Disclaimer: All of the Harry Potter characters belong to the wonderful J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and others who shall not be named.

A/N: Hey guys, thanks for your reviews! Keep 'em coming. Please. Thanks very much. Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks…

Chapter 5

May 16, 1998

Dear Diary, you will notice that I have included the year along with today's date. That is because today will go down in history as one of the most important dates of all time. On this day, Harry James Potter defeated the Dark Lord! Voldemort is no more; he is dead and destroyed forever. I can't believe it! I suppose that when the rest of the Wizarding world finds out, no one else will believe it either. All I know is that our world is finally free from that monster, free from his terror and tyranny, thanks to Harry.

We were called to an emergency staff meeting this evening. Headmaster Dumbledore explained, very briefly, that there had been a final confrontation between the Order of the Phoenix and Voldemort. I'm not really sure how Harry came to be involved in the battle, but suffice it to say he was, and he was the one who dealt the final blow to Voldemort. Dumbledore said something about a prophecy which I didn't quite catch. Undoubtedly all of the details will be released later on. Hopefully all of my questions will be answered then.

The Headmaster went on to say that Harry had been injured by the Death Eaters who were trying to avenge the death of their master, but had been rescued by Professor Snape. When I heard what had happened to Harry, I began to tremble. It was all I could do to keep from bursting into tears. I was about to ask if Harry was all right when Dumbledore assured us he would recover fully. He would be in St. Mungo's for about a week. Thank Merlin!

Dumbledore told us to prepare ourselves for the onslaught of the curious that was bound to descend upon the school once the truth came out. He said he was counting upon us to maintain the secure and stable environment of Hogwarts for all of the students, Harry included. He adjourned the meeting saying he would keep us up to date.

I managed to pull the Headmaster aside and ask him if it would be possible for me to go to St. Mungo's, even if it was just for a minute. He said he thought it would be better if I didn't go; he patted my arm and said I would see Harry soon enough. I guess he is right. I am desperate to see with my own eyes that he is indeed okay.

Wow! What a day!

May 17

The Headmaster made the announcement to the students at breakfast this morning. I have never heard such a cheer in all my life. Everyone was on their feet shouting and leaping with joy. He did not tell them that Harry had been injured; he just said that he would have to stay at the Ministry of Magic for a few days for debriefing. I wonder if Ron and Hermione know the truth.

Professor Snape returned this afternoon. We all stood up and applauded when he entered the staff room. He seemed to be a little uncomfortable by the fuss we were making. We all shook his hand and offered out personal congratulations. I really didn't know what to say to him, so I just said 'well done'. Simple but to the point. I guess there is more to the man than I thought. I take back all the 'greasy gits' that ever ran through my mind.

Here I am back again. I ran into Ron and Hermione this evening. It seems they do know about Harry being injured. The Headmaster told them and asked them not to say anything. They also wanted to go to the hospital but were not allowed. If even his best mates couldn't go, then I guess his teacher shouldn't feel bad. We talked over what had happened, trying to make some sense out of it. We hugged and cried a lot, even Ron!

May 24

Harry came home today. Nobody knew he was coming. We were all I the Great Hall having lunch when the doors opened. I was speaking with Severus when I noticed that the Great Hall had gone strangely quiet. We both kind of realized at the same moment and turned to see what was happening. We were met with the most amazing sight! The students had stopping talking and were standing up, one by one. I remember thinking, 'how strange' until I saw the reason why this was happening. It was Harry! He had just walked in, very nonchalantly, and was making his way in to take his usual spot beside his two best friends. I felt as if my heart would explode in my chest; it was beating so fast! The Headmaster stood as well and began to applaud. We all joined in. Harry just stood there, drinking it all in. He looked somewhat embarrassed, but he must have realized that this was just the beginning of what was to be a period of adoration and adulation. It was natural; everyone is just so amazed with what he has done. It didn't take him long to motion everyone to stop and sit back down. He smiled and said, 'Thanks everyone. It is good to be home' and then he sat down and began to eat, as if it was just another day.

After lunch, just about the whole school lined up to shake his hand, myself and most of the other teachers included. When my turn came, I took his hand in mine and covered it with the other. I kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear, 'Thank Merlin you're safe, Harry. I am very proud of you'.  He whispered back, 'Thank you, Claire.' And that I am – proud.

May 28

The Headmaster was right about what was to come. There have been so many people trying to get into Hogwarts, just for a brief glimpse of Harry. He is the celebrity of the hour. Professor Dumbledore had erected special wards around the school perimeter so that no one, except those who are allowed, can enter. It is certainly keeping the wolves at bay!

June 1

Today was a very special day. There was a ceremony to honor all those who served in the fight against Voldemort. It was held at Hogwarts, out in the Quidditch stadium, in order to allow all of Harry's classmates to attend. There was some hew and cry from the Ministry – they wanted to hold it in some huge stadium erected elsewhere just for that purpose but the Headmaster would not hear of it. He stood steadfast saying that the ceremony would be here or nowhere. I think that even Fudge himself has realized that he should not doubt Dumbledore's word. It was obvious that he had a good reason for his request. So, that is how we came to find ourselves in the world's eye today.

It was so sad when they read out all of the names of those who gave their lives to the cause. I never realized there were so many! Harry lost his parents and his godfather. He never even flinched when their names were read. I know he was putting on a brave face.

All of the members of the Order of the Phoenix received medals of bravery. Ron looked as if he would burst with pride when his parents were called up to receive theirs. Professor Snape received the Order of Merlin, an honor that was richly deserved. The whole story of his contribution has just come to light. If ever there was a man who has been more misjudged! It is truly amazing what he has done.

And then there was Harry. He received every honor that he Ministry of Magic could possibly bestow on him, including the Order of Merlin as well. He accepted the accolades with grace and humility, saying a simple 'thank you' and nothing more. I am sure that he is relieved that it is all over, at least for now. I fear that the frenzy may continue for quite some time to come.

Harry has expressed the desire to get back to his schoolwork, the N.E.W.T.S. not being to far away. I think this is the best thing for him – get back to his normal routine.

June 7

The school has forgotten recent events, at least for the time being, and has gotten caught up in exam fever. Fever is a good term to describe the students as they work harder now at the last minute than they have worked all year long. Nothing like cramming – that was always the best method for me. I guess it paid off - look where I am now! Even as the term comes to an end, I still can't get over the fact that I am a teacher.

Teachers and students alike are busy now. Preparing to give exams and preparing to take them are the orders of the day. I, myself, am included. There is little time for anything else. This is a very good thing. I don't want to dwell on what is going to happen very soon. He will be leaving – for good. I can't let myself think about this.

June 23

Tomorrow is graduation day. There is to be a ceremony out on the lawn. It will be attended by friends and family alike. The Great Hall is just not large enough to accommodate everyone, hence the ceremony will be held outdoors. A very large canopy has been conjured, just in case of rain. If tomorrow's weather is anything like today, it will be glorious.

All of the seventh years students have passed, much to my surprise. There were three or four of them that I had my doubts about, but it seems that I underestimated them. Good for them! It is strange to think that the students I have come to know very well will no longer be here. I realize that the younger students will be returning, but it is the older ones I will miss the most. It is funny to look back and think that they were the ones I was most concerned about when I first began and now they are the ones dearest to my heart. Perhaps because they are the ones closest to my own age? It will be interesting to see if I still have the same opinion many years from now. I'm not really sure why I feel this way; I just know I do. I am not referring to Harry because he is in a different category all together. He is way more than just a student, dear Diary, you know this to be the truth.

June 24

I don't remember having shaken so many hands in all my life! I met the families and friends of every graduating student here at Hogwarts. I enjoyed it very much. It was wonderful to finally meet them all, especially under such joyous circumstances. Most of the parents looked like they would burst with pride. They realize how much hard work and effort their child has put into their seven years here at school and it is very gratifying to see them reap the rewards.

When I say I met all the families, I am telling a lie. I met them all, save one. Harry's family, if you can call them that, did not attend. Miserable bastards! I know that they are not really Harry's favorite people in this world, but it doesn't change the fact that they are still his family and should have been here. At least his aunt could have come since she is a blood relative. I am sure Harry is disappointed on some level. It must be hard to look out upon a sea of families and know that you have no one there. I would love to give those Dursleys a piece of my mind, but it is not my place.

The ceremony itself was very moving. Professor Dumbledore spoke with such affection and pride! Imagine how many students he has seen pass through these walls – first as a teacher and then as Headmaster. Amazing! I can't imagine this place without him.

As each student's name was called, they came up on stage to receive their diploma and shake hands with all of the staff. The applause was quite thunderous as Harry was called. He, as usual, seemed to be unfazed by it all. Dumbledore gave him such a hug; I don't think he could have been more proud if it had been his own son. I hadn't planned to do it, but I found myself pulling him into a hug as well. I whispered congratulations in his ear. There was so much more I wanted to say but I couldn't find the words or my voice. He gave me one of his heart melting smiles, said 'thanks Claire' and then moved on.

There was naturally a banquet afterwards and as usual, it was outstanding. It really was a wonderful way to end a wonderful day. Some of the students left with their families after all the festivities were over, but the majority of them stayed behind to spend one more night together with their friends. All the students are leaving by train tomorrow after breakfast.

I am quite tired, dear Diary, as I write down today's events. I think I should retire for the evening, but in spite of my fatigue, I doubt that I will sleep much. I guess I have something in common with the students. Undoubtedly they will be partying until the wee hours of the morning and more than likely, won't sleep at all. Somehow I think that tomorrow's train ride will be unusually quiet! I am not looking forward to tomorrow at all. I have never been one for goodbyes.