Hi all, I know I'm late again but I've been so busy lately at work. Anyway this is the third to last chapter, I hope you enjoy it. Once again, this hasn't been beta-ed so I hope its not got too many mistakes!

OK, thanks too:

Ketani Petitedra - Hey, you hated Malfoy three chapters ago! LOL! I'm pleased you liked that last chapter; please let me know what you think of this one.

Angeltears3 - Nearly at the end now. Hope you like the last few chapters, please let me know.

Nesia - I was wondering why you didn't mention Ron is the last review! I'm sorry I killed him, really but it was necessary to the plot, honest! Malfoy and Harry friends?? Nah - never happen! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Ears91 - I know, Lupin teaching potions! Things are THAT bad! Ginny and Malfoy? Hmmm! Keep reading!

Claire - Thanks for reviewing again babe, just ask my sister about any characters you don't know. See, she is useful for something! Take care and speak to you soon!

OK guys, I'll keep going. Enjoy!

Chapter 35 - A New Era

They walked to the Great Hall and entered, heading straight for the Gryffindor table and taking their places. Harry stared at the empty seat next to him. Hermione eyed Neville and he immediately moved up, closer to Harry. Harry smiled at Neville and then turned his attention to the Head Table. Dumbledore was already sat in his normal place, with Sprout and Lupin beside him. Sprout had been promoted to deputy head in McGonagall's absence.

Harry caught Dumbledore's eyes for a moment and they nodded at each other. Harry's last lesson with Dumbledore had been a couple of days ago and Dumbledore had sworn him to complete secrecy, he wasn't even allowed to tell Hermione. Dumbledore had told him that the first step was to understand his power, control it and then use it for their own purposes. They had certainly made progress but Harry knew there was a long way to go. His occlumency lessons with Snape had certainly helped Harry control his emotions against Rosenna and they were now proving a big help with his new powers. Harry frowned at the thought of Snape. He was looking forward to using his 'skills' on him too, especially after what he had done to Lupin.

At that moment, Madam Sprout got to her feet and rapped on the table. It took a little longer for her to gain everyone's attention then it had McGonnagall but finally, there was silence. "Your attention please!" she called out and then bowed to Dumbledore. He stood and bowed back to the Herbology teacher and then turned to the students. They all stared back, waiting expectantly.

"My friends," he began, "the end of another year once again approaches." He paused, his bright blues eyes gazing around the Hall. "I have asked you here today for two reasons. Firstly, and right now most importantly, to say goodbye to our friends who are no longer with us."

Harry felt Hermione take his hand. He glanced at her. She was staring at Dumbledore, tears running down her face.

Dumbledore continued. "Each one should be named and honoured. Please stand and show your respect to the casualties of this war."

Everyone single person in the Hall stood, goblet in hand. Harry glanced over at the Slytherins. He was shocked. Malfoy was on his feet, eyes on Dumbledore. Many of his fellow Slytherins were following suit. Only Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott, Millicent and Blaise remained sitting. Harry felt fury building inside him. Fury and power. He tried to calm himself, swallowing hard. He had to keep control.

Dumbledore was now holding his goblet aloft as he announced the first name.

"Luna Lovegood."

All those standing repeated Luna's name and drank to her.

"Sybil Trelawny."

Again, they all chanted the Divination Professors' name and there were a few muffled sobs from the Gryffindor table.

"Ernie Macmillan".

This time there was a large outpouring of grief from the Hufflepuffs.

Dumbledore stared straight at Malfoy as he said, "Selina Umbridge." He than drank to her memory. Malfoy swallowed hard and then said his girlfriends name in a shaky voice. Only a few Slytherins did the same. Many in the Hall knew what Selina had been and refused to honour her.

The Gryffindors surrounding Harry were furious but Harry was not. He understood. Dumbledore had done that not for Selina, but for Malfoy and the Slytherins' sakes. Harry hoped it had been enough.

Finally, Dumbledore raised his goblet again. He spoke loudly and clearly and took another drink.

"Ronald Weasley."

Harry shook with grief as he honoured his best friend. It became even harder for him when he heard Hermione breaking down beside him. Neville, Dean and Seamus wiped tears from their eyes as they thought of Ron. He had been their friend too. Lavender and Parvati stood beside Ginny, both offering her support. Ginny drank from her cup but said nothing. She seemed too lost to speak.

Dumbledore waited for all noise to die down before continuing.

"There are of course some names that I have left off. People who should be here but are not. Michael Corner, Professor McGonnagall and Professor Hagrid have been lost to us as well and should be honoured in the same way as our other fallen heroes."

Harry again drank from his goblet, his eyes once again misting over as he thought of Hagrid. Voldemort had taken so much away from him. He wanted revenge and he would get it, no matter how long it would take.

"We have lost so many this year," Dumbledore said, "so many good, honest people who did no one any harm throughout their lives. People who tried to protect those they loved and paid the ultimate price. These people must never be forgotten."

There was a round of applause at these words, which started softly but got steadily louder until nearly everyone in the Hall was clapping. Some even stamped their feet in approval of Dumbledore's words. Dumbledore raised one hand and once again, the noise died away.

"Now, I must make you all understand," he continued. "This year will be merely a taster of what will happen next. Voldemort has gained new followers who have been close to us here. This gives him an uncomfortable advantage. I need you all to be with me. Those who still believe that I am wrong, that what I have said today is lies, I believe we have come as far as we can together and it is time for those people to leave my school." There were quiet murmurings around the Hall at these words but no one moved.

Dumbledore's eyes remained on the Slytherins for a moment and many of them squirmed uncomfortably under his gaze.

Dumbledore spoke again, "I am pleased with this response but am still not entirely satisfied." Another quick glance at the Slytherin table. "Time will tell if my faith in some of you is justified." Harry frowned as he saw Nott lean over to talk to Pansy and she giggled stupidly. Harry knew that any faith Dumbledore foolishly put in either of them was entirely unjustified. He turned back to see his Head Master beginning to speak again.

"I can see from some of your faces that I have filled you with dread today. I won't say that I regret this, as it was my intention. I don't want you to go away and have sleepless nights but I have to prepare you. A lot more are going to die." There was a soft gasp around the Hall at this. Dumbledore raised a hand. "Please. I am not suggesting that we have no hope. We do. As I am sure all of you know by now, we have Neville Longbottom and the power of Godric Gryffindor, which is inside him. Also, the knowledge that Neville has awakened inside of him will be invaluable to our fight." All eyes in the Hall had turned to look at Neville and he blushed and looked down. Harry put his hand on the boy's shoulder and gave him a smile.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued. "There is something else that you may not know about, another reason why victory can, and I believe will, be ours. A few months ago, I told you in this Hall that Harry Potter was the Heir of Gryffindor. Obviously, I was mistaken. However, I have discovered that there is something special about young Mr Potter - Harry, please stand up."

Now all eyes were on Harry. He swallowed uncomfortable as he gazed at Dumbledore. He knew that the headmaster would ask him to do this but it didn't make it any easier. He glanced at Hermione, who was watching him closely, confused. Harry knew she had no idea of what he was about to do. He hoped she wasn't angry with him for not telling her. Harry stood up slowly, not taking his eyes off of Dumbledore. There were nervous, excited whisperings all around the Hall.

Dumbledore nodded encouragingly at Harry and then held his hand up again for silence. He got it straight away.

"Now my friends, Mr Potter will give us a small example of what he is capable of. Harry, please show your colleagues some of what you have been learning to do in our private lessons." Dumbledore sat down again, his eyes on Harry.

Harry gave himself a little shake and began to gather his power inside him. He shut his eyes and concentrated hard. This was going to be the toughest thing he had attempted since he had lost control in the temple. He held his hands out in front of him and very gradually, he felt the power rise in him. Hermione watched Harry in shock. She carefully reached out and touched his hand. Registering her touch, Harry snapped his eyes open and Hermione gasped and stood up quickly when she saw her friend's eyes. They were glowing red. Harry smiled calmly at her. "Don't be afraid," he told her calmly. He then clasped his hands together and he felt the power flow through him, completely under his control. He grinned at Hermione again and then waved his hand at her. She let out a surprised cry as she felt her feet leave the ground and her whole body rise up into the air. It was then she realised she was flying. She screamed in joy as she flew around the hall, everyone gazing up at her in total shock.

Harry raised his hand again and gestured at Neville and Ginny and they too rose up into the air and joined Hermione, flying around the Grand Hall. The Gryffindors all gasped in delight when they, as one, left the ground and flew up together. Harry let out a cry of pain and used the last of his strength to also lift the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and even the Slytherins into the air. He shut his eyes tightly; this was using so much power and concentration. He hoped Dumbledore would think it was enough. He could hear the delighted squeals and laughter from his schoolmates and he was pleased. Many students were flying in groups and playing around. It was amazing, a feeling of being completely free.

The professors were watching in complete shock and some, notably Sprout and Flitwick, were looking terrified and glancing with concern at Dumbledore. Lupin was staring at Harry with awe. All he could think was 'James son can do that?!' Dumbledore was laughing. He then began to clap his hands. This was perfect.

Dumbledore stood up again. "My friends," he called and the students turned to look down at him. Dean even stopped doing his impression of Superman. Seamus was shaking his head at him. He had no idea what his friend had been doing but he was pleased he was laughing again. Dumbledore waited until the noise had calmed down until he continued. "You now see the power this boy has in him and believe me, this is just a starter of all that Harry Potter will do. He is the Chosen, the Alezina. He is the unity of our founders and has the blood of all four of them inside him and all of their different powers. Neville Longbottom's blood awakened this power and Harry's grief released it. And what a power it is, as you have all now witnessed." Dumbledore paused, his eyes turning back to Harry.

Harry couldn't keep it going any longer. With a tired sigh, he began to lower all the delighted students back to their seats. Many of them gave disappointed cries, including Malfoy who had been doing somersaults. Only two people seemed completed unimpressed and they were Nott and Pansy. They just stared at each other in disbelief and what seemed to be panic.

When the students once again touched the ground, they burst into rapturous applause. Harry laid his head down on the table and shut his eyes. He had no strength left but he was happy. He would gain more strength and become even more powerful in time and when he did, then people would pay. Hermione reached out and softly stroked Harry's hair. "Are you ok?" She whispered to him. He nodded slowly. "That was amazing," she told him calmly but her eyes were wide. Harry glanced at her and gave her a weak smile. Hermione noticed that Harry's eyes had already returned to their normal green. Whatever that incredible power had been, it was gone again now.

At that moment, many Slytherins got to their feet and began to file out of the Hall. The other students watched them go with mounting dislike. Dumbledore made no effort to stop them. The departing Slytherins included Crabbe, Goyle, Nott, Blaise and Millicent. As she passed, Pansy gave Malfoy who had remained sitting, an evil glare. Malfoy stared back at her with an obstinate expression and he didn't get up. Pansy nodded her head at him, hissed "goodbye Draco," and then turned and marched out. Malfoy watched her go and then glanced over at the Gryffindor table, his eyes resting on Ginny. She gazed back at him. Malfoy looked down at his feet whilst Ginny continued to look at him for a few moments. Only a small handful of Slytherins remained and Harry noticed that they were all looking at Malfoy, as if they were hoping for instructions from him.

Dumbledore waited for the last of the deserters to completely remove themselves before saying clearly, "I believe now that I am only speaking to those who are on the same side as me. I will ask you all to go away now and try to relax in your common rooms. The true battle begins today. Welcome to the future my friends, may Merlin help us all.

Neville, Harry and Hermione glanced at each other. They stood up silently to leave the Hall. Hermione slid her hand into Harry's. Harry felt a shudder go through him. Dumbledore was right. The future was here and no matter of all the changes that had happened to him, Harry was frightened. He walked out hand in hand with Hermione and as he left the Hall and began to climb the stairs to the common room, his thoughts once again returned to absent friends. "Wish you were here Ron, I need you mate," he thought and as he did, he felt tears spill out of his eyes and he shut them tightly, hoping that Hermione hadn't noticed.