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Challenges listed at the bottom.

Word Count: 538

Coming Home

Harry made his way through the corridors of Hogwarts, a strong sense of nostalgia filling him. He hadn't thought he'd ever have reason to return; for a long time he hadn't wanted to return, but he was glad now that he'd agreed to come.

His burgundy robes brushed the floor as he walked, and he spelled them to hover slightly.

Professor McGonagall was waiting for him on the seventh floor, and she smiled slightly as he approached.

"Harry. Thank you for coming."

"Of course," he replied. "It's good to see you, Professor. Or… I should say Headmistress now, no?"

She chuckled at him. "You should call me Minerva, as I remind you every time I see you."

He grinned at her, and for a moment, he felt like a student again, caught making trouble when he shouldn't be.

"So, you know why I asked you here. The castle is almost whole again but…"

He glanced at the wall and nodded. "The Room of Requirement needs fixing."

She nodded. "I questioned the decision for a long time. I didn't know if it should be returned at all but… it is part of Hogwarts, even if I didn't know it even existed for many years."

Harry nodded. "I'll do it."

"I have some things to see to in my office, Harry, but I'll return in a short while. Just send your patronus to me if you have a need for me."

Harry nodded again and turned his attention to the wall. He could feel the room's magic, so he knew it was still there. He focused on the wall, and pushed with his magic until finally, when he was sweating profusely and beginning to doubt himself, a door appeared.

Wiping his brow, Harry took a moment and then pushed his way through the door. The room that greeted him was empty, but the walls were smoke damaged, and there was a sad feeling to the room.

He could fix this. He knew he could.

…

Minerva stepped into the room and smiled. It was an almost perfect replica of the Gryffindor common room, and Harry was slumped in an armchair, looking exhausted but happy.

"It's fixed," he said quietly. "The castle… she's happy."

Minerva's eyebrows rose of their own volition. "You can feel the castle?" she asked, as she sat on an empty chair.

Harry nodded. "Somewhat. It's the wards, the magic that's entwined with them and that has soaked into the very walls of the castle."

"You know, Harry, had someone asked me what you would become, a ward specialist wouldn't have even crossed my mind but… it suits you."

Smiling, he replied, "I didn't want to fight anymore."

She returned his smile. "Will you stay the night with us? You're more than welcome."

Harry hesitated for a moment before he nodded. Despite his misgivings about returning, he was very glad he had.

"Of course. I'd like to stay in here if that's okay? The wards are still settling, it'll be helpful to stay here to tie them deeper if it's needed."

Minerva nodded. "That's fine, of course. It is… good, to have you back here, Harry."

"It's good to be back," he replied honestly.

It was still home.

Written for:

Murder Mystery: How: Poisoned Wine: Burgundy

Mini Golf: Hole 18: Room Of Requirement

Game Of Life: Occupation: Your choice