Here it is. The last chapter to end this twisted, adventure, romantic tale. I do hope you've all enjoyed. I have enjoyed you. One more thing before you go on, if you review PLEASE DON'T TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT HBP. I HAVEN'T READ IT YET! If I get a review that so much as have the words half ,blood, and prince in it (in any order) the review will be promptly deleted. But not before I put said reviewer on my persons to kill when I'm too rich for the law to do anything about it list

It's not that I don't have the book. I have it. I'm looking at it right now, I just wouldn't let myself read it until I finished this chapter. Plus I was in the middle of a different book when I bought it and my brother got his greedy paws on it first. It was easier just to let him read it and not argue over who got the book when. Now he's very upset with me because I haven't read it and he really wants to talk about it.

But that's enough nonsense. Remember, no talkie about HBP. And as always, I don't own Harry Potter. Now, go. Read. Enjoy. Review!

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Chapter 18

Tearful Good-byes

Harry looked up at Professor Dumbledore. "I have thought about it," he answered. "It's what I want. Make me forget her."

Professor Dumbledore raised his wand. Harry watched him steadily. He didn't really know what to expect. Aside from the attempted memory wipe by Professor Lockhart in his second year, Harry had no experience with this sort of thing. He wondered if it would hurt.

Professor Dumbledore looked at Harry thoughtfully for a moment, before slowly lowering his wand.

Harry frowned. "Professor Dumbledore…" he started.

"Wouldn't you rather talk to her first?"

Harry felt his heart skip a beat. He could see Min again. All this time he had thought it would be impossible. He thought he wouldn't see her until she was Professor McGonagall, and then she wouldn't have been Min at all. "Can I?" He barely whispered.

"I'm not so sure…" Professor Lupin started, but Dumbledore silenced him with a wave of his hand.

"Yes, Harry. She should be waking soon."

"Will she still be--be Min?"

Professor Dumbledore nodded. "She still has a little time left in her younger body."

Harry stared at the headmaster. He should say no to his offer. If he went to see Min, his resolve might melt. He might not want to lose his memories of her. But he couldn't go on as he was. He certainly couldn't expect to make it through his final year with the memories of this one. He had to forget. That settled it. He couldn't see Min. He had to decline Professor Dumbledore's offer and have his memories wiped right away. "I think I would like to see her." Harry squeezed his eyes shut and looked away. What a shame his mouth wouldn't agree with his head.

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Minerva opened her eyes, and found herself in a very dark room. She was confused for a minute. She couldn't see where she was, but the place felt familiar. It was the scent, she realized. She had smelled that scent before. It took a moment for her brain to recall where and she immediately recognized where she was.

"Not here again," she moaned, sitting up slowly. Her eyes had finally adjusted to light and she looked around to see the unmistakable magical equipment only found in a magical hospital. She was back in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. On the bright side, that meant she was still alive.

A door opened, spilling warm light into the room. Minerva looked around as a young healer entered. "You're awake," he said, lighting a low burning torch on the far wall. "You've been out for quite some time."

"How long?" Minerva asked.

"One week," the healer answered. He walked passed her bed and checked some of the magical machinery before making a note on her chart. "I need to ask you a few a questions. Is that alright?"

Minerva nodded.

"Do you know where you are?"

"Of course I do. St. Mungo's."

The healer nodded, marking the pages again. "And who are you?"

Minerva didn't say anything for a moment. Who was she? She knew she was still sixteen, but was she checked in under the name of Mindy James, or was it Min, or Minerva McGonagall.

The healer looked up from his chart to stare at her seriously, a worried expression wrinkling his brow. "Your name?" He repeated.

"Uh, Mindy James?" Minerva answered, hoping that was who she was supposed to be.

The healer looked relieved as he marked his chart. "Any headaches?"

Minerva paused again. She hadn't noticed until that very moment that she didn't have a headache. Not so long ago, the headaches were almost constant. So much in fact, that she had gotten used to them and it was almost a normal part of her life. But now it was gone. Actually gone. "No," Minerva answered, "I don't have one. What happened?"

"You had an aneurism," the healer answered, "On the point of rupturing. Its been taken care of though. You should be able to get back to normal now. Well, if you'll excuse me, there are a few people I have to notify about your waking."

Minerva nodded, and sat back against the pillows. An aneurism? She wondered where that had come from. She wrinkled her forehead, straining to remember what had happened to her. Everything was a blur, but slowly it started coming back. She had been kidnapped by Lestrange and Harry had come for her.

Minerva sat straight up, gasping slightly. "Harry," she said. The last thing she remembered was Lestrange bashing her head against the hard cave floor. Harry must have dueled her. He would have no choice but to duel her. Minerva looked around the room, half hoping to see Harry there. Of course, he wasn't. She was alone.

Minerva leaned back into her pillow, not sure what else to do. Suddenly, she felt very dizzy and slightly nauseous. If Harry had dueled Lestrange then it was likely that he didn't survive. She loved Harry, but he was still only boy and Lestrange was one of the Dark Lord's top Death Eaters. Minerva pulled the covers up to her chin. The healer had said he was going to notify some people that she was awake. He must have meant Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape. Before she jumped to any conclusions, she'd ask them about it. Harry had come through worse.

Minerva had been dozing slightly when her room door opened. She hadn't wanted to go to sleep, she was sick of that state, but she couldn't help it. She might have been out for a week, but it didn't feel like she had spent any of the time sleeping. Shaking away the last feelings of drowsiness, Minerva sat up again and looked at the newcomers.

Professor Snape came through the door first. He looked at Minerva sitting up and for the first time that she could remember, she actually saw a genuine smile spread across his face. "It's good to see you with us again," he said walking into the room and adjusting the torches so that they burned brightly. "How are you feeling? Any headaches?"

Minerva shook her head no. "I'm fine."

Professor Dumbledore had entered behind Professor Snape. He approached her bed and smiled kindly at her. "You had us all worried for a while, Minerva."

"I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore," Minerva answered, even though she wasn't quite sure what she was sorry for.

"Do you remember what happened?" Dumbledore asked.

Minerva nodded then took a deep breath and asked, "Harry--is he…"

"He's here."

Minerva stared at Dumbledore. She felt her heart pick up in speed. Harry was alive. Then a thought hit her. "Is he a patient?" She asked.

"No," Professor Snape answered sourly. "Once again, the great Harry Potter manages to escape certain death with only minor injury."

Minerva ignored Professor Snape's tone. "So, he's outside?"

Dumbledore nodded. "He would like to see you, if that's alright."

"Of course it is," Minerva practically yelled. "I would really like to see him."

Professor Dumbledore nodded. "Let's go send him in, Professor Snape."

Professor Snape looked none too happy about this, but he said nothing as he followed Dumbledore back out of the room. Minerva watch the door half close expecting to see Harry walk through at any moment. She suddenly wondered how she looked, and started desperately smoothing her hair. She'd been lying down for a week; she must have a hugely bad case of bed hair. The door opened and then Harry was there. His tussled black hair was more tussled than usual. He looked incredibly pale, but that smiled she loved so much was starting to play across his lips.

He took one step then hurried to her side. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "Min," he whispered in her ear. "I was afraid I'd never see you again."

"I'm okay, Harry," Minerva said, leaning into his embrace.

"I missed you."

Minerva smiled against his shoulder. It felt nice to be close to him. "We're both okay, Harry. You don't have to worry any more." She pulled back then and looked Harry in the face. "What happened down there? Where is Lestrange?"

"She's dead," Harry answered about as emotionlessly as Minerva had ever heard him.

"Dead? Did you…"

Harry shrugged. "But that's not important," he said, lacing his fingers through hers. "You are. Are you sure you're feeling okay?" He asked.

Minerva nodded. "I'm fine. Everybody has been asking me that. You'd think I almost died or something."

Harry didn't respond to that and it suddenly struck Minerva that she must have come very close to death. She'd practically been in a comma for a week. "I guess I might have. But I'm okay now. Really."

Harry nodded then said, "I'm so sorry. I never meant for you to be hurt."

"It's not your fault, Harry."

"But it is. It's the potion that was making you sick. And I asked you to keep taking it. Professor Lupin says I can't take the blame for it. That there was no way I could have known. But if you had died because of it Min, I could never have forgiven myself."

Minerva didn't say anything for a moment. It was new news to her that the de-aging potion had caused her injury. She had assumed it was because of what Lestrange had done to her in the cave. But something Harry had said made her pause. "Professor Lupin knows?"

Harry nodded.

"Who told him?"

"Snape," Harry answered. "He, Professor Lupin, and Professor Dumbledore came down to the cave and found us." Then Harry related the events of what had happened after she passed out to her. Minerva listened quietly, hardly daring to believe what she heard.

"Are you sure you're alright?" She asked when Harry finished. The boy nodded, then she asked, "And it was the potion that made me sick? Are you sure?"

Harry nodded.

"But I thought it because of Lestrange."

"She didn't help."

Minerva was quiet for a moment. She looked into Harry's eyes and saw the sadness those seas of green. She realized what all of this meant and she took Harry's hand with both or hers, squeezing tightly. "I can't take the potion anymore?"

"No, you can't," Harry answered.

"But I don't want to stop. I don't want to leave you," she looked at him pleadingly. "There must be a way."

"No, Min," Harry said, quietly. "Please don't."

"But, Harry…"

"You can't take the potion again. I can't stand the thought of you getting sick again. I'm not worth your life."

"Don't be ridiculous, Harry. Besides, I can find a way to fix it so that it want make me sick. Maybe I just miss-added some ingredients the last time I made it. Snape kept going on and on about how everything had to be just right."

Harry stared at Min as if he didn't quite believe her. Minerva couldn't blame him. She didn't believe herself. She could brew that potion in her sleep, but she wanted it to be true. She didn't want to give up her new life.

"Your old life wasn't so bad," Harry said, as if he had read her mind. "I'm sure everybody will be glad to get Professor McGonagall back."

"You won't be."

"I'll be okay. I asked Professor Dumbledore to perform a memory charm on me, to make me forget. He said that he would. So, I'll be okay."

"But I won't be okay. Harry, I…"

"Once you grow up again, this will all probably seem like a silly little affair anyway. You'd probably wonder how you could've ever felt anything for me."

"Of course I won't. This could never seem silly. It's too real."

"Min, please. What if next time you do die? What am I suppose to do then?"

Minerva was quiet for a moment. She didn't know what to say. Harry made a lot of sense, but her sixteen year old mind wanted to ignore him. She wanted to follow her heart, and her heart was with Harry. "Promise me you won't forget that you love me," she said after a while. "You should forget who I really am, but promise me you won't forget that you loved Mindy James."

Harry stared at her for a second. "It's really hard," he said. "Losing someone you love."

"I know. But I don't want you to forget me completely. The sixteen year old me, I mean. Promise you won't forget, Harry. Do it for me."

Harry swallowed, but nodded. "I promise," he said softly.

Minerva smiled slightly then leaned forward and pressed her lips against Harry's. He returned the kiss with enthusiasm, placing one hand gently against her cheek. He kissed her as if it would be the last time they would ever kissed, and very likely it would be. They came apart only when breathing again became a necessity.

"I'm glad I came to see you," Harry whispered, still very close to her. "I wasn't sure if I wanted to. I wasn't sure if I could."

"I'm glad you came too." Minerva looked at him, and saw that his green eyes were laced with tears. "Harry, don't…"

But he was kissing her again, gently this time. He pulled back slowly and said, "I have to go now, I think."

Minerva nodded as Harry pulled away. It was a moment before they could let go of each others' hand, and then Harry was drifting towards the door. Minerva stared at him, fully aware that this could be the last time she saw him as the person she loved more than anybody else. "Bye, Harry."

Harry looked back at her. He smiled that smile she loved again, but this time there was something heartbreaking about it. "Bye--Minerva." Then he slipped through the door and was gone.

Minerva looked down at her covers for lack of any place better to look. She certainly didn't want to look at that door anymore. There was ache in her chest like something she hadn't felt in years. It was even worse than when she and Harry had broken up and she'd spent so many weeks absolutely miserable. Water was dripping onto her coverlet and she wondered where it was coming from until she realized she was crying. The door opened again and Minerva looked up, hoping it was Harry. Unfortunately, it was Professor Snape.

"Are all the tearful good-byes over? Professor Dumbledore and I need to speak with you."

Minerva glared at him. She didn't need any of Snape's condescension or any of Dumbledore's sympathy. Reaching behind her, Minerva grabbed one of the pillows. "GET OUT!" she yelled, chucking the pillow at Snape's head.

Snape ducked it easily. "God, teenagers are so emotional. I will be glad when you're back to normal," he said ducking out of the room and leaving her alone.

Minerva sank down into the bed. Harry was right. Losing someone you loved was hard. She swore to herself if there was a way to get back to him, she was going to find it. Minerva dragged the covers over her head, and for the first time in a long time, she actually cried herself to sleep.

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Harry stepped through the portrait hole into Gryffindor Tower, feeling more confuse than he had ever felt in his life. He looked back as the hole closed behind him, wondering why he had been out in the first place. He shook his head, spotted Ron and Hermione on the sofa in front of the fire and headed their way.

"Where have you been all day?" Hermione asked, looking up. "Not more sulking, I hope."

Harry frowned slightly. Why would she say he'd been sulking? Because I have, he thought. He remembered being absolutely miserable over Mindy leaving, though it didn't make sense. Of course he loved her and he was sad that she had to leave, but he'd been broken up as if he'd never see her again. She hadn't died; she had only gone back to Austria. After what happened, he really couldn't blame her parents for wanting to get as far away from here as possible. He was sure, though, that he would hear from her over the summer. He knew she cared for him just as much as he cared for her.

"No," Harry said slowly, sitting down next to his two best friends. "I haven't been sulking. I think I've been in Professor Dumbledore's office."

"What were you doing there?" Ron asked.

Harry turned to Ron to answer, but realized he didn't have one. What had he been doing there? "Talking about Occulmency," he answered. "Yeah," he added more confidently sure that was what he had been there for. "I haven't practice much lately. I think I have to work on it over the summer."

Hermione looked at Harry curiously before saying, "You seem different, Harry."

"Different how?"

"I don't know. Not so depressed, I guess. Are you feeling better about…about Min?"

Harry nodded. "I suppose so," he said. "I'm not really sure why it hurt me so badly that she was leaving. It's not as if I'll never see her again."

Hermione nodded. "That's true, I suppose," she said, "but she will be--different, to say the least."

Harry stared at her, confused all over again. He decided that Hermione was referring to Mindy's ordeal in the cave. Hermione probably thought the stress would change Mindy somehow. He nodded, slowly. "Er, yes, I suppose so." He paused then said, "I wonder if her parents will even let her write me."

It was Hermione and Ron's turn to look confused. "Her parents?" Hermione asked with quizzical eyes. "Harry did you fall and bump your head on something?"

"What are you talking about? You know Mindy's gone back to Austria."

"Mindy? Austria? Harry, are you…" Hermione started, but Ron cut her off.

"Yeah, back to Austria," he agreed, looking very closely at Harry. "I guess we forgot," he added throwing a meaningful look Hermione's way.

It took a second, but a light went off in Hermione's eyes and she looked at Harry again. "Right, right. She's gone back to Austria. I'm not sure what I was thinking before."

Harry stared at them both for a moment before saying, "You two are weird tonight."

Hermione snorted. "You're one to talk," she mumbled, turning back to her book.

For the first time, Harry took notice of what Ron and Hermione were doing. They both had their Transfiguration book out studying for final exams. There were several more books spread out across the table; subjects they've been through or haven't gotten to yet. Harry realized just how far behind he must be compared to everybody else. The past week or so, he just couldn't seem to care about anything save Mindy leaving. God, what had gotten into me? he wondered again.

"I have to get my books," Harry said, standing up. "Do you think you can help me study for finals?"

Hermione looked up, smiling brightly for the first time that evening. "Of course, Harry. We can help with that."

Harry hurried up to the sixth year boys room to collect his things, still wondering about the irrational depression that had taken over him. Mindy was alive and well, even if she wasn't going to be at Hogwarts next year. He could still talk to her, or write her. Perhaps over the summer he could see her. But Harry couldn't shake the sadness so easily. It still tugged at him. Somewhere deep inside, he knew he'd never see Mindy again.

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The final weeks of school passed slowly. Hermione and Ron had helped Harry enough that he was able to push through finals. He was sure he had done relatively well on them all except for potions. Harry sorely missed Mindy's help when it came to the subject.

The end of the year feast was somber to say the least. While this year had ended better than years past (at least no one had died), it still hadn't ended well. A Death Eater had been on campus, two students had been poisoned, and two had turned out to be spies for Lord Voldemort. No house won the House Cup. Considering the circumstances, Professor Dumbledore had decided not to award it to anyone. It was just as well. Harry wasn't in the mood to celebrate anything, anyway. He was no where as near depressed as he had been, but he still missed Mindy a great deal. He found himself wishing more than anything that she were there.

The morning after the feast, while everyone was doing some last minute packing, Harry found a quill and some parchment and started for the door.

"Where you going?" Ron grunted. He and Neville were sitting on top of Dean's trunk, while Dean tried to snap it close.

"To the Owlery," Harry answered. "I need to send a letter."

"A little last minute, isn't it?" Dean asked.

Harry shrugged. "Maybe, but it's important."

"While you're there, do you think you could collect Pig for me?" Ron asked.

"Sure," Harry answered.

"Thanks," Ron said then turned to Dean and said, "You should think about getting a bottomless pit trunk."

Dean frowned. "This is a bottomless pit. Lean a little bit this way, will you? I think I've almost got this snap closed."

Harry left the room, closing the door on the three boys struggle with the overstuffed trunk and headed down stairs. He passed virtually unnoticed through Gryffindor common room, where everyone else was rushing to get their things squared away, or trying desperately to find a lost object. He spotted Hermione and Ginny searching for something, but only waved at them before slipping out through the portrait hole. He headed up to the Owlery slowly, going over what he wanted to write. When he got there, though, what he thought he wanted to write didn't seem good enough.

Harry sat for a long moment with Hedwig beside him, his quill poised over a sheet of parchment. The Owlery was fairly quiet. Nearly all of the owls were gone, probably in cages, ready for the train ride home. The quiet actually seemed to make it harder to think. He had made several starts, but none of them seemed right. He had never really gotten the chance to say good-bye to Mindy and sending her an owl was the only way he could. Harry sighed deeply. How could he say good-bye in a letter to the first girl he ever loved? For the millionth possible time, Harry wished Mindy was with him.

He pushed those thoughts away and started his letter one more time. This time he wrote exactly what he felt. When he finished, he read over it and decided it was the best he could do. He scrawled a Love Always, Harry at the end and rolled it up. "Here, Hedwig," he said, calling Hedwig over. The owl hopped towards him eagerly and allowed Harry to tie the letter to her leg. Harry didn't know exactly where to send Hedwig, but he had faith in his owl. "Find Mindy. Find her, where ever she is," he whispered, stroking Hedwig on the head. The owl hooted softly before spreading her wings and exiting through one of the great windows of the Owlery.

Harry watched the white owl speed away into the day. "Come on, Pig," he called and the little owl zoomed down to buzz around his head. Harry glanced back outside, hoping for a glimpse Hedwig, but she was already gone. He turned around and left, with Pig flying circles around him. Harry hoped Hedwig would find Mindy okay and that she wouldn't have to travel too far to do so.

Harry didn't know it, but Hedwig didn't have to leave Hogwarts' grounds. She flew out of the Owlery, dropped five stories, hung a right at the corner where the stone gargoyle with the crooked nose set, flew a few feet, dropped one more story, and landed on a window ledge. Hedwig tapped lightly on the window, and Professor McGonagall opened it to let the owl into her office.

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By the time Harry got back to Gryffindor Tower, Hermione and Ron were already gone. He went up to the room and grabbed his trunk. He coaxed Pig into Hedwig's cage then headed back towards the entrance hall where he was sure Ron and Hermione would be. He spotted Hermione on his way down, waiting outside of the first floor Divinations class.

She looked back, and smiled. "There you are," she said. "I was afraid we were going to miss you."

"I was coming," Harry said then asked, "Where's Ron?"

Hermione nodded at the classroom door. "Talking to Firenze. He caught us on the way outside and told Ron he had an assignment for the summer."

"Oh."

"It shouldn't be too long." Hermione added. She looked down hall the towards the exit of the school. "I hope we don't miss the carriages."

"I'm sure we won't," Harry answered.

The classroom door opened and Firenze stepped out. He smiled at Harry and Hermione before clopping away. Hermione turned to go inside when something back the other way caught her eye. She gasped slightly, and Harry turned around to see what it was.

As it turned out, it wasn't a what but a who. Professor McGonagall was walking down the hall toward them. She looked different somehow. She still looked like herself, but younger and stronger. The cane she had the end of last year, following the attack Umbridge had caused was gone. She seemed to be walking much taller and straighter than Harry had ever seen her walk. She had a rolled sheet of parchment in her hand, looking at it as if she couldn't decide whether or not to open it. When she looked up and saw Harry and Hermione, she quickly stuffed into her robe pocket.

"Hi, Professor McGonagall," Harry said, "You're back."

Professor McGonagall smiled at him. "Hello Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger. Yes, I suppose I am. How have you been?" She asked them both, though her eyes strayed back to Harry.

Harry looked back at Hermione. She was still staring at Professor McGonagall as if she couldn't quite believe the teacher was standing there. Harry frowned. Hermione had never acted that way with Professor McGonagall before and as far as he knew there was no reason to be surprised to see her. Maybe Hermione knew something he didn't. Harry looked back at Professor McGonagall. "We're okay," he answered for the both of them. "A lot has happened this year."

Professor McGonagall nodded. "So I've heard."

"But things are--okay," Harry went on. "Things could've turned out a lot worse."

Professor McGonagall nodded, but didn't respond.

"Well, I'm glad you're back," Harry said. "It'll be good to have you teaching Transfigurations again."

Professor McGonagall gave him a look that said she knew he wouldn't have missed her terribly, but said, "Thank you, Mr. Potter. I'm glad to hear that," then added. "Haven't you two better be going. The carriages will be leaving soon."

Hermione finally snapped out of her stupor and nodded vigorously. "Yes, we'd better. Come on, Harry. Let's get Ron." She took Harry by the arm and pulled him into the Divinations classroom.

Harry looked back and watched as Professor McGonagall walked off down the hall. He looked at Hermione then and asked, "What was that all about?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You looking at Professor McGonagall as if she shouldn't be here," Harry answered. "Do you know something about her that you haven't told me?"

"Of course not," Hermione said, not quite meeting Harry's eyes. "Where is Ron?" She added, peering through the permanent twilight of the classroom. "Oh, there he is. Ron," she called.

Harry followed her, and saw Ron standing next to one of the trees. Ron looked back at them and Harry felt his breath catch. Ron was pale and drawn and he had that look on his face. That look he had after he had had a vision.

"Are you feeling alright?" Hermione asked, who had never seen Ron immediately after one of his readings. "You don't look well."

Ron shook his head and stepped away from the tree. "I'm okay." He said slowly.

"What did you.." Harry started.

"It was nothing," Ron said, cutting Harry off.

"But you saw something. I know that look."

"It was nothing," Ron repeated looking at Harry so fiercely, Harry decided it would be best not to ask again. Ron looked around and spotted his trunk. He took it by the handle and started slowly for the door. "It was nothing," he said again, but this time it seemed like he was trying to convince himself.

Hermione frowned slightly, following close behind. Harry hurried to Ron's other side, ready to support his friend if the need arose. "Are you sure?" Harry asked, walking close to Ron.

Ron nodded, then said. "I'm glad this year is over."

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Minerva McGonagall stood outside the school, supervising the students as they climbed into the carriages that would carry them to train station. Severus stood next to her, watching her. Minerva was starting to become quite fed up with him.

"I'm fine, Severus. Please stop looking at me as if you expect my head will explode."

"Sorry, Minerva," Severus said. "I feel a little responsible for what happened to you. Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

Minerva didn't answer, sighing deeply. She wondered how long it would take Snape to get back to his normal abrasive self. She spotted Harry, Hermione, and Ron coming out of the school. The three hurried to one of the last carriages, piling their things in, before climbing aboard.

Severus followed her line of vision and saw that she was watching Harry. He smirked slightly and asked, "You aren't still pining after him, are you?"

Minerva frowned. That answered her wondering. "Mr. Moody isn't the only one who can turn people into ferrets," she answered icily.

"Technically, that wasn't Mad-eye," Severus answered unperturbed. "And now I'm starting to wonder if you have fully turned back. You still seem a little moody."

Minerva was tempted to back up her statement, but she decided to let Snape's comments slide. He knew she only cared for Harry now as a teacher would care for a student. When she returned to her proper age, her feelings for Harry had evaporated. As Snape had said once before, it all felt like a strange adolescent dream. She did however feel completely embarrassed over the whole affair and couldn't bring herself to look Lupin in the eye for a full week. She was ready to return to Hogwarts almost immediately after, but Professor Dumbledore insisted she have a check up first. So it was back to St Mungo's to be examined by the Healers before she was declared perfectly healthy. Minerva was glad to be back at Hogwarts. She had missed the school; most of all she had missed seeing it through the clear eyes of an adult.

Snape was looking at her closely again before saying, "Seriously, I'm wondering if you have fully turned back. It seems like you stopped aging ten years shy of where you are suppose to be."

Minerva looked at Severus. "I don't feel ten years too young."

"Why should you? You've just spent a great deal of time in a sixteen year old body. Forty would probably feel old to you right now." Severus was quiet for a moment before saying. "Maybe I could come up with an aging potion that will put you where you should be."

Minerva shook her head. "No more potions. Besides, what's the harm in being ten years younger." She glanced at Snape. "At least you'll have me around for a little longer."

Snape snorted. "You're like Professor Dumbledore, a permanent part of this school."

They both quieted and watch as the carriages started with a jerk, and then head off the school grounds. They watched as the last carriage disappeared, then turned to head back into the school. Minerva put her hand into her pocket and her fingers curled around a rolled slip of parchment. She felt it, still bound together. She had unexpectedly received it just before she left her office to head down and watch the students board the carriages. It was the letter Harry had sent, addressed to Mindy James. Minerva had stared at it for a long time, wondering whether she should read it. Now as she headed into the school, she made up her mind. She wouldn't read the letter. It wasn't meant for her. It was meant for Mindy and that girl was no longer around. Minerva felt a little sorry for Harry though. He never got the chance to say good-bye to Mindy, or at least, not that he remembered.

But there was one last thing Minerva could do for him. "Professor Snape," Minerva said as she followed Severus into the school.

He looked back at her. "Yes?"

"I think we should talk about the way you treat Harry in class."

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There you go. Last chapter done. No more Harry Potter and the Black Owl. I think I wrapped up things fairly well. I think. I know there are a few things, like what Ron saw and what's in Harry's letter, but I did that on purpose. I left it so that I can make a sequel, but I'm not sure I really want to. You see, lately, reviews have been dropping off and I'm not sure if it's because people have said "oh my god! this girl has gone off the deep end" and stopped reading, or if it's because people have just decided they don't need to review anymore. Well, if people have gotten tired of this story line, then there's not much point in writing a sequel is there. So if you want to see a sequel you have to review. I'll only write one if there is a popular demand. How many reviews are enough to motivate me? I don't know. A whole bunch. So if you're reading this fic and you really, really, really like it. REVIEW!

That's not to say that I didn't get some great reviews this time. I did. And I still feel all apple cider-y warm inside. Nobody seems too angry with the forced break up Harry and Minerva. Which is good because it had to be done. Anyway. No comments this time, since it's the last chapter and all that. If you have any specific questions for me, send me an e-mail. My address is available on Thanks to everybody who ever reviewed. Even the ones who left me a flame, because at least I knew where I stood with you. I hope I hear from you guys again. Really, I do. Now I'm off to read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

By the by, if I do get enough reviews and decide to write a sequel, I'll put up an epilog. It's already written and just waiting to go up. I'll wait a few weeks or so, just to make sure all the reviews are in. If by mid-August you don't see anything, don't expect anything. But even if this story doesn't go on, I doubt this will be the last you hear from me. I don't know if I'll do another HP, but I do have other interest. It'll be fun to see what other worlds I can totally screw up.

Now it's time for me to make my tearful good-bye. I wish you all lots of love, luck, and lollipops. So until next story, farewell.

Oh, and one last thing, review.