What about Jenna?' Ron then said. 'Shouldn't one of us go find her? I mean –' Ron cleared his throat, 'Herm's with me.' Harry and I looked at each other.
'I'll find her,' said Harry. 'I'll see you guys down there.'
Harry and I remained still and silent on his bed as Ron, Hermione and Neville got up. We waited for their footsteps to leave the room. There was a shuffle about as they changed their clothes then three pairs of footsteps walked across the room. The door opened and closed. We waited a few more minutes then Harry pulled back the hangings. Seamus and Dean were still asleep.
'Good job those two are heavy sleepers,' he said. Harry reached over, picked up his t-shirt and pulled it back on. 'Come on. We'd better go see what Kingsley wants.'
Harry and I left the dormitory. We walked down to the empty common room and out of the portrait hole together. The school was silent and the remnants of the battle were still there; piles of rubble and dust littered the floor; ashen marks stained the walls; spilled blood of both Death Eaters and defenders marked the stone. Our footsteps echoed in the silent corridors and we proceeded to the Headmaster's office. The gargoyle lay upright and awkwardly to the side, the spiral staircase up the Headmaster's Tower already risen. We climbed it and knocked on the door at the top.
'Come in,' said Professor McGonagall's voice. Harry and I entered.
There were more people gathered there than I expected, let alone thought could fit in this room. Then again, it had been Dumbledore's office. As I entered my eyes flicked to his portrait briefly. His seemed to catch mine, twinkling as usual. Looking away my eyes roved over all who were gathered.
Behind the desk, her hair restored to its usual tight bun, sat Professor McGonagall; her square spectacles sat straight on her nose and she was dressed in her usual green tartan robes. To her left stood Kingsley, a little battered but looking no worse for wear, and next to him was Aberforth. To Professor McGonagall's right were the Heads of Houses, Professors Flitwick, Sprout and Slughorn. Behind them was Hagrid in the only space that seemed to be able to hold his huge form. In a group together stood all the Weasley children with their parents each sporting their various injuries; Fred, whose arm was in a sling and he was leaning on his twin, was still smiling despite his injuries which I was glad to see. On the opposite side to them I saw were mine and Harry's parents; James stood with his arm round Lily's shoulders, proud smiles on their faces; Mum and Dad stood next to them, equally as proud; on the end were Lupin and Dora, his arms wrapped round her waist and a content smile on his face. Finally in front of the desk were Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Neville. Everyone was waiting for us.
'Ah, Mr Potter, Miss Black, so nice of you to join us,' said Professor McGonagall. I heard someone snigger behind me. I rolled my eyes secretly at Dad. Professor McGonagall got up and addressed the room. 'Now, I have called you all here so that Kingsley can inform you of what is happening in the wizarding world while Filius, Pomona, Horace, Hagrid and I are to discuss the details of Hogwarts.'
With a curt nod, Professor McGonagall handed over to Kingsley.
'The aftermath of the Second Wizard War has been as great as the last so, in the absence of an appointed Minister for Magic, I have taken it upon myself to oversee the proceedings,' said Kingsley. 'Already there have been reports of those suffering under the Imperious Curse regaining their self-control while those in Azkaban are being released.'
'Oh goody,' said Luna brightly. 'Daddy will be home for Plimpy soup then.'
Harry, Ron, Hermione and I all held in a snigger. Kingsley merely smiled at Luna then continued.
'The news of the Dark Lord's death has spread quickly like last time. The wizarding world is rejoicing thanks to you, Mr Potter.'
Harry nodded.
'Aurors from the Ministry are beginning to round up the last of the Death Eaters who have fled the school. They are to be sent to Azkaban to await trial by the Wizengamot. As for those who have been killed in combat, their bodies are to be buried at Azkaban as well.
'Those who have either died or been injured in the Second War have been sent to St Mungo's to receive treatment. I would like all those gathered in this room,' Kingsley's looked at all of us individually, 'to be escorted to St Mungo's after this meeting to receive medical treatment. As for the dead, their bodies are being left in the custody of their families once they have been informed so they can be buried in the proper way.'
'That's great, Kingsley,' said Harry. Harry looked round everyone in the room. 'But I just want to say it's not just because of me that we defeated Voldemort.' For the first time, no one in the room shivered at the name. 'You all helped me, by fighting alongside me, by helping me work out what I needed to learn …' Harry turned and looked at his parents, 'and by protecting me.' Lily smiled. 'Thank you, everyone. You all deserve to be honoured, not just me.'
A quiet clap started in the room, soon turning into a round of applause and cheers, Fred and George whooping loudly. I saw Harry glance at me. I smiled, biting my lower to try and stop myself blushing.
'Hear, hear, Mr Potter,' said Professor McGonagall. The applause and cheers died down. 'Now, on to matters of the school. Filius, Pomona, Horace, Hagrid and myself have had a discussion concerning the school. We have decided that Hogwarts, once it has been repaired, is to reopen.'
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Ginny and I all beamed at each other. That was great news.
'All students are welcome to return, that includes all current Slytherins, Mr Weasley,' added Professor McGonagall when Ron groaned, 'and all current seventh years will be welcome to return in September as an honorary "eight year" in order to complete their NEWTs with the correct syllabus should they so desire. All other students will automatically progress to the next year.
'However, there are to be changes in staff,' continued Professor McGonagall. 'Filius, Pomona and Horace have all agreed to keep on their roles as Housemasters of Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin respectively, and keep their posts as Charms, Herbology and Potions teachers. Also, in addition to his roles as Keeper of Keys and Grounds and Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Hagrid has agreed to take the position of Housemaster of Gryffindor,' the seven of us beamed at that, 'while I assume the position of Headmistress of Hogwarts seeing as our previous Headmaster abandoned his post.'
'Professor Snape didn't abandon his post,' said Harry suddenly. Ron, Hermione and I looked at Harry. That was the first time he'd ever referred to him as something other than "Snape". 'Professor Snape did what he had to do, under Professor Dumbledore's orders, including bringing about his death.'
Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a phial of silvery liquid. Snape's memories. He placed it on the desk in front of Professor McGonagall.
'I want the teachers to look at these memories as they will explain everything. But Professor Snape was not a traitor. He never was. He risked his life for a reason I am not going to discuss here, but nonetheless, he risked everything and followed Dumbledore's orders. He's probably one of the bravest men I've ever met and I want a portrait of him to be hung in here alongside the other Headmasters and mistresses of Hogwarts, as he too was a Headmaster of Hogwarts.'
No one spoke nor dared to contradict Harry. Professor McGonagall watched Harry for a moment or two, then nodded.
'Very well, Mr Potter.' She picked up the phial and placed it in a nearby cabinet. 'I will examine the memories myself and discuss with the other Heads of Houses.' Harry nodded. Professor McGonagall continued. 'The only remaining positions to be filled are Muggle Studies and, as usual, post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. I can safely say Amycus and Alecto have resigned willingly and we will be looking for people to fill these posts. Remus,' Professor McGonagall addressed Lupin, 'as you were such a hit with the students, would you consider accepting the post once again?'
'As tempting as that sounds, Minerva, I would have to decline,' replied Lupin curtly. 'I have my family to think about. I'll be needed at home. Besides I don't think parents would be wanting someone with … my condition teaching their children.'
'That's nonsense, Remus John Lupin, and you know it,' said Dora bluntly. 'Teddy's still got his mother and cousin. I'm sure Jenna will be round to baby-sit whenever she can. Besides, I thought you said what happened nullified the lycanthropy.' Dora's eyes caught mine. We shared a grin. 'He'll be happy to take the post until you find a permanent teacher, Minerva.'
'Very well. There remains now only one question which has been puzzling me,' said Professor McGonagall. She looked at Harry. 'It was quite a shock to see Remus and company into the Great Hall, particularly when all had been dead for varying amounts of time. I'm sure we'd all like an explanation. Perhaps you can offer us one.'
Harry glanced at me, then said, 'There isn't one, not one at least I can give you or one that the person responsible would want known. Even I don't understand how it happened but it did, almost killing the person who tried it. There are just some things in magic which are best left untouched and this is one of them. How it was achieved should never be discussed. Life and death shouldn't be control by anyone or anything; not by Voldemort, not by the Deathly Hallows, no one. All I can say was that they were all given a second chance to be with their families, something not many others who have fought in this war or the last will get.'
'And we're all very grateful,' said Lupin. 'Well said, Harry.'
'Indeed,' agreed James. 'Nice one, son.'
'Well done, Harry,' added Sirius. Furtively I saw Dad also wink at me. 'The only thing we will have to work out is how to, er, explain this to the rest of the wizarding world.'
'You can leave that with me, Sirius,' said Kingsley. 'The Ministry and I will come to an agreement over the matter.
'Now, as I believe that we have discussed all that is important, I request you all to go to St Mungo's to receive medical treatment. The Hogwarts Express has been sent for and will arrive shortly to take you all to London where Ministry cars will collect you and take you to the hospital. As for Remus, I ask that you and the others receive a physical examination to check your health.' Dad, James and Lupin all nodded. 'I have a few last things I wish to discuss with Minerva privately concerning the repair of Hogwarts. Thank you.'
The group dispersed. The Weasleys, Fred being helped along by Percy and George, left first followed by Mum, Dad and the others; Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Luna and I left after them, leaving the Professors to discuss Hogwarts' repair. It was nice to know that it was going to reopen after all that had happen. In a group, we headed down the various staircases and towards the Entrance Hall. Neville, Ginny and Luna walked just ahead of us; Ron and Hermione walked hand in hand with each other next to Harry. I walked on his other side, content in the silence.
'So, you guys going to come back in September?' asked Ron, breaking the silence.
'I'm certainly going to,' said Hermione. 'I need to get my NEWTs in order to apply for the job I want.'
'What's that, Hermione?' I asked.
'I'm going to continue my petition against the treatment of house-elves,' said Hermione. She then laughed. 'I going to continue SPEW.'
'S.P.E.W, you mean,' said Ron. Hermione beamed at him.
'Some things never change,' I laughed. We descended the marble staircase and walked across the empty Entrance Hall and into the grounds. The sun was now shining brightly over the grounds. Ahead of us, Ginny, Neville and Luna were now with Seamus and Dean, walking down the path towards the gates. 'What about you, Ron?'
'I'll probably come back eventually,' he mused, 'but firstly I'm gonna help out Fred and George at the shop, what with Fred's wand arm being damaged at the moment. It'll take a while for his arm to heal and get back his strength so I'll help around the shop. It won't be forever though,' he assured Hermione, seeing her look of disappointment. 'Probably come back so I can train to be an Auror. Like the sound of that. What about you, Jen?'
'Yeah, I'll probably come back too,' I said. 'I finally worked out what I want to do with my life. Help and heal others. I need to get the qualifications first though before I can apply for a Healer internship at St Mungo's but I know that's what I want to do.'
Harry glanced at me. He smiled.
'That's my girl,' he said quietly so only I could hear it. He slipped his arm round my waist. He gave me a gentle squeeze. 'Always helping others.'
'What about you, Harry?' asked Hermione.
'I don't know if I'll come back,' said Harry. 'I'm going to speak to Kingsley about applying for the Auror program and see what he says. I'll do my NEWTs if it's necessary but otherwise, I think I've finished school.' Harry stopped and looked back at the castle. Ron, Hermione and I did so too. 'You know,' he said slowly, 'I'm going to miss this place. So many memories.'
'So many dangerous years,' laughed Ron. 'But what's life without a few dragons, eh?'
'So many things we've learnt from them,' added Hermione.
'But so many things that we'll never forget,' I said. The others nodded in agreement.
'You know what,' finished Harry. 'I think … mischief managed.'
AN: there you are, the final chapter, but don't fret, there is still an epilogue to come. as for a sequel, well it depends on whether people want it or not. let me know and i'll have a ponder. please do leave a review, especially since it's the last chapter so i know what you all thought of it and thank you for being such loyal readers and reviewers. thanks!! and a big thanks to JK Rowling for writing the story in the first place. without it as a base i wouldn't have been able to write one as a starter for my fanfiction. BlAcKdAuGhTeR
