Chapter One
Aftermath of the Final Victory
Harry, Ron and Hermione walked along the hall towards Professor Dumbledore's office late that evening discussing the last few days. Having spent so much time fighting Lord Voldemort, they were all exhausted. They were weary from the adventures, the dangers, and the now constant buzz of questions, and the cheers of adulation from Colin Creevey and everyone else. Professor Dumbledore had recommended that they take a quiet holiday at the Sorcerer's Retreat House, located somewhere near Hogsmeade. Yet Harry was still uncertain. Since finally defeating the Dark Lord Harry seemed at a loss to make any decision and found himself even hesitating at the suggestion of taking dinner. He couldn't seem to make up his mind about anything, and deciding whether to accept Dumbledore's invitation seemed as portentous as sitting for N.E.W.T.s.
Ron, however, was especially eager to get away, and quickly. His mother's overbearing protests of how he could have gotten killed were past the point of annoying him. He had received six post owls in two days that each echoed through the Great Hall almost as loudly as howlers. "Cried my eyes out … thought I would have a stroke from fear … so worried about you and Harry and Hermione … terrified, absolutely terrified, you'd be hurt or killed!" It had become so embarrassing that when she and Mr Weasley arrived at Hogwarts Ron snapped at her the first time he saw her, sounding much more like Fred and George than his usual self.
"Look, why don't you and Ron go ahead," Hermione suggested. It was clear that she also really wanted to go. But first she had to explain everything about the recent battles to her muggle parents. They were worried and more than a bit startled at the chaos caused by the explosions. The Ministry was only now beginning to calm the muggles with Memory Charms.
"I'll only be with my parents a few days and then I'll join you," she added.
"It beats hanging around here," Ron put in. "If I don't get away from me mum soon, I think I'll go mental. And if that Colin Creevey shakes my hand one more time I swear I'll throttle him."
"Right, and you know that the Sorcerer's Retreat House is unreachable by everyone except those who are supposed to be there."
"Okay, Okay," Harry surrendered, having to admit to himself that it would be nice to just relax for awhile, almost as good as the Christmas break during his first year.
So the three friends found there way to Dumbledore's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
They entered and Harry's eyes, as always, wandered about the strange and interesting assortment of odd items scattered about. Fawkes, a phoenix that had helped Harry more than once, fluttered his wings in greeting as Dumbledore motioned them to chairs. He eyed them over his spectacles and smiled. "Shall I consider that you have decided to take my advice - always an excellent policy - and spend some time at the Sorcerer's Retreat House?"
"Yes. Thank you Head Master," said Hermione speaking for all of them. "Only, I need to see my parents first so they won't worry too much about all the explosions. Percy Weasley told me they weren't being counted among the thousands of Muggles that will have their memories obliviated. I need to reassure them that everything, that I'm alright."
"Quite right, Miss Granger, quite right. Concern for the feelings of one's family is at the very heart of good character," Dumbledore replied, as Ron shifted in his chair a bit uncomfortably. He obviously thought Dumbledore's remark was aimed at him in a mild rebuke for the way he had behaved at his last encounter with his mother.
"Again offering my advice, I will suggest that you make immediate arrangements to visit your family while Mr Potter and Mr Weasley proceed to the Retreat House. The sooner you get away from all the excitement and questions of the world, the sooner you can put things into perspective. You need to decide what you wish to do with your lives now that Lord Voldemort is finally gone. You've each completed your programme of studies at Hogwarts."
"Thank you, Professor. We'll begin packing right now," said Ron, hoping to impress Dumbledore with his ready obedience.
They all stood up, thanking Dumbledore again, and turned to go.
"Harry, a word if you don't mind."
Harry turned back.
"Yes sir, of course. Ron, you and Hermione go ahead. I'll be along in a moment."
As Ron and Hermione descended the circular stairs outside the office, Harry and Dumbledore sat down again. Dumbledore stared at Harry for a moment with piercing eyes that always made Harry feel he was reading his mind. Yet the expression on his face was not threatening.
"Harry, you know you've experienced more of life in these seven years you've been with us than most wizards do in a lifetime, which can be a considerably long time. It's not been easy for you yet you've risen to the challenge again and again. How often Professors McGonngall and Snape and I have noted the many sacrifices you've been willing to make for others."
Harry's eyebrows rose in surprise. He was certain Snape would have preferred seeing Harry reduced to a smear of mould rinsed down the Potions Class drain, than care about any sacrifice he made.
Dumbledore continued, "In many ways you've matured exceedingly; and yet you've been denied so many of the more normal pleasures of life." His expression changed from encouragement to compassion, his eyes still twinkling.
"It all just needed to be done, Professor. I didn't really choose any of it. It all just happened," replied Harry suddenly feeling very lonely. He was hoping that Dumbledore was about to announce something that would somehow give back all the missed opportunities and the years of loneliness, something that would make up for all the suffering he'd endured.
"Well, I suspect that the Retreat House will be good to help you overcome any sense of loss you may have experienced," Dumbledore continued with a knowing yet mysterious smile.
Harry and Dumbledore rose, and Dumbledore shook his hand while walking him to the door. "Remember, Harry. The one who is willing to sacrifice himself for the thing he loves most has provided the freedom and setting for the fulfilment of what the sacrifice entails."
As he emerged in the hallway and began to wind his way back to Gryffindor Tower, Harry pondered Dumbledore's final comments. It struck him that sometimes Dumbledore seemed to phrase things in an oblique way just to force him to work out the meaning for himself. He certainly hadn't given him anything to make up for the empty feeling he now felt. What was he going to do with the rest of his life? Harry realised he didn't have a clue. He decided to put it all out of his mind. In any event, there was much to do before leaving for the Retreat House.
As he wandered on, trying to decide what he wanted to pack and what he would leave behind, and correctly guessing that broom flying was probably off limits at the Retreat House, he suddenly realised that he didn't really know anything about the Retreat House. What kind of place was it? How did one get there? What /I he need to take along? He wished he had had the forethought to ask for details before leaving Dumbledore's office. "Never mind," he gave up. "If we need anything, we can send Hedwig with a message to Hermione and she can bring it."
"Poppycock!" he said without looking up as the portrait of the fat lady swung open to admit him to the Common Room. The buzz that greeted him erupted into an almighty uproar of cheering, screaming, laughing and singing. It seemed that every Gryffindor for the last twenty years was crowded in the Common Room. Hands grabbed him and pulled him into the centre of the tumult.
"Hi Harry, Hi Harry!" Colin Creevey, as ever still infatuated with Harry's fame and exploits, was right at his side. "Wow, you're really the most famous wizard of all time now. Even Dumbledore won't be remembered as being as powerful and famous as you. Tell them how you killed You Know Who, Harry, go on, tell them!"
Harry brushed passed Colin as quickly as he could. He wasn't a bad guy, but Colin had always had the knack of irritating Harry at the most importunate moments. Harder to throw off was Neville Longbottom and Lee Jordan who were both simultaneously trying to pass him tankards of butter beer. "No, really, thanks Lee, thanks Neville, but I'm very tired," he had to repeat several times while desperately trying to reach the stairs to the dormitories.
When at last Harry had made it to the stairs he turned to look back at the jubilant palaver. The party had all the appearances of threatening to go on for days and the thought of a little peace and quiet was becoming more desirable by the minute.
On reaching his room he found Ron almost completed in packing. He had already packed his own things, and was just closing Harry's bag when he entered.
Aftermath of the Final Victory
Harry, Ron and Hermione walked along the hall towards Professor Dumbledore's office late that evening discussing the last few days. Having spent so much time fighting Lord Voldemort, they were all exhausted. They were weary from the adventures, the dangers, and the now constant buzz of questions, and the cheers of adulation from Colin Creevey and everyone else. Professor Dumbledore had recommended that they take a quiet holiday at the Sorcerer's Retreat House, located somewhere near Hogsmeade. Yet Harry was still uncertain. Since finally defeating the Dark Lord Harry seemed at a loss to make any decision and found himself even hesitating at the suggestion of taking dinner. He couldn't seem to make up his mind about anything, and deciding whether to accept Dumbledore's invitation seemed as portentous as sitting for N.E.W.T.s.
Ron, however, was especially eager to get away, and quickly. His mother's overbearing protests of how he could have gotten killed were past the point of annoying him. He had received six post owls in two days that each echoed through the Great Hall almost as loudly as howlers. "Cried my eyes out … thought I would have a stroke from fear … so worried about you and Harry and Hermione … terrified, absolutely terrified, you'd be hurt or killed!" It had become so embarrassing that when she and Mr Weasley arrived at Hogwarts Ron snapped at her the first time he saw her, sounding much more like Fred and George than his usual self.
"Look, why don't you and Ron go ahead," Hermione suggested. It was clear that she also really wanted to go. But first she had to explain everything about the recent battles to her muggle parents. They were worried and more than a bit startled at the chaos caused by the explosions. The Ministry was only now beginning to calm the muggles with Memory Charms.
"I'll only be with my parents a few days and then I'll join you," she added.
"It beats hanging around here," Ron put in. "If I don't get away from me mum soon, I think I'll go mental. And if that Colin Creevey shakes my hand one more time I swear I'll throttle him."
"Right, and you know that the Sorcerer's Retreat House is unreachable by everyone except those who are supposed to be there."
"Okay, Okay," Harry surrendered, having to admit to himself that it would be nice to just relax for awhile, almost as good as the Christmas break during his first year.
So the three friends found there way to Dumbledore's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
They entered and Harry's eyes, as always, wandered about the strange and interesting assortment of odd items scattered about. Fawkes, a phoenix that had helped Harry more than once, fluttered his wings in greeting as Dumbledore motioned them to chairs. He eyed them over his spectacles and smiled. "Shall I consider that you have decided to take my advice - always an excellent policy - and spend some time at the Sorcerer's Retreat House?"
"Yes. Thank you Head Master," said Hermione speaking for all of them. "Only, I need to see my parents first so they won't worry too much about all the explosions. Percy Weasley told me they weren't being counted among the thousands of Muggles that will have their memories obliviated. I need to reassure them that everything, that I'm alright."
"Quite right, Miss Granger, quite right. Concern for the feelings of one's family is at the very heart of good character," Dumbledore replied, as Ron shifted in his chair a bit uncomfortably. He obviously thought Dumbledore's remark was aimed at him in a mild rebuke for the way he had behaved at his last encounter with his mother.
"Again offering my advice, I will suggest that you make immediate arrangements to visit your family while Mr Potter and Mr Weasley proceed to the Retreat House. The sooner you get away from all the excitement and questions of the world, the sooner you can put things into perspective. You need to decide what you wish to do with your lives now that Lord Voldemort is finally gone. You've each completed your programme of studies at Hogwarts."
"Thank you, Professor. We'll begin packing right now," said Ron, hoping to impress Dumbledore with his ready obedience.
They all stood up, thanking Dumbledore again, and turned to go.
"Harry, a word if you don't mind."
Harry turned back.
"Yes sir, of course. Ron, you and Hermione go ahead. I'll be along in a moment."
As Ron and Hermione descended the circular stairs outside the office, Harry and Dumbledore sat down again. Dumbledore stared at Harry for a moment with piercing eyes that always made Harry feel he was reading his mind. Yet the expression on his face was not threatening.
"Harry, you know you've experienced more of life in these seven years you've been with us than most wizards do in a lifetime, which can be a considerably long time. It's not been easy for you yet you've risen to the challenge again and again. How often Professors McGonngall and Snape and I have noted the many sacrifices you've been willing to make for others."
Harry's eyebrows rose in surprise. He was certain Snape would have preferred seeing Harry reduced to a smear of mould rinsed down the Potions Class drain, than care about any sacrifice he made.
Dumbledore continued, "In many ways you've matured exceedingly; and yet you've been denied so many of the more normal pleasures of life." His expression changed from encouragement to compassion, his eyes still twinkling.
"It all just needed to be done, Professor. I didn't really choose any of it. It all just happened," replied Harry suddenly feeling very lonely. He was hoping that Dumbledore was about to announce something that would somehow give back all the missed opportunities and the years of loneliness, something that would make up for all the suffering he'd endured.
"Well, I suspect that the Retreat House will be good to help you overcome any sense of loss you may have experienced," Dumbledore continued with a knowing yet mysterious smile.
Harry and Dumbledore rose, and Dumbledore shook his hand while walking him to the door. "Remember, Harry. The one who is willing to sacrifice himself for the thing he loves most has provided the freedom and setting for the fulfilment of what the sacrifice entails."
As he emerged in the hallway and began to wind his way back to Gryffindor Tower, Harry pondered Dumbledore's final comments. It struck him that sometimes Dumbledore seemed to phrase things in an oblique way just to force him to work out the meaning for himself. He certainly hadn't given him anything to make up for the empty feeling he now felt. What was he going to do with the rest of his life? Harry realised he didn't have a clue. He decided to put it all out of his mind. In any event, there was much to do before leaving for the Retreat House.
As he wandered on, trying to decide what he wanted to pack and what he would leave behind, and correctly guessing that broom flying was probably off limits at the Retreat House, he suddenly realised that he didn't really know anything about the Retreat House. What kind of place was it? How did one get there? What /I he need to take along? He wished he had had the forethought to ask for details before leaving Dumbledore's office. "Never mind," he gave up. "If we need anything, we can send Hedwig with a message to Hermione and she can bring it."
"Poppycock!" he said without looking up as the portrait of the fat lady swung open to admit him to the Common Room. The buzz that greeted him erupted into an almighty uproar of cheering, screaming, laughing and singing. It seemed that every Gryffindor for the last twenty years was crowded in the Common Room. Hands grabbed him and pulled him into the centre of the tumult.
"Hi Harry, Hi Harry!" Colin Creevey, as ever still infatuated with Harry's fame and exploits, was right at his side. "Wow, you're really the most famous wizard of all time now. Even Dumbledore won't be remembered as being as powerful and famous as you. Tell them how you killed You Know Who, Harry, go on, tell them!"
Harry brushed passed Colin as quickly as he could. He wasn't a bad guy, but Colin had always had the knack of irritating Harry at the most importunate moments. Harder to throw off was Neville Longbottom and Lee Jordan who were both simultaneously trying to pass him tankards of butter beer. "No, really, thanks Lee, thanks Neville, but I'm very tired," he had to repeat several times while desperately trying to reach the stairs to the dormitories.
When at last Harry had made it to the stairs he turned to look back at the jubilant palaver. The party had all the appearances of threatening to go on for days and the thought of a little peace and quiet was becoming more desirable by the minute.
On reaching his room he found Ron almost completed in packing. He had already packed his own things, and was just closing Harry's bag when he entered.