And I saw no more.
Awareness came back in waves.
I found myself in the infirmary along with many of the students. Neville looked like he hadn't moved from my side in a few...
How long had I been here? I tried to sit up, found I couldn't. And that my left arm was strapped to my side.
Neville was awake instantly, and tried to prevent me from sitting up. "Foster mom, you must lay still. I'll go get Madame Pomphry." His voice held heavy concern.
I heard quiet voices on the other side of the curtain. I tried to piece back what had happened. One thing I did remember, was Lord Voldemort, Tom Marvolo Riddle was gone.
Madame Pomphry returned with Albus Dumbledore.
He sat in the chair Neville recently occupied while Poppy gave me a once over and some more potions.
"No stunt flying for me for a while- eh?" Was all I could manage to croak out around the pain in my throat.
"Shh-hh." Poppy pressed her fingers to my list. "You have a crushed windpipe, a broken collar bone, and a dislocated shoulder. Keep talking and I'll have Carly put one of her silencing spells on you!" I waved my hands in mock defeat and looked at Dumbledore.
"I wanted to say thank you for protecting the students the way you did. There must be some Gryffendor in you to run into danger that way." His eyes twinkled over his glasses. "Neville and Ron told us that the room changed just as you came in, that there wasn't supposed to be a door anymore. It would take a true Ravenclaw to think of having the 'room of requirement' to provide the way to destroy Voldemort. Very Clever move, Miss Finnagan. Very Cleaver indeed." I rolled my eyes as my response.
"Students okay?" I whispered. Wincing as Poppy changed the bandages on my dislocated shoulder.
At this Dumbledore looked sorrowful and shook his head no. He went on to tell me that that beside the several killed in the room, another dozen were lost when the stairway collapsed. Including my oldest nephew, Seamus Finnagan. Maybe it was the medication, or the sheer exhaustion, but I started weeping quietly so not to disturb the other patients. He placed his hand on my shoulder until I quieted a few minutes later.
Poppy helped fit my arm to a sling and said it was okay for me to leave the infirmary as long as I took my potions and took it slow the first few days out. She also ordered me to the Great Hall to get some food, as it had been more then 3 days since I'd properly eaten.
Neville helped me through the castle and up to the head table where the other teachers were eating.
I sat down heavily in my accustomed seat between Professor Snape and the empty chair where Professor Lupin usually sat. Professor Sprout explained Lupin would be helping Harry to the hall and should arrive shortly. The hall was decorated with all the House banners above their tables, except for the black banner still hanging behind the faculty.
"So what do you want to do now, Professor Finnagan?"
"Retire to my teaching, coaching, and expanding my broom restoration business." I said quietly.
"So, nothing's really going to change?"
"Are you kidding- no more ministry owl's at all hours or long ministry meetings. That's a HUGE change for me after nearly 20 years." I grinned mischievously.
When Harry arrived amidst scattered applause, his hair was messier then usual- completely hiding his forehead. He sat down next to Ron and Hermione where Neville joined him. They soundly clapped him on the back.
The house elves kept a steady stream of appetizers at all the tables. I learned that we were waiting for everyone to be released from the hospital before the feast began. More chairs were set up at the head table, and finally 2 more tables were added to the dais- expanding the table to an 'I' shape. We were hosting all the various department heads, the Order of the Phoenix, and other officials of the Ministry of Magic.
Finally everyone arrived, and the remaining faculty and ministers processed in, Dumbledore last of all.
The Head Minister stood up as the applause died out.
"We are hear to honor those who have fallen, and acknowledge those who helped bring about this astounding event. Please hold your applause to the end."
"First, Order of Avalon, second class – to the Faculty and Staff of Hogwarts School. You trained your students well to think and defend themselves. You also provided safe-haven for the students during the war. This is the second highest award the Ministry can grant to a group of people."
"Second, Order of Avalon, second class – to the Defense Association, also known as Dumbledore's Army. For your unswerving defense of the school and all the students therein. Hermione Granger was kind enough to loan us the roster of the group from these past 3 years, so each student is recognized, as well as the years they participated. She also asked that the names of the members who departed in the line of duty, be plated in gold rather then silver."
"Third, Order of Avalon, first class – to the Order of the Phoenix, for your work in the community boosting morale, your work on the front lines, and your commitment to the truth in the face of opposition. Per request, no members names are on the plaque."
"Fourth, Order of Merlin second class to – Professors Severus Snape, Remis Lupin, Lory Finnagan, Students Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, and Luna Lovegood."
"Finally, Order of Merlin first class – to Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom for finally defeating the Dark Lord. Probably the greatest service to the wizarding world since the defeat of Grindeweld." My heart lifted, his Grandmother would have been so proud.
"These and more awards and acknowledgements being sent as we speak to the families of those who fell during these last few years. Dumbledore, I believe the floor is now yours." Dumbledore stood up slowly.
"It's not quite the end of the year, but it is still time to celebrate. We have received official confirmation from the department of Mysteries- Tom Marvolo Riddle, known as Lord Voldemort has crossed beyond the veil of Death. He cannot return."
The cheering accompanying this announcement was deafening- even from the remaining students at the Slytherin table. I applauded carefully as loud as I could, since my voice wouldn't hold out for any cheering.
I still had concerns that once again, we were celebrating pre-maturely. Then I saw it.
Or rather I didn't see it.
After everyone sat down and began to enjoy the feast that was prepared for us, I saw Harry and his friends talking again. Harry lifted up his hair- and the scar was gone.
Whatever connection existed between the boy-who-lived and the dark load was over. Dumbledore saw it too. And for the first time since I've known him, he smiled a genuine- unhaunted smile. Harry could have a future of his own making.
During dessert, Harry made his way up the Headmaster with a small wrapped package and presented it with his thanks from Him, Herminone and Ron for everything and apologized for all the times they broke a rule or lost his temper all these years.
As Harry returned to his seat, those of us near enough to see him unwrap the gift looked at it with curiosity.
It was 2 pairs of fluffy gray-wool socks, and a heavy book called Walden by a muggle author named Thoreau.
And to the surprise of everyone in the hall- and the apparent delight of Harry and his friends,
Dumbledore laughed.