Epilogue

Their trunks were all packed and Harry was loading Hedwig's cage onto the train. Hogsmeade Station was swarming with Hogwarts students laughing and chattering and making use of the few hours before they reached muggle London to set off the last of their Filibuster fireworks and Dung Bombs, the excitement of the battle now worn off. The seventh-years, now qualified as full-grown wizards, seem quieter now having truly faced off Voldemort's monster army. Even the twins are just sitting there by themselves, wistfully looking back at the castle.

"'Arry!"

"Oh, Fleur. Hi."

"It's been nice teaching you zis year." She said a little sadly. "But I 'ave to go back to France."

"Well, um...I hope we meet again." Harry said, trying to hide his relief and apprehension at getting a new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.

"We will," she promised, pecking him on his cheek.

"What did Fleur want?" Ron asked as he came up with Hermione.

"She's going back to France."

"What? Why?" Ron asked, not noticing the look Hermione was giving him.

"She has served her purpose." Kera said.

The three Gryffindors stared at her, the truth dawning on them.

"He knew." Ron whispered. "All this time Dumbledore knew this would happen."

"This is a game of chess, Weasley. You of all people should know sacrifices will have to be made." Kera said evenly.

"All packed?" Fred interrupted as he came up with his twin.

"This is the last one," Ron replied as he handed Hermione's trunk to the porter.

"What about you?" George asked Kera, noticing that she had no luggage with her, just Kendra in her arms.

"I'll be staying with Professor Snape."

"You WHAT?" Fred asked incredulously.

"He is my legal guardian." Kera explained.

"So he's the godfather you mentioned? The one who gave you the broomstick." George said slowly.

"He didn't know I'd end up in Gryffindor." Kera said softly with a smile.

They got on the Hogwarts Express, which had already started up. After the twins went off to look for Lee Jordan, Harry leant out of the window.

"Kera... why did you do it?"

She smiled at him as the train gained momentum and started to pull out of the station.

"You saved mine first, remember?" she said simply as Harry's window moved rapidly away from her. She didn't run after it.

"Wait, I..." But she was already too far away, waving at him until the train went out of sight.

"Till we meet again, Harry Potter."

[A/N: I realised I could have just put this part at the end of the previous chapter. Oh well… Anyway, this is the end of Part 1. I've already started on Chapter 1 of Part 2, but I think it will take a while. Thank you readers for your kind patience and support. =)

And since Chris mentioned it…according to the Ministry of Magic, a being is "any creature that has sufficient intelligence to understand the laws of the magical community and to bear part of the responsibility in shaping those laws". Therefore Kera is not a beast, but a being (as are Veelas). Although you notice that she is governed by another system of Laws as well.]