Authors Note: Thanks again to the people who have reviewed the story's first chapter. WE LOVE FEEDBACK! So don't be shy…

Disclaimer: Apologies again to the genius that is JK Rowling. All the names and locations belong to her, and we're just going to keep abusing them shamelessly until this project comes to an end.

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Hermione, who'd caught the exchange, jumped from her seat and called after Sirius, "We didn't want you hear anyway, you slimy git!"

"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed, trying to tug her back down into her seat.

Remus watched all this with some dismay and turned back to Harry.

"Would you like to stay with me, Harry. After the end of school that is, until all this is sorted out," Harry felt he could have fallen to the floor in a puddle of relief.

"That would be great Remus," Harry said. "I just hope I can make it till then. Maybe you should stay up at the school, until the end of the year."

"I'll have a talk with Dumbledore or should I talk to McGonagall, or Dumbledore," Remus said confused. "I guess it doesn't really matter who I talk too, does it."

"No I don't think it does," Harry answered.

Right at that moment, Dumbledore clapped his hands firmly and ordered them all back to school.

Hermione groaned and protested.

"Professor Dumbledore! We've just beaten You-Know-Who ."

"I am aware of that Miss Granger, however your N.E.W.T.s are to be taking in as little as three weeks time. There is much to be done."

"Come on guys, this is great," Ron exclaimed. "Now we can go study." Harry and Hermione both rolled their eyes.

"Come now Albus, don't you think, you're being a little harsh," McGonagall said. "I mean Voldemort was just defeated."

"I understand that Minerva, but these children are going to be leaving here in about a month. Just because Voldemort was defeated, doesn't mean they can slack off now."

"Ok Albus, since you are the headmaster, I will have stand by your decision," McGonagall said.

So with that, Dumbledore sent them back to the castle.

"Alright, this is so great. I can't wait to take my N.E.W.T.s." Ron said overjoyed.

"Remus, are you coming, now?" Harry asked.

"I'll be just a minute Harry. I want to speak with Dumbledore first."

Hermione, Ron and Harry were making their way back to Hogwarts. More to the point, Harry was dragging his feet and feeling sick, Ron was bouncing along, as if their most important exams coming up in three weeks were the best things in the world. Hermione, on the other hand was walking along, mumbling under her breath, and kicking some stones along the ground as she went. Harry hadn't had time to process that Voldemort was gone, that the threat was gone. Everything was too bloody weird for happy feelings. Harry looked up, almost to the sky to ask for help, when a very distinctive blonde head could be seen in the distance.

Please, Harry begged, please let him be running away from, and not to, me.

Harry cringed when a cold voice, well a voice that was normally cold and hard and mocking, called his name with utter joy. The person, this detestable hateful person was suddenly on Harry. Literally. Draco Malfoy had jumped on Harry and wrapped his arms around his neck. Knocking them both to the ground.

"Oh Harry! You did it, you really did it!"

"Get OFF ME!" Harry had really had enough now. Lying in the mud with Malfoy on top of him was the worst thing that Harry could think of. He'd rather be eaten by a Basilisk.

"Oh! Oh, sorry! Oh dear, you've got mud all over you." And to Harry's utter utter dismay, Malfoy was pulling him up off the ground and brushing the mud off Harry's robes. "I'm just so HAPPY Harry! You-Know-Who is gone and you've freed us again."

Harry's stomach squirmed as Malfoy looked at him through his lashes, giggled and blushed. He looked just as Ginny had looked at Harry, before this year had begun.

"Umm, Harry?" Malfoy whispered. "Did you umm, did you get my owl?"

"Your OWL?? YOURS? Oh no!! Malfoy, get away from me. Go back to school. Please. Just go."

Tears welled up in Malfoy's eyes, replacing the flirty look that had been there just minutes before. Harry was relieved to see it gone. All he wanted was to get up to Gryffindor tower and away from the people he used to know. He watched with something akin to glee as Malfoy, depressed and thoroughly rejected, made his way back to Hogwarts.

Hermione's eyes twinkled and she had a mischievous half smile on her face.

"Alright there Harry?"

"Oh, shut up Hermione!" And Harry stormed his way up to Hogwarts.