CH19: A Bravery That Shall Not Be Forgotten

Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table, anxiously scanning the doorway for any sign of Harry. She'd been worried after her conversation with him the night before, but the fact that no one had seen hide or hair of him since then was putting her into a full blown panic.

"Don't be so nervous, Hermione," said Ron. "I'm sure he's fine."

"You didn't see him, Ron. He was sure something terrible was going to happen - " She paused as a ruffled gray owl swooped into the Hall and landed in front of the two.

"That's weird, it's too early for the post ..... " He reached over and took a bundle of envelopes from the bird. "Look at this."

Everyone in the room's eyes were on them, interested to know what had arrived. "There's one for me, you, Professor Lupin, Sirius, Lisa, Neville, Fiona, and one for Ginny and the Twins." At their names, they came over and collected their letters.

"That's Harry's handwriting," Hermione said quietly.

Each person's face paled as they read.

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Hermione,

I want to start this off by saying I'm sorry.

I'm sorry for all of the worrying you've done because of me. I'm sorry for all of the trouble and danger I've gotten you in. I'm sorry for all the rules you broke for me. I'm sorry of all the time you've spent waiting for me to wake up from some injury or another. I'm sorry of all of the times I teased you about your studying too much. I'm sorry for all of the Quidditch matches we dragged you to. I'm sorry for all of the times that I took my anger for the world out on you and Ron. I'm sorry for not realizing you were a girl before lest year. I'm sorry for all the times I've made you cry. I'm sorry for when you were Petrified. I'm sorry for taking for granted that you are my best friend. I'm sorry.

And, for all of the above, thank you.

You didn't have to help me or care for me or just be there. But you did.

Hermione, you're my best friend in the world. Even more than Ron. Just because you were always there. And I want to pay you back for all that you've done. I don't think I can - there are not enough time in the world. But I wish I could, at least, always be there for you.

And for that, more than everything else, I'm sorry.

I had to make a difficult decision today. I know that it will change everything. I know that not everyone will agree with what I did, but it was what I thought was best. I don't regret it.

Remember that.

Love,

Harry

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Sirius,

I really don't know what to write.

I know, when you find out what I did, you'll be angry. Please, just know that everything will be alright. I wish that we could have been a family all of these years. I'm sure you do, too. And I know you wanted a chance to make that up to me, to finally be the family that I've always wanted. I don't think that's going to happen now.

Merlin, Padfoot, there are so many things that I should have gone differently. I don't want to leave, but ....

Please understand why I did what I did.

Don't beat yourself up over this. Nothing is your fault. The two of us are a right pair, aren't we? We both have guilt complexes the size of China. Knowing you as I do, I'm sure you're going to find a way to turn this around so it's your fault. It's not.

And, just for the record, you're a great godfather.

I love you.

Harry

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Remus,

Please take care of Sirius. He's going to beat himself up over all of this and he shouldn't. I know he won't listen to any of us and insist that it's all his fault. But could you just be there for him.

This could be the last time I ever get a chance to talk to you, so I have some advice for you: Teach them.

You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you.

You need to teach your students, Moony. We're headed in to a war right now. They need to know how to protect themselves. And it's not just that. You've experienced the repercussions of war more than most. You have to tell them what happen. Make sure they understand. We can't let this happen again.

Take care, Remus. And be careful.

Harry

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Ron,

Hey mate.

Look, I'm not good at writing this type of letter. I .... well, I've never had to write on before today, so I'm a bit out of practice.

I should probably just get to the point. You're one of my best friends. I mean, sure, we've been through some rough spots, but all friends do. And I just want to say .....

I don't know what I want to say.

I can't even think of anything that'll explain this. I know, you, of all people, won't understand the choice I've made. But can you try to accept it.

I'll miss you.

Harry

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Lisa,

For the past couple months, you've been a great friend to me. I couldn't ask for better. I only wish we had gotten to know each other long ago.

I'm sorry to have to leave. Again. But duty calls.

I know you were upset when I disappeared this summer, but know this: even if you don't know it, I'll always be there.

See you around,

Harry

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Fiona,

I don't think I ever told you, but you're like a little sister to me. Please, please try to be careful.

Oh, and make sure you do your homework. I promised Amy that I'd take care of you and I fully intend to do that, even if I can't be there.

Love,

Harry

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Neville,

Out of everyone I know, I think only you will understand why I went to him today. I couldn't let him hurt anyone else. He's taken to many people away: my mum and dad, Cedric, your parents. He has to be stopped somehow.

I promise I will avenge them all.

Harry

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Ginny, Fred, and George

Well, first off, tell your mum that I'll be fine. She needs to know that.

Second, Ginny. I heard that you wanted to try-out for Chaser next year. I wish you all the luck in the world. Tell Ron that I said you should train together as soon as possible. We need you both on the team: it won't be the same without two Weasleys on it!

Third, to Messrs. Fred and George Weasley, I bequeath to you the Marauder's Map and fully expect that you wreak havoc on the school of Hogwarts in the name of troublemakers everywhere. And I'm sure Ginny would love to help.

Oh, and guys, now that I'm gone, make Neville the captain of the team. I think you'll be surprised.

Best wishes and happy pranking,

Harry

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The group looked at one another, puzzled.

"Does anyone know what he's done?" Sirius asked quietly, only to receive head shakes.

Neville stared at the paper, forehead scrunched up in thought. "What does he mean 'Go to him'?" he mumbled.

The cries and caws overhead signaled the arrival of the post. And the answers to their questions.

'A Bravery That Shall Not Be Forgotten' the Daily Prophet's headlines read.

'By Marila Stenson

Yesterday, our world was sent back in time. Godric's Hollow, a small town in Northern Wales where Muggles and Wizards coexist peacefully, was under siege. The townspeople were under control of Death Eaters. The town was guarded by Dementors. And the Aurors had to no way to get in.

The last attack on Godric's Hollow occurred on October 31, 1981, 14 year ago to the day. It was the Halloween that You-Know-Who, on the knowledge of a traitor, murdered James and Lily Potter, who were hiding on the edge of the village.

Thankfully, the Death Eaters fled when little Harry Potter defeated the Dark Lord and the attack was cut short.

But what could stop the attack this time.

Harry Potter, of course.

Through eye witness testimonies, this reported has discovered that Harry Potter, age 15, has made the ultimate sacrifice: he traded himself for the residents of Godric's Hollow.

"He just appeared," said Dana Rictorman, 57. "We were so sure we were going to die."

"It was like an angel came to save us!" added his wife, Holly, 53.

"He was so brave!" exclaimed Deborah Hanover, 9. "He's my hero!"

But what is going to happen to our hero now. As everyone knows, the Dark Lord has been trying to kill Potter since he was only a year old.

An anonymous source inside the Ministry gave this statement. "You-Know-Who will not kill him. He wants Harry to join him. Mr. Potter is a powerful person. Though I don't think he would ever join the Dark Lord willingly, if he did, this war would already be over."

We can only hope that Potter will be back with us soon. And, no matter what, the Boy Who Lived will never be forgotten.'

Hermione Granger ran out of the Great Hall, tears streaming down her face.

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In another part of the castle, an old wizard stared at an envelope, addressed to Miss Marigold Senter and Mr John Backon. His own letter lying unopened on the desk.

"Why is he writing to them," Albus Dumbledore wondered.