Hi again all! Hope you all had a brilliant Christmas.

First of all - to everyone who was completely confused by my mentioning that Harry was the Alezina, I will be explaining more about this in the remaining chapters. However, I have mentioned the Alezina before, I wasn't meaning it to be a complete surprise! Have a look at chapter 18, there is a bit about Alezina in there!

Just to let you know this chapter hasn't been beta-ed so all mistakes are mine. My own! (Sorry, bit of Two Towers creeping in there!)

Right then, thanks too:

Numba1 - Wow, the sequel? Don't want to think about that yet. Still trying to get this one finished!

Ketani Petitedra - I'm glad you found it sad, it means I succeeded! Thanks for the comments, as always!

Malfoy11717 - Thanks for reading. I hope you review again.

Nesia - Thanks, I had a great Xmas! I hope you did too. I'm looking forward to reading your next comments! Let me know what some of your other questions are.

Hedwig02135 - Sorry to make you sad but I'm - ahem - pleased I did cos that was the aim! Please keep reading.

Ames - Believe me, I HATED killing Ron but it works for my story. Please keep reading.

Mari G. Potter - Nope, there's more! I think I'd have got some really nasty emails if I'd left it there! Hope you keep reading mate, I love reading your reviews.

Schmanski - Really, the first 'Ron dies' story you've read? That's surprising! Please keep reading.

Kingofcliffy - I don't think Ron will die in the books either, I actually think Harry will, in the final battle and Ron will end up with Hermione. Anywayz - I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for understanding about the Alezina! Phew!

Dreamer43 - Read on, I hope I'll answer your questions. Happy New Year!

Angeltears3 - Sorry to make you wait! Again! As always, please review.

Ears91 - YEP!

Dada-wild - Thanks for the review. I'm glad you find it emotional. I hope you read the rest.

OK, on we go. And to all my readers - Happy New Year.

Chapter 34 - Back at Hogwarts

It was now two weeks after the events of the fateful day in Rosennas temple and Harry had realised pretty quickly that Hogwarts would never be the same again. He had not accepted that Ron was gone. He still expected him there in lessons and break times, at dinner and in the common room. On some occasions he had even been late for classes, expecting Ron to meet him to walk there together. The place seemed so empty without Ron's chatter and laughter. Harry missed him more than words could say and the pain just refused to go away. A lot of Harry's time was now spent in Dumbledore's office, practising his new skills. The power that had been unleashed that day, Harry still didn't understand but his skills were improving and very soon, he'd be ready to show first the whole school and then, the whole world. 'And then,' Harry thought to himself, 'maybe then I'll be ready to face Voldemort again.' Even just thinking about his enemy made Harry begin to tremble with anguish and hate. He calmed himself; he didn't want to release his power in the middle of Hogwarts. Could cause a panic, he realised.

Hermione had been getting on better than Harry, well at least that was how it looked to him. In truth, she was only just keeping it together but she knew that Harry needed her to be strong, for both of them. She had stuck her head completely into her books, trying to catch up with all that they had missed due to the drama of that year. It was the best form of defence she knew and if she didn't have her work, she would have lost it.

Ginny had returned to school against her parent's wishes as all her remaining brothers had stayed at home. She had told her parents that it was what she needed, some kind of her normal life. They had reluctantly agreed. Her classmates left her alone, not knowing what to say to her. Most nights Ginny cried herself to sleep as she thought of her big brother and the fact that she would never see him again. It was just too much.

Harry had just finished a potions class, which Lupin had been teaching. Due to the loss of Snape, McGonnagall and Hagrid, there was a huge staff shortage and all the teachers were doing their best to help out. It didn't stop ignorant students such as Pansy Parkinson from complaining loudly about her declining grades however. All the Slytherins seemed to be having a whale of a time and it made Harry sick to his stomach just watching them. He did notice with some surprise that Malfoy did not join in with comrades. In fact, in every class Harry was with Malfoy in, Malfoy sat on his own, an outcast.

That day in Potions, Malfoy had actually told Pansy to 'shut her mouth,' much to the Slytherins shock and anger and everybody else's amusement. As Harry watched Malfoy more closely, he realised how much the boy had changed. That sneer and arrogant swagger had left his enemy and now he looked like a lost little boy with no friends. Harry made up his mind to have a word with Malfoy at the first opportunity.

The first opportunity came quicker than Harry had expected. As he walked through the courtyard, he noticed Malfoy sat alone on a bench, his nose in a book. Harry hesitated for a moment and then strode up to the Slytherin.

"Mind if I sit down?" He asked and Malfoy started and looked up. He stared at Harry for a moment and then shrugged. "If you like." Harry sat himself down and swallowed, wondering how to start up the conversation.

"Malfoy, are you ok?" he asked, glancing at the boy. "Sure Potter, why wouldn't I be?" Harry frowned. "You don't seem to be Mr popular in your house anymore." Malfoy put his book down and stared at Harry. "I wonder why that could be Potter?"

Harry felt the familiar anger course through his veins. "Look Malfoy, why do you have to be so difficult?" Malfoy laughed. "Because Potter, I am a Slytherin."

They both sat in silence for a moment and then Malfoy piped up. "I'm sorry about Weasley Potter." This stunned Harry. "Erm, thanks. I'm sorry about Selina." Again, a nasty laugh. "No you're not." Harry couldn't argue with this. He wasn't sorry Selina was gone but he did feel bad for Malfoy. He tried again. "What lessons have you got this afternoon?" Malfoy sighed and then turned harshly on Harry.

"Listen Potter, I think there are some things we need to get straight. You wont get any more trouble from me, I'm through with the Death Eater life. What you should remember is though - I despise you and I always will. I am sorry Ron died and I wish I could change what happened but I can't. I'm not your enemy anymore but I'm not your friend either Potter. Hell, I don't even want to be civil to you. Are we clear?"

Harry watched Malfoy's sneering face for a moment and then replied, "Very clear Draco. See you around then." He got up and began to walk away. Malfoy sighed and returned to his book. Harry paused for a moment and looked back. "Thanks for saving my life," he added quietly and then hurried away. Malfoy glanced up and watched Harry go, a scowl on his face.

"Well, wasn't that nice?" Came a cruel voice from behind Malfoy. He stood up and whirled round. Pansy, Nott, Crabbe and Goyle were stood behind him. His hand lowered to cover his wand.

"Hi there guys, anything wrong?" Pansy and Nott moved in front of Draco and Crabbe and Goyle moved behind him. He was surrounded.

"You're getting on well with Potter Draco." Pansy whispered, her tone threatening. Malfoy grinned. "Actually Pansy, I just told him that I hated his guts." Nott scoffed. "So that's why you helped him against the Dark Lord." Malfoy snarled. "The Dark Lord killed Selina." Pansy frowned and moved closer to Draco. "We all gave our lives to him to do with as he wished. Selina's use had run out." Malfoy glared at her. "I loved her." Pansy laughed loudly and mimed playing a violin with her arms. "Grow up Draco, you're a Slytherin, a pure blood! You need to remember that." Malfoy scowled at her and realised Crabbe and Goyle were moving closer to him. He knew he couldn't control them any longer. "Maybe I want to forget it Pansy, forget everything," he said quietly, looking down. Pansy tutted and took a step back. Nott moved ahead of her and snarled, "Or maybe you need to learn a lesson Malfoy." He nodded to Crabbe and Goyle and they grabbed Draco and dragged him back, pulling him behind a wall where they couldn't be seen. They punched and kicked at the boy, until Draco cried out. Nott pulled his head up by his hair and smirked at him. "You better think about what you are Draco and where your loyalties lie. If you don't." He paused and smiled down at Malfoy, "Well, that will be for the Dark Lord to decide won't it?" He then released Draco and just when Draco attempted to stand, Nott kicked him hard in the stomach, winding him. Pansy laughed, enjoying the show.

At that moment, a voice called, "Leave him alone!" They all turned around in surprise to see Ginny standing a little way off, her wand pointing straight at Nott and her eyes flashing dangerously. Pansy glared at her. "This has nothing to do with you Gryffindor, get lost." Ginny stared back with hatred and snapped. "No." Pansy moved towards her but Nott grabbed her arm. "Leave it. We've made our point here." Pansy looked angry but she nodded her head. Nott gave Ginny an evil grin and then he and Pansy walked away arm-in-arm, their ape like bodyguards following them.

Ginny put away her wand and went to Malfoy's side. She helped him sit up and smiled at him. He stared at her for a moment and then snapped, "Why did you help me?" Ginny grinned at him and said. "You're welcome." Malfoy glared at her for a moment and then, he laughed. Ginny helped him to his feet. "Try and stay out of trouble yeah?" She told him, handing him his wand that had fallen on the ground during the fight. Malfoy smiled at her. "Have a peaceful summer," Ginny said quietly and then turned and walked away, leaving Malfoy to stare after her in surprise.

Harry was walking through the corridors when Lupin called out to him. Harry stopped and turned, smiling at the Professor in greeting. "How are you Harry?" Lupin asked, clasping Harry's shoulder. Harry began his usual reply of 'I'm fine' but under Lupin's gaze, the words caught in his throat and he looked down. Lupin patted Harry's shoulder. "I know how it feels to lose a best friend, actually two best friends." Harry looked up into Lupin's eyes. "You ever need to talk Harry, you know where to find me." Harry felt a lump in his throat and swallowed. "Thanks Sir." Lupin nodded and at him. "You know about the Remembrance service in the Great Hall do you Harry?" Harry nodded. "Yes, I'm going to meet Hermione and then we're going there." Lupin nodded. "Well, you'd better hurry. I'll see you in there. Take care Harry." Then Lupin was gone. Harry watched him go. He was relieved he still had Lupin to talk too. No one understood how Harry was feeling better than Lupin, not even Hermione.

Harry rushed to the Library as quickly as he could. He had not even agreed to meet Hermione there, he just knew that that is where she would be. She spent all her time in the Library since - that day. Harry knew that she was catching up with missed work to help them both but she was also studying the Alezina, trying to find out exactly what Harry had become and where the power had come through. Hermione had thrown her heart and soul into this task, therefore cutting everything else out. Including her pain.

Harry ran into the Library, gaining a very annoyed look from the Librarian in the process. Harry ignored her and gazed around for Hermione. He noticed her bushy head in the corner and, as expected, she was buried in a book. She glanced up quickly as Harry dashed over to her.

"Hermione, we have to get to the Great Hall, we're late!" Hermione gave him an impatient look and glanced at her watch.

"Oh Harry, give me a couple more minutes." Hermione pleaded and once again returned to her book. Harry looked over her head at the book with interest. "Have you found out anything about, erm, me?" Hermione frowned. "No I haven't Harry. It's been two weeks and I've found absolutely NOTHING and I can't stand it!" She knocked the huge book to the floor, causing everyone in the room to gasp and moan angrily. Hermione bit her lip hard.

Harry didn't say anything but he leant down and picked up the heavy book, catching a glance at its title. "Secret Myths of Hogwarts." Harry shook his head slightly and put the book back on the table. "You think the Alezina is connected directly to Hogwarts?" Harry asked Hermione. Hermione sighed. "I'm not sure Harry, I thought it was a likely angle with everything that has happened this year but I'm really not sure about anything." Harry put his hand in hers and softly squeezed it. "Come on, let's go to the Great Hall Hermione. We owe it to -," but he couldn't finish the sentence. He shut his eyes tightly. Hermione watched him for a moment, her heart breaking. She put her arms round Harry and he clung to her, not allowing any tears to fall. He pulled away then, aware everyone's eyes were on them. "Lets go join the others," he whispered to her and she nodded. They walked out hand in hand, heads held high.

I'm already working on the next chapter. Should be posted by the end of next week.