Disclaimer: See Chapter 1 for a full disclaimer
Chapter 7 – Saying Goodbye
The next morning Harry woke up to find Ron looking out the window. Ron noticed the movement and turned toward him.
"Morning, mate. You better get packing. Mum expects us home before lunch."
Harry smiled. "What do you really think about Ginny and me?"
"Like I said, Harry. About bloody time! You two are meant for each other. Did you notice the funny way Sirius and Remus were looking at you two last night?"
"Yeah. What was that all about?"
"I have an idea what it was. Take a look at this picture Colin took of you two last night." He handed the picture to Harry.
Harry was amazed. Except for the scar, it was like he was looking at his parents.
"Blimey Ron…I never noticed it before. That's weird!" said Harry.
"Remus commented on it last night. But do you know when I see when I look at this picture?" asked Ron. Harry shook his head. "I see a couple so in love. AND I see my best friend soon to become my brother-in-law!"
"Not so very soon, Ron. We are waiting until after Gin graduates," replied Harry.
"Let's go grab some breakfast, Harry. I'm starving," Ron's oft-repeated complaint made Harry laugh.
"Well, we don't want that!" replied Harry as he and Ron left their room.
***
When Ginny and Hermione entered the Great Hall, the guys weren't there yet. As they headed for the Gryffindor table, they were mobbed by girls wanting to see their rings and verify the rumors.
"That's great!" exclaimed Lavender.
"I'm happy for you, Hermione!" said Parvati.
"Well, I suppose if you're okay with 'that' ring," smirked Pansy Parkinson.
Professor McGonagall came up. "I remember that ring, Miss Weasley. Lily was one of my best students. She and Harry's father were very much in love. Just like Harry and you. Enjoy your summer, girls. And tell your young men the same."
As Ginny and Hermione finally made it to the Gryffindor table, Ron and Harry entered. They came and sat next to their girls. As they ate breakfast, several Gryffindors came to say goodbye and congratulate them. After breakfast, they went around saying their goodbyes to the professors. As Harry was heading to see Professor McGonagall, he banged into Professor Snape.
"Er, sorry Professor," said Harry.
"Potter, a word with you. Follow me, please." Snape led Harry into an empty classroom.
"Potter, I have a confession to make. When we began our little adventure your first year, I admit I disliked you based on who your father was. Over the next three years your actions reminded me so much of your father. During that time, though, I saw that you had potential. So I pushed you. When Minerva told me of you aspirations to become an Auror, I pushed you even harder.
"And here we are, Potter. You managed to improve enough to be the second best student this year. Congratulations. I wish you well. And if you ever mention this conversation to another soul I will poison you myself." Snape walked out of the room leaving Harry in shock.
After Harry recovered, he continued on to Professor McGonagall's office. He knocked on her door and entered. She was seated behind her desk.
"Hello, Professor," said Harry.
"Take a seat, Harry," she replied.
"I've come to say goodbye," Harry said.
"I suspected as much. Harry, I have watched you grow up over the years. I was at your parents' wedding…and your christening…I was with Albus that horrible night you were taken to your aunt's. I checked on you from time to time, before you came to Hogwarts. Your Mother and Father would be so proud to see you and the path you have chosen.
"You have become a fine young man and you have chosen your mate well. Ginny Weasley is a very good match for you and I wish the both of you well. Be assured we will watch over her for you."
"Thanks, Professor," Harry replied. "I shall miss you as well. With Auror training, I know that I won't be able to visit Ginny as often as I would like, so I appreciate you being there for her."
Harry rose as Professor McGonagall stood up. That was when he noticed a tear in her eye. She walked around the desk to stand facing him. He looked down at her.
"You know, Professor, you're not quite as scary when I am looking down at you!"
She smiled as she gave him an unexpected hug. "Take care, Harry. I shall miss your exploits. In fact, I fear it will be quite boring around here."
"If you keep this up, I shall have to come back and visit, even if it is only to cause you mischief!" Harry replied.
"Good," whispered McGonagall. "Good!"
As Harry headed back to get his trunk and head for the Burrow, he was smiling. Nice to know he would be missed.
Harry and Ron got their trunks and met the girls in the common room. Ginny had to go to Hogsmeade to take the Hogwarts Express back to King's Cross. She kissed Harry and he promised to meet her at the station. The four headed toward the front doors and all said goodbye to Ginny after they entered Hogsmeade. Harry, Ron, and Hermione apparated to the Burrow after the train had pulled out from the station.
