Albus Dumbledore awoke to screeching. He was a bit disoriented for a moment, but realized he was in his own bed. Fawkes, his phoenix, was the one who had woken him.

"I'm up. I am up. Settle down, Fawkes." For once in his life, Dumbledore was not happy to be up early (if one could call noon early). He had even gone so far as to take a dreamless sleep potion the night before to insure he would get a solid night's rest, but it did not seem enough. All his worries rushed back to him, as well as the memory of the battle. He did not look forward to what lay ahead.

There was a sudden pounding on his door. He knew whoever it was, it was important. Dumbledore got out of bed and opened the door. He realized he had never even changed into his sleeping robes.

"Minerva, oh thank Merlin you're all right," he hugged the headmistress.

"Albus, I'm happy to see you as well, but we have another matter to attend at the moment," she said, briefly returning the hug.

"How is Severus? He is alive?"

"Yes, barely. I'm afraid Poppy is not well either."

"Tell me on the way."

Dumbledore was right on McGonagall's heels all the way to the hospital wing.

"Albus, what happened here?"

"Voldemort tried an attack. He surprised us, but Harry managed to destroy him. Unfortunately, the majority of the Death Eaters fled before they could be apprehended. I'll tell you more later. Were you attacked?" he asked, quickly changing the subject.

"It was awful. We found Severus unconscious. He'd barely been able to apparate back to Hogsmeade. Poppy treated his outside wounds, but he's been extensively injured. There's not much we can do beyond hope at the moment. As we were making our way back, three Death Eaters ambushed us. We disarmed two, but the third stunned Poppy. We were lucky to make it here," she informed him.

Dumbledore took notice of how tired McGonagall looked. Finally, in the hospital, she led him to Snape's bed. The Potions professor was horribly bruised and broken. Dumbledore was sure he was on the verge of death. "Minerva, we must make him as comfortable as possible. I will take care of his internal wounds." With that, Dumbledore went to work. McGonagall helped him when needed. She had no idea he was so good at medi-wizardry, but then, there was little she really did know about the headmaster. Several hours later, he finally sat down, McGonagall next to him. Dumbledore knew he could not sit for long though. Within ten minutes he was checking on Harry, Hermione, and Draco. McGonagall was deeply grieved by their conditions. At least Draco was getting better by the hour. After his rounds, Dumbledore filled McGonagall in as to what happened.

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Over the next few days, Harry and Hermione had many visitors. Poppy Pomfrey was quickly back to her normal self: telling visitors to shoo, making Draco drink all his potions, and keeping an eye on all the patients among other things. Draco had been allowed out of bed to see his friends. He had even been up to a game of Wizards Chess that Ron let him win. Ron spent most of his time in the hospital wing. He had tried joining the other Gryffindors a couple of times, but it felt wrong without Hermione and Harry. So, he kept Draco company. It also allowed him to look over his friends.

Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Madam Pomfrey had instilled a constant watch on Snape, Harry, and Hermione. The three rotated the watch, only leaving when Ron was there to visit Draco. They were glad to see some color return to Harry. He no longer looked like Death was upon him. Dumbledore had a pretty good idea of what had happened with Harry, but he did not elaborate. It was better to leave that to Harry when he came to. Professor Snape looked considerably better than when he had been brought in. His internal injuries had healed, he no longer looked bruised, and every broken bone was mended. As with Hermione, they could only speculate as to why she had not regained consciousness. Her condition had not changed much beyond the absence of the spasms. She was still unconscious, and Madam Pomfrey worried that she had entered a comatose state.

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It was two days before the students would return from holiday. Ron left to get some rest, and Madam Pomfrey took her watch. She went to check on Draco. "Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy. I have some good news for you today."

"Do I get to leave?'

"I am happy to say you are free to go. You will be expected at dinner tonight. Dumbledore's orders."

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey."

"You're welcome. Now off with you! I need your bed for another student. She seems to have had a bit of an accident with one of our owls, but I haven't a clue how she managed that. You kids seem to get into everything"

"Yes, well, that's what we do isn't it?" Draco replied joyfully. He could almost hear Madam Pomfrey's scowl as he joyfully hurried out of the hospital wing.

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Ron had just woken up when an owl delivered two letters to him. The first one was from Dumbledore requesting his presence at dinner that evening. He had exactly seventeen minutes to get ready. 'Plenty of time to read the second note,' he thought. It read thusly:

Dear Ron,

We were shocked to hear your account of what happened. Voldemort's demise is all over the papers, but your account has been the most vivid we have seen yet. The Ministry is absolutely crazy at the moment searching for Death Eaters.

As your parents, we were very worried about you, but we are so proud. You showed such bravery. We are coming back from Egypt early so we can visit all of you. Hopefully, this letter has reached you well. We're stopping to see the Granger's on our way. We love you dearly. Send Ginny our love,

Your loving parents,

Arthur and Molly Weasley

Ron had totally forgotten about the letter he had sent explaining what had happened. Dumbledore had instructed him on what to write to his family, Hermione's parents, and the Dursleys. So far, he had heard nothing from the Granger's but he was certain Dumbledore had talked to them. As for the Dursleys, they did not care much for Harry anyway, so their lack of response was no surprise.

Ron put the letter down and quickly got ready for dinner. If Dumbledore demanded he be there, he better be on time. He ran down to the Great Hall and, on his way in, ran into Draco.

"When did Pomfrey let you out?'

"This afternoon, right after you left. I'm just happy to be out. I was getting a bit restless."

"I can imagine. Any idea why Dumbledore wants us here?'

"Probably to tell our story. The whole school is buzzing like annoying bees about the fall of the Dark Lord."

"I've noticed. The Creeveys have been driving me absolutely insane. I was tempted to put a full body bind on Colin and then a silencing spell on Dennis just to shut them up." The two young men laughed at this as they found their seats. During the holidays so few students stayed around that staff and student alike sat at the same table. Ron was across from Draco near the head of the table. Dumbledore, of course, had the seat of honor. To his right sat McGonagall and then Ron. To his left sat Hagrid and then Draco.

As soon as everyone was seated, Dumbledore stood up. "I have a few words to say tonight before dinner. As you all know, Voldemort is indeed gone. He is no longer a threat to the wizarding world. Tonight, I would like to welcome back a few of those who fought bravely in that battle. Mr. Draco Malfoy, I am very pleased to see you with us again. I have a proposition to make to you, if you would accept it," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling.

"You'll have to tell me about it first, but I'll think about it," Draco replied. He was just glad to be back among the rest of the crowd.

"Yes, well, as you know, you have some very special circumstances that may be looked down upon by some of your fellow housemates. For your safety, I propose giving you an honorary position in any other house for the remainder of the school year, if you so wish. That house, of course, would be of your choosing."

Draco looked at Ron who just nodded his head. "That's an easy one Professor. Gryffindor."

"I couldn't have chosen better for you, Mr. Malfoy. Congratulations. You are still a Slytherin, but you have proven yourself worthy of the title of Gryffindor through your courage. You'll now have access to the Gryffindor common room." Everyone clapped for a few minutes before Dumbledore stopped them and continued. "Mr. Weasley, I have nothing to bestow on you at the moment, but on behalf of the students and staff at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I thank you for your services. You have shown bravery and courage beyond any that could have been hoped of you. Thank you." Again, more clapping. Ron blushed. Once they calmed down again, Dumbledore spoke once more. "Well, let us honor these two with a magnificent feast. Dig in!"

They had barely been eating ten minutes when Madam Pomfrey rushed into the Great Hall.

"What is it, Poppy?" Dumbledore asked.

"Harry Potter, he's awake, Albus. Come quickly!"

End Part 11

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A/N: The recent feedback I've been getting on this has been quite encouraging. With two chapters left, I hope I don't disappoint. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. I greatly appreciate it. Keep reviewing!