Three days after the final battle things had finally started to settle down at Hogwarts. They weren't back to normal and Minerva McGonagall, new Head Master of Hogwarts, doubted that the school she loved so much would ever truly be the same again. Sitting in her new office, Dumbledore's office as it would always be to her, she couldn't picture changing a thing.
Mourning Dumbledore, her oldest and greatest friend, was difficult for everyone. Hargrid had yet to stop crying. Students walked around the castle hollowed-eyed. But Minerva wouldn't allow the school Dumbledore loved so well to crumble on her watch.
The comforting presence of a familiar face was needed, so she brought Remus Lupin back. His presence had cheered a number of students. But happy smiles faded quickly, for now that was to be expected.
"Severus," Minerva greeted warmly as the Potions Master entered the office.
"Head Master," he said, his voice pained. "I wanted to apologize about the other day."
"It was the potion Severus …"
"It shouldn't be excused. Dumbledore wouldn't have accepted it," Severus said.
"No," Minerva smiled, "he would have some words of wisdom, unfortunately I have none to offer now. We had words Severus. For the sake of Hogwarts and Dumbledore's memory we have to put them behind us and move forward. Hogwarts must remain."
"Then we are of accord," he replied. His dark eyes scanned the room sadly. "I would have died for him."
"As we all would, but that's not a choice he would have given us," Minerva sighed. "That's why he didn't call the Aurors. Somehow, damn him, he knew."
Severus laughed, "Awful habit that was." Minerva joined in his laughter, she couldn't agree more.
~*~
Hospital Wing"You never scare me like that again," Ron, scolded Hermione. "Taking on a Death Eater," he said shaking his head. "What were you thinking?"
"I was just interfering," Hermione teased.
Ron flushed, "I'll never live that down will I?"
"No," she giggled. As quickly as she started, Hermione stopped. It didn't feel right to giggle. "How's Neville?"
"Good," Ron said accepting the sobering of her mood. "He doesn't remember much about being cursed, so that's a blessing."
"A needed one," she said sadly.
Ron lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "There's more," he informed her. "You have been out for three days."
"What?" Hermione asked.
As if hearing her question Harry and Ginny walked into her cubical hand and hand. Though Harry looked worse for ware, it was clear that this sadness was eased some but the red head beside him. "You're awake," Harry said happily.
"Thank goodness," Ginny said leaning over the bed to hug Hermione. "Ron's been so worried."
"He wasn't the only one," Harry said taking Hermione's hand. "Welcome back."
"You did it," Hermione smiled sadly. "I always knew you would."
"I couldn't have done it without Dumbledore," Harry said, his eyes filling with anguish. "It's his victory."