Chapter Twenty Nine- New Changes, and the war continues
Harry's mood suddenly lifted over the next two days, and he found himself not concerned about the threat of Lord Voldemort, not concerned about his exam results, but concerned whether or not he was going to be able to live with his parents. Dumbledore had told Harry the day after their talk that the Dursley's were alive, and well, and safe at Privet Drive. What surprised Harry more, was that the Dursley's wanted to talk to Harry, and make sure he was okay, but Dumbledore told them Harry needed to get packed.
Lily, James and Sirius returned to Grimmauld Place four days before the end of term. Harry did not want to see his parents go, but he knew he would see them over the summer holidays. Dumbledore assured Harry that once things settled down, he could leave Privet Drive, and stay at Grimmauld Place.
The last few days of term were quite eventful, in large part to the battle the school fought a few days ago. Several D.A members created two graves; one for Cho and one for Cedric. Harry loaded Cho's grave with flowers, and a small message which read "I will not forget you," and then he left one for Cedric that said "I will make sure you remain a legacy here at Hogwarts,". Parvati and Lavender told Harry that they produced Patronus's when fighting off the Dementors, and Harry found that he was actually proud of them.
Two days before the end of term, they were due to receive the results of their examinations. Harry, Ron and Hermione walked out of Gryffindor Tower, and down the marble stairs to the Great Hall.
"You know something, has anyone seen Malfoy?" Ron asked.
"No. I reckon he's hiding or something," said Harry.
"Sulking, more like. A Dementor attacked him, and he hasn't been the same since. He's been really jumpy. Colin Creevy saved his life when he set off a Patronus."
At that moment, Malfoy rose from the stairs that led down to the Slytherin Common Room. He looked at Harry and the others, smiled, and then walked off, mumbling. Harry grinned.
"He'll be alright," Hermione said, as they entered the Great Hall. Professor Sprout, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were walking amongst the tables, handing out the results of the exams to students.
"Here you are Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Granger," said Professor McGonagall, handing them their results in turn. She walked away, handing out more to everyone else in Gryffindor House.
Harry unrolled his parchment, and read his results silently. He had passed everything with fairly very good marks. He received a 110% on his Defense against the Dark Arts test. However, there was one class he barely passed, and that was Potions.
"Done quite alright, except Potions," Ron said grimly.
"Same here," Harry muttered.
Hermione choose not to say anything because she knew it would make Harry and Ron upset.
For much of the day, Ron messed around on his broomstick over the Quidditch field, playing games with the Hufflepuffs, and the Ravenclaws. Harry decided he wanted to be alone for a little while. Hermione was absorbed in the library. Harry sat down on the lake edge against a beech tree, staring out across the lake. People were splashing about, messing with the giant squid.
Harry just thought about the entire year that had passed. So much had went on, and it all seemed to happen very quickly too. As he sat there, thinking, he realized that his destiny was becoming more pronounced, however, he still didn't know the outcome. Would he die, a marked man? Would Lord Voldemort find a way to kill Harry, and take over? Harry did not know. He didn't know what his life would be like now that his parents were back.
His parents. He hadn't given then a single thought. Could he now figure out his parents' relationship while they were at school? Could Harry figure out what his father's true feelings were towards Snape? There was so much Harry had wanted to ask them before they departed to Grimmauld Place with Sirius. Perhaps, he would ask them over the summer holiday.
He stood up. He turned and was about walk towards the castle when he turned face to face with a red haired child; Ginny.
"You scared me!" said Harry, his voice shaky.
Ginny giggled. "I'm sorry,"
"What's up?"
"Nothing. I was just wondering where you were off to, until I saw you out the tower window," she said.
"Well, I'm going back up to Gryffindor Tower,"
"I'll come with you,"
They both turned and began to head up the slopping lawn. Many people were spread out on blankets, sunbathing, and relaxing. Several were reading the Daily Prophet, which in no doubt had covered the story of what happened a few days ago. Students waved, and called out to Harry and Ginny as they passed, and respectfully, Harry returned the greetings.
"They're really fond of us now," Ginny said as they climbed the stairs into the entrance hall. Here, many more students called out to them, and waved.
Harry nodded in approval, as they climbed the marble stairs and headed to the seventh floor.
"Its all going to break out next year, trust me," said Ginny.
"Break out?" asked Harry.
"The war. It's going to become much more dangerous. The entire wizarding world has to face the fact that You-Know-Who isn't going to play it safe. He's going to do whatever he has to do to make sure we're dead, and he achieves immortality," she explained as they reached the fat lady.
Harry delivered the password, as the fat lady swung forward to let them enter the tower. The common room was almost deserted, except for Hermione, and Neville. "-And that's how you produce a stinging hex," Harry heard Hermione say, before she turned to the portrait hole. "Harry!"
"Hello Harry," said Neville.
"Hello. What are you guys doing?"
"I was just teaching Neville how to do a stinging hex," Hermione said. "So, are you feeling ok?"
"I'm fine. I need to start packing. The feast is tomorrow and I won't have time to do it,"
Hermione and Ginny nodded. Harry went upstairs to the boy's dormitories, and entered his room. The room was empty, except for the fluttering of something small near Ron's bed. It was Pig. He was bouncing all over the room like a maniac. Harry grinned. He crossed and opened his trunk, and then began to put stuff inside of it. He, couldn't help but think that he would indeed miss Hogwarts in a few days time.
* * * * * *
"The year has come, and the Year has gone. Unlike many other years, this year was different. This year, we have conquered more than most people conquer in their entire lives. We have shown that evil can never penetrate the halls of our beloved school. You have all rose magnificently to the challenge of defending Hogwarts, when we were besieged by evil, and I cannot express how proud of all of you I am," Dumbledore said, standing and addressing the school.
They were in the Great Hall, on the night before they were due to leave. Everyone in the hall had their attention focused on Professor Dumbledore, and all seemed to be smiling at his kind words. Harry, Ron and Hermione looked pleased as well.
"And I understand that I need to award the house cup, however, I shall not give it to one house," he said, looking over to the Gryffindor table and signaling them. "I shall award one for each house. Professor McGonagall, if you would please award the cups," he continued beaming at Professor McGonagall. Professor McGonagall nodded, stood up, and waved her wand. Four gleaming gold trophies, each bearing the symbol of the four houses of Hogwarts, appeared in thin air, floating. She waved her wand once more, and the Trophies appeared on each table.
"You all deserve a House Cup!" said Dumbledore.
The hall exploded in cheers. Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors were screaming the loudest. Harry had never been so happy in his life (although his parents were the happiest spot in his heart). However, Harry was aware that many of the Ravenclaws were staring at him. The Hall's cheering dyed down slowly, and to Harry's utter bewilderment, many Hufflepuffs were looking at him, including the Slytherins. Pansy Parkinson and her gang were not giving Harry sneering and looks of disgust.
Susan Bones stood up on top of the bench, so that now she was taller than the crowd. Dumbledore and the rest of the staff watched with interest.
"We would like to congratulate Harry, Ron and Hermione. As students of Gryffindor House, they show remarkable courage and outstanding bravery in the eyes of danger. We drink to them," she said. Harry felt his face turn red. He saw Ron and Hermione beam with pleasure as everyone drank to them. The hall broke into applause afterwards. The Hogwarts ghost glided in the hall, joining in the festivities.
Harry did not know what to say. He simply beamed with pleasure too, as people were coming over to shake his hand, and to his surprise once again, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy and many other Slytherins (including that of Pansy's old Boyfriend) came over too. Perhaps Dumbledore's words at the beginning of term, and the fight against Voldemort a few days ago proved that the school and the magic community must unite against the threat of Voldemort. Harry felt that next year, would be a year he would not forget, even if he wanted to.
* * * * * *
The journey home on the Hogwarts Express was a joyful occasion for Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny and Luna. Many people still continued to drop in to say hello, and wish them a safe summer. Neville was very surprised when a Hufflepuff girl asked him out. However, Neville declined, telling her that he had to much to think about, but the girl did not look scandalized. She simply said "Okay". However, Harry knew why Neville had turned her down; he was hoping to ask Ginny out.
Throughout much of the afternoon, Harry and Ron played games of wizard's chess, and talked about Quidditch for next year.
"I was actually thinking about turning the team captaincy over to you, Ron" Harry said, as one of his knights was beaten up by Ron's queen. Ron looked up.
"What?" asked Hermione, taking her eyes away from the Daily Prophet.
"Well, its sort of a thing that I've been thinking about through the entire year,"
"B-But Harry. You're a great captain. I'm rubbish."
"Don't be stupid," said Harry. "You'll make a good captain,"
Ron flushed red. "T-Thanks Harry. I won't let you down, I promise"
Harry smiled. He felt he had to do this, because of what he saw in the mirror of erised in his first year. He had saw his parents, and the rest of his family in the mirror. Harry had achieved one of the things he saw in the mirror. Perhaps, it was only right that he let Ron achieve one of the things he saw in the mirror.
The train continued to speed south, and the sun continued to shine brightly in the sky. Luna was reading the Quibbler the entire way, and Neville and Ginny had disappeared for much of the trip. When they returned, an hour before the train pulled into Kings Cross station, they informed everyone that they were going out. Crookshanks purred loudly. Hedwig and Pig hooted. Ron smiled, which surprised Harry a lot. Hermione and Luna also smiled.
The train finally began to puff to a standstill as they pulled into Platform 9 ¾. Harry grabbed his trunk from the luggage rack, and took Hedwig from atop the luggage rack as well. He walked out of the compartment, followed by the others and disembarked from the train. Neville and Luna waved good-bye as they walked to their parents who were standing on the platform. Harry was pleased to see that Mrs. Longbottom was looking well, however, he arm was still in a sling. The ticket inspector signaled that it was safe to walk into the barrier that separated the muggle world from the magic world and the four of them walked through the wall and emerged into the muggle world.
The sight that met Harry's eyes amazed him. He saw Tonks, Lupin, and Mad- Eye Moody, who's magical eye was concealed by the same hat he was wearing last year when he threatened Uncle Vernon. A great Black shaggy dog stood near Mad Eye Moody, and Harry's parents, who were beaming. Next to them, were the Dursley's, all beaming as well. Hermione's parents stood next to the Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Bill, Charlie, Fred, George and Percy stood next to them.
Mrs. Weasley ran to them, and grabbed them into a large hug.
"Geroff Mum!" Ron said, trying to break away.
"I'm so proud of you all!" Mrs. Weasley sobbed. "Taking on You-know-Who! I'm so relieved that you're all safe!"
"Molly, let them breath," said Lupin, striding forward and trying to control her.
"Harry!" called Lily Potter. Harry felt his heart swell with happiness. Hearing his mothers' voice was somehow soothing to him. Harry walked over to them, as Hermione went to her parents, and Ron and Ginny went to the Weasley family.
"How are you feeling?" James asked.
"Good," Harry said.
Suddenly, Harry felt hands grab him into a hug. When he had time to see, he saw Aunt Petunia hugging him.
"I'M SO HAPPY YOUR SAFE!" She said, sobbing onto his shoulder.
"Petunia dear, get a hold of yourself," said Uncle Vernon. "Harry, are you okay?" "Yes," said Harry.
"Tom is a horrible man!" Aunt Petunia squeaked. Harry grinned. It was hard not to laugh, when his Aunt was reminding him of Mrs. Weasley. Dudley waddled over.
"We're going to go back to Privet Drive with you, and then we'll be off to HQ," said James, smiling. The black shaggy dog leapt up, and put its paws on Harry's shoulders. "He couldn't resist coming to pick you up!"
"Hello Sirius,"
Harry saw Uncle Vernon's eyes dilate with fear.
"Its okay, Vernon. He's not a mad man. He was innocent," said Lily.
Uncle Vernon smiled.
"Alright there, harry?" came growling voice. It was Mad-Eye Moody.
"Yes. How come your all here?"
"Just wanted to see you off the train safely! That was some extraordinary stuff you did back at the school," Tonks said brightly. "Dumbledore told us you drove Voldemort away,"
"You have a real special apt for Defense against the Dark Arts," Lupin said. He had come over, after talking with the Weasley's. "I wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore made you teacher next year," he said.
Harry grinned.
"You take care of yourself, Harry! We'll see you really soon this summer!" said Tonks, hugging him.
"Yeah. Keep your head down, and make sure you register for Apparation testing. Also, McGonagall's sent some paper work for you for the Auror office. I'll send it by owl," growled Moody.
"Take care Harry. Keep your Defense skills up!" Lupin said. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came over.
"I hope to hear from you this summer. Just to make sure your safe," said Mr. Weasley.
"And don't go wandering off alone! Ron and Hermione said they'll be coming to visit!" Mrs. Weasley said, smiling, and pulling Harry into another hug.
Fred, George and Percy came over.
"Stop by the shop sometime this summer Harry! Major discount for Hogwarts Students!" Fred said.
"Yeah! Wait until you see what we've invented!" said George.
"I hope to see you soon Harry," said Percy, in a mayor like business tone. He held out his hand to shake, and Harry shook it.
"See you soon mate!" said Ron, clasping Harry on the shoulder.
"Bye Harry," said Ginny, smiling.
"Take care, Harry! Ron and I will be coming to visit!" said Hermione, kissing him on the cheek.
Harry waved to them all, and followed the Dursley's, Sirius, James and Lily out of the station. Harry felt that his summer was already shaping up to be the best one yet, but he also knew that he had a lot of work to do this summer. He also remembered the words of Professor Trelawney's prophecy years ago, the one that Dumbledore let Harry listen to during the end of his fifth year.
"And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives,"
Harry felt that he couldn't let Lord Voldemort win. He felt that he had to stop him somehow, and even if that meant standing up to him alone. Harry knew that his life, was now at its peak, and wasn't sure whether he was going to live, or if he were going to die. The answer still lay shrouded in Darkness, but Harry did know one thing;
"Godric Gryffindor wouldn't have given up, so neither am I,"
And with that said, he climbed into the back of the Dursley's mini-van, and sat between his parents. It felt great having his mother and father back. He now felt that his life, was indeed, complete.
Harry's mood suddenly lifted over the next two days, and he found himself not concerned about the threat of Lord Voldemort, not concerned about his exam results, but concerned whether or not he was going to be able to live with his parents. Dumbledore had told Harry the day after their talk that the Dursley's were alive, and well, and safe at Privet Drive. What surprised Harry more, was that the Dursley's wanted to talk to Harry, and make sure he was okay, but Dumbledore told them Harry needed to get packed.
Lily, James and Sirius returned to Grimmauld Place four days before the end of term. Harry did not want to see his parents go, but he knew he would see them over the summer holidays. Dumbledore assured Harry that once things settled down, he could leave Privet Drive, and stay at Grimmauld Place.
The last few days of term were quite eventful, in large part to the battle the school fought a few days ago. Several D.A members created two graves; one for Cho and one for Cedric. Harry loaded Cho's grave with flowers, and a small message which read "I will not forget you," and then he left one for Cedric that said "I will make sure you remain a legacy here at Hogwarts,". Parvati and Lavender told Harry that they produced Patronus's when fighting off the Dementors, and Harry found that he was actually proud of them.
Two days before the end of term, they were due to receive the results of their examinations. Harry, Ron and Hermione walked out of Gryffindor Tower, and down the marble stairs to the Great Hall.
"You know something, has anyone seen Malfoy?" Ron asked.
"No. I reckon he's hiding or something," said Harry.
"Sulking, more like. A Dementor attacked him, and he hasn't been the same since. He's been really jumpy. Colin Creevy saved his life when he set off a Patronus."
At that moment, Malfoy rose from the stairs that led down to the Slytherin Common Room. He looked at Harry and the others, smiled, and then walked off, mumbling. Harry grinned.
"He'll be alright," Hermione said, as they entered the Great Hall. Professor Sprout, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were walking amongst the tables, handing out the results of the exams to students.
"Here you are Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Granger," said Professor McGonagall, handing them their results in turn. She walked away, handing out more to everyone else in Gryffindor House.
Harry unrolled his parchment, and read his results silently. He had passed everything with fairly very good marks. He received a 110% on his Defense against the Dark Arts test. However, there was one class he barely passed, and that was Potions.
"Done quite alright, except Potions," Ron said grimly.
"Same here," Harry muttered.
Hermione choose not to say anything because she knew it would make Harry and Ron upset.
For much of the day, Ron messed around on his broomstick over the Quidditch field, playing games with the Hufflepuffs, and the Ravenclaws. Harry decided he wanted to be alone for a little while. Hermione was absorbed in the library. Harry sat down on the lake edge against a beech tree, staring out across the lake. People were splashing about, messing with the giant squid.
Harry just thought about the entire year that had passed. So much had went on, and it all seemed to happen very quickly too. As he sat there, thinking, he realized that his destiny was becoming more pronounced, however, he still didn't know the outcome. Would he die, a marked man? Would Lord Voldemort find a way to kill Harry, and take over? Harry did not know. He didn't know what his life would be like now that his parents were back.
His parents. He hadn't given then a single thought. Could he now figure out his parents' relationship while they were at school? Could Harry figure out what his father's true feelings were towards Snape? There was so much Harry had wanted to ask them before they departed to Grimmauld Place with Sirius. Perhaps, he would ask them over the summer holiday.
He stood up. He turned and was about walk towards the castle when he turned face to face with a red haired child; Ginny.
"You scared me!" said Harry, his voice shaky.
Ginny giggled. "I'm sorry,"
"What's up?"
"Nothing. I was just wondering where you were off to, until I saw you out the tower window," she said.
"Well, I'm going back up to Gryffindor Tower,"
"I'll come with you,"
They both turned and began to head up the slopping lawn. Many people were spread out on blankets, sunbathing, and relaxing. Several were reading the Daily Prophet, which in no doubt had covered the story of what happened a few days ago. Students waved, and called out to Harry and Ginny as they passed, and respectfully, Harry returned the greetings.
"They're really fond of us now," Ginny said as they climbed the stairs into the entrance hall. Here, many more students called out to them, and waved.
Harry nodded in approval, as they climbed the marble stairs and headed to the seventh floor.
"Its all going to break out next year, trust me," said Ginny.
"Break out?" asked Harry.
"The war. It's going to become much more dangerous. The entire wizarding world has to face the fact that You-Know-Who isn't going to play it safe. He's going to do whatever he has to do to make sure we're dead, and he achieves immortality," she explained as they reached the fat lady.
Harry delivered the password, as the fat lady swung forward to let them enter the tower. The common room was almost deserted, except for Hermione, and Neville. "-And that's how you produce a stinging hex," Harry heard Hermione say, before she turned to the portrait hole. "Harry!"
"Hello Harry," said Neville.
"Hello. What are you guys doing?"
"I was just teaching Neville how to do a stinging hex," Hermione said. "So, are you feeling ok?"
"I'm fine. I need to start packing. The feast is tomorrow and I won't have time to do it,"
Hermione and Ginny nodded. Harry went upstairs to the boy's dormitories, and entered his room. The room was empty, except for the fluttering of something small near Ron's bed. It was Pig. He was bouncing all over the room like a maniac. Harry grinned. He crossed and opened his trunk, and then began to put stuff inside of it. He, couldn't help but think that he would indeed miss Hogwarts in a few days time.
* * * * * *
"The year has come, and the Year has gone. Unlike many other years, this year was different. This year, we have conquered more than most people conquer in their entire lives. We have shown that evil can never penetrate the halls of our beloved school. You have all rose magnificently to the challenge of defending Hogwarts, when we were besieged by evil, and I cannot express how proud of all of you I am," Dumbledore said, standing and addressing the school.
They were in the Great Hall, on the night before they were due to leave. Everyone in the hall had their attention focused on Professor Dumbledore, and all seemed to be smiling at his kind words. Harry, Ron and Hermione looked pleased as well.
"And I understand that I need to award the house cup, however, I shall not give it to one house," he said, looking over to the Gryffindor table and signaling them. "I shall award one for each house. Professor McGonagall, if you would please award the cups," he continued beaming at Professor McGonagall. Professor McGonagall nodded, stood up, and waved her wand. Four gleaming gold trophies, each bearing the symbol of the four houses of Hogwarts, appeared in thin air, floating. She waved her wand once more, and the Trophies appeared on each table.
"You all deserve a House Cup!" said Dumbledore.
The hall exploded in cheers. Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors were screaming the loudest. Harry had never been so happy in his life (although his parents were the happiest spot in his heart). However, Harry was aware that many of the Ravenclaws were staring at him. The Hall's cheering dyed down slowly, and to Harry's utter bewilderment, many Hufflepuffs were looking at him, including the Slytherins. Pansy Parkinson and her gang were not giving Harry sneering and looks of disgust.
Susan Bones stood up on top of the bench, so that now she was taller than the crowd. Dumbledore and the rest of the staff watched with interest.
"We would like to congratulate Harry, Ron and Hermione. As students of Gryffindor House, they show remarkable courage and outstanding bravery in the eyes of danger. We drink to them," she said. Harry felt his face turn red. He saw Ron and Hermione beam with pleasure as everyone drank to them. The hall broke into applause afterwards. The Hogwarts ghost glided in the hall, joining in the festivities.
Harry did not know what to say. He simply beamed with pleasure too, as people were coming over to shake his hand, and to his surprise once again, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy and many other Slytherins (including that of Pansy's old Boyfriend) came over too. Perhaps Dumbledore's words at the beginning of term, and the fight against Voldemort a few days ago proved that the school and the magic community must unite against the threat of Voldemort. Harry felt that next year, would be a year he would not forget, even if he wanted to.
* * * * * *
The journey home on the Hogwarts Express was a joyful occasion for Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny and Luna. Many people still continued to drop in to say hello, and wish them a safe summer. Neville was very surprised when a Hufflepuff girl asked him out. However, Neville declined, telling her that he had to much to think about, but the girl did not look scandalized. She simply said "Okay". However, Harry knew why Neville had turned her down; he was hoping to ask Ginny out.
Throughout much of the afternoon, Harry and Ron played games of wizard's chess, and talked about Quidditch for next year.
"I was actually thinking about turning the team captaincy over to you, Ron" Harry said, as one of his knights was beaten up by Ron's queen. Ron looked up.
"What?" asked Hermione, taking her eyes away from the Daily Prophet.
"Well, its sort of a thing that I've been thinking about through the entire year,"
"B-But Harry. You're a great captain. I'm rubbish."
"Don't be stupid," said Harry. "You'll make a good captain,"
Ron flushed red. "T-Thanks Harry. I won't let you down, I promise"
Harry smiled. He felt he had to do this, because of what he saw in the mirror of erised in his first year. He had saw his parents, and the rest of his family in the mirror. Harry had achieved one of the things he saw in the mirror. Perhaps, it was only right that he let Ron achieve one of the things he saw in the mirror.
The train continued to speed south, and the sun continued to shine brightly in the sky. Luna was reading the Quibbler the entire way, and Neville and Ginny had disappeared for much of the trip. When they returned, an hour before the train pulled into Kings Cross station, they informed everyone that they were going out. Crookshanks purred loudly. Hedwig and Pig hooted. Ron smiled, which surprised Harry a lot. Hermione and Luna also smiled.
The train finally began to puff to a standstill as they pulled into Platform 9 ¾. Harry grabbed his trunk from the luggage rack, and took Hedwig from atop the luggage rack as well. He walked out of the compartment, followed by the others and disembarked from the train. Neville and Luna waved good-bye as they walked to their parents who were standing on the platform. Harry was pleased to see that Mrs. Longbottom was looking well, however, he arm was still in a sling. The ticket inspector signaled that it was safe to walk into the barrier that separated the muggle world from the magic world and the four of them walked through the wall and emerged into the muggle world.
The sight that met Harry's eyes amazed him. He saw Tonks, Lupin, and Mad- Eye Moody, who's magical eye was concealed by the same hat he was wearing last year when he threatened Uncle Vernon. A great Black shaggy dog stood near Mad Eye Moody, and Harry's parents, who were beaming. Next to them, were the Dursley's, all beaming as well. Hermione's parents stood next to the Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Bill, Charlie, Fred, George and Percy stood next to them.
Mrs. Weasley ran to them, and grabbed them into a large hug.
"Geroff Mum!" Ron said, trying to break away.
"I'm so proud of you all!" Mrs. Weasley sobbed. "Taking on You-know-Who! I'm so relieved that you're all safe!"
"Molly, let them breath," said Lupin, striding forward and trying to control her.
"Harry!" called Lily Potter. Harry felt his heart swell with happiness. Hearing his mothers' voice was somehow soothing to him. Harry walked over to them, as Hermione went to her parents, and Ron and Ginny went to the Weasley family.
"How are you feeling?" James asked.
"Good," Harry said.
Suddenly, Harry felt hands grab him into a hug. When he had time to see, he saw Aunt Petunia hugging him.
"I'M SO HAPPY YOUR SAFE!" She said, sobbing onto his shoulder.
"Petunia dear, get a hold of yourself," said Uncle Vernon. "Harry, are you okay?" "Yes," said Harry.
"Tom is a horrible man!" Aunt Petunia squeaked. Harry grinned. It was hard not to laugh, when his Aunt was reminding him of Mrs. Weasley. Dudley waddled over.
"We're going to go back to Privet Drive with you, and then we'll be off to HQ," said James, smiling. The black shaggy dog leapt up, and put its paws on Harry's shoulders. "He couldn't resist coming to pick you up!"
"Hello Sirius,"
Harry saw Uncle Vernon's eyes dilate with fear.
"Its okay, Vernon. He's not a mad man. He was innocent," said Lily.
Uncle Vernon smiled.
"Alright there, harry?" came growling voice. It was Mad-Eye Moody.
"Yes. How come your all here?"
"Just wanted to see you off the train safely! That was some extraordinary stuff you did back at the school," Tonks said brightly. "Dumbledore told us you drove Voldemort away,"
"You have a real special apt for Defense against the Dark Arts," Lupin said. He had come over, after talking with the Weasley's. "I wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore made you teacher next year," he said.
Harry grinned.
"You take care of yourself, Harry! We'll see you really soon this summer!" said Tonks, hugging him.
"Yeah. Keep your head down, and make sure you register for Apparation testing. Also, McGonagall's sent some paper work for you for the Auror office. I'll send it by owl," growled Moody.
"Take care Harry. Keep your Defense skills up!" Lupin said. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came over.
"I hope to hear from you this summer. Just to make sure your safe," said Mr. Weasley.
"And don't go wandering off alone! Ron and Hermione said they'll be coming to visit!" Mrs. Weasley said, smiling, and pulling Harry into another hug.
Fred, George and Percy came over.
"Stop by the shop sometime this summer Harry! Major discount for Hogwarts Students!" Fred said.
"Yeah! Wait until you see what we've invented!" said George.
"I hope to see you soon Harry," said Percy, in a mayor like business tone. He held out his hand to shake, and Harry shook it.
"See you soon mate!" said Ron, clasping Harry on the shoulder.
"Bye Harry," said Ginny, smiling.
"Take care, Harry! Ron and I will be coming to visit!" said Hermione, kissing him on the cheek.
Harry waved to them all, and followed the Dursley's, Sirius, James and Lily out of the station. Harry felt that his summer was already shaping up to be the best one yet, but he also knew that he had a lot of work to do this summer. He also remembered the words of Professor Trelawney's prophecy years ago, the one that Dumbledore let Harry listen to during the end of his fifth year.
"And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives,"
Harry felt that he couldn't let Lord Voldemort win. He felt that he had to stop him somehow, and even if that meant standing up to him alone. Harry knew that his life, was now at its peak, and wasn't sure whether he was going to live, or if he were going to die. The answer still lay shrouded in Darkness, but Harry did know one thing;
"Godric Gryffindor wouldn't have given up, so neither am I,"
And with that said, he climbed into the back of the Dursley's mini-van, and sat between his parents. It felt great having his mother and father back. He now felt that his life, was indeed, complete.