It was on. Harry and Voldemort duked it out with their wands on the staircases until Harry found Nagini behind him and he channeled a blast up to the ceiling to send it crashing down, effectively separating Nagini from Voldemort. It was part of his plan, Ron, Draco, and Hermione knew what to do from there with the snake. Harry and Voldemort battled everywhere, eventually ending up higher as Voldemort stopped using magic and was slapping him around. Ron, Hermione, and Draco were trying to corner the snake and so far, Ron had already lost his wand and spells weren't working to damage it much.

"We need the sword," Hermione said. "Nagini is a horcrux, not just a snake." She reminded.

"Well, we're cornered now and Neville's knocked out with the sword. We need a plan," Ron told her.

"Let's try to lure it closer to the hall," Draco suggested.

With Voldemort and Harry, Voldemort still smacked him around and it was kind of working to damage Harry.

"You were right, when you told Professor Snape that wand was failing you…It will always fail you." Harry stated.

Voldemort threw him towards an edge and approached threateningly. "I killed Snape." Voldemort said.

"But what if the wand never belonged to Snape? What if it's allegiance was always to someone else? " Harry asked. Voldemort looked at him intently. "Come on, Tom…Let's finish this the way we started…" Harry grabbed around Voldemort's neck. "Together." Harry threw them off the edge.

They fought in the air, Voldemort using his cloud flying to move around until they eventually hit the ground and separated from one another, wands out of hands. Inside, Ron, Hermione, and Draco were running towards the courtyard where Harry and Voldemort were. Students were forming up to watch the battle as the death eaters had seemingly given up their fight seeing that Voldemort, once again, failed to kill Harry. He lived, a second time. Voldemort and Harry recovered, reaching for their wands and quickly getting up. Voldemort cast the killing curse as Harry used Expelliarmus, but silent. Their blasts met in the middle as always, fighting for power over the over.

Draco saw Harry fighting Voldemort, while Ron and Hermione tripped, falling back outside and Ron held her tightly before the snake launched at them. Neville showed up, swiping the word and cutting Nagini as she faded to black smoke and the last soul escaped. The blasts lessened between Harry and Voldemort as the man realized his last horcrux was gone. The whole school and those who came out to fight had formed to watch the scene. Voldemort readied himself to fire at Harry, who only held out his hand to Draco. The boy came over and took Harry's hand tightly while their right and left hands came together over the handle of the wand.

"I did promise you we'd do this together," Harry told his boyfriend. "I'm a man of my word."

"Let's finish him." Draco nodded.

"As one…" Harry agreed.

Voldemort yelled out, firing the killing curse again as Harry and Draco poured their magic into their spell as it blasted out and connected with Voldemort's. The power struggle was hardly there, Harry and Draco's blast pushed Voldemort's back easily and it was noticed. Voldemort looked scared as his blast vanished and the Elder wand flew from his hand. Harry caught it gently as Voldemort began to turn to ash and parts flew away. It was now that Severus rushed to Harry and Draco, his hands on their shoulders.

"Severus…You're alive…" Voldemort gasped.

"Thanks to my boys," Severus said proudly.

"Hey!" Bellatrix argued.

"And Bella, for providing the anti-venom." Severus rolled his eyes.

"Severus, help me my servant. Always faithful to-," Voldemort said.

"My loyalties were never to you, Voldemort. They were to Dumbledore. The Order. Draco and Harry, above all." Severus told him.

"I hope you find peace in the afterlife, if you're not haunted by all those you killed first…" Harry said. "Goodbye and good riddance." Voldemort faded into nothing.

It was over. Voldemort was gone. Harry and Draco did it together. There was still a mass amount of damage to the school, people were injured, and many had died…But Voldemort was gone for good.

"Come, we should talk. A lot has happened." Severus led them away and into the castle, right up to the headmaster's office. Once inside, they all sat down.

. . .

Harry turned to Severus now. "I'm glad you're alright, Professor," Harry told him. "I'm sorry for ever doubting your loyalties."

"It was a complex matter, Harry. Everyone had to believe what they did and it was how it looked. I did kill Albus, but on his orders. It was the only way to keep Voldemort's eyes on me while I ran the school and off you and your hunt for the horcruxes." Severus said calmly. "I'm just grateful that I got to show you the truth. I didn't want to die with you thinking I hated you and wasn't on your side."

"Honestly, Draco and I had a feeling maybe you were acting," Harry revealed. "It's all in what you said to us after Dumbledore died. And then the doe in the Forest of Dean. You put the sword in the lake for me to find. I just don't know how you knew we needed it." He stated.

"I overheard Draco talking to Longbottom and the Weasley girl that you needed it. Then a portrait in the headmaster's office, Phineas Nigellus, told me he overheard Granger say where you two were. So I sent Dobby to find you there, then hide the sword close by." Severus admitted.

"You also made the power level comment at the manor, saying your loyalties were always on the winning side where the power level mattered." Harry remarked.

"Indeed. Excellent deduction, Mr. Potter. Ten points to Gryffindor," Severus chuckled. "Now, the only thing I can't figure out is how you survived a second time."

Harry looked down a bit. "When the spell cast, I think I did die for a short time. I saw Dumbledore in a very white-looking King's Cross station. We talked and he told me I could go back if I wanted. How could I say no?" Harry shrugged. "I saw mum, dad, Sirius and Remus too before I went to Voldemort…"

"How?" Draco asked.

"Remember the Snitch that Dumbledore gave me? We learned on the mission that it had flesh memories and when I caught that snitch in first year…It was with my mouth, not my hand. So when I put it to my lips, it revealed a message; I open at the close. So right before I went to my literal death…I put it to my lips again and it opened. Do you know what was inside?" He smiled. The small group shook their heads. "The Resurrection Stone…"

"One of the Deathly Hallows?!" They yelled.

Harry pulled it from his pocket and revealed it to them before looking to Severus, who seemed saddened that he couldn't see Lily again. Harry closed his hand over the stone. "Would you like to see her again, Professor?"

"What?" Severus stared.

"I can call her back. Not return to life, I'm not looking to destroy her…But if you want, for a moment, I can bring her here." Harry offered.

Severus thought about it, there was so much left unsaid before he finally nodded. Harry closed his eyes and tightened his fist before the room darkened and the four from before reappeared before them.

"Well done, pup," Sirius said first.

"We always knew you could do it." Remus nodded.

"Snivellus," James remarked.

"Potter," Severus replied.

"Boys," Lily scolded. "Enough now."

"Yes, dear," James sighed.

"Of course," Severus bowed his head.

"Severus…" Lily came closer to Severus now.

"Forgive me, Lily…I was a foolish boy driven by hate of the way I got treated." Severus told her.

Lily set a hand on Severus's shoulder and he felt it. "You've more than redeemed your past actions, Sev." She used his nickname with a smile. "You've spent years protecting my son at the cost and risk of your own life. All was forgiven, my friend."

That warmed Severus's heart. "I hope you forgive me as well, Severus," James spoke up. "I was a spoiled brat. I shouldn't have given you the trouble I did."

"I'm sorry too. I almost got you killed by Remus," Sirius said softly.

"I still owe you a debt, James," Severus claimed.

"Why do you owe him a debt?" Harry inquired.

"In our fifth year, Sirius knew I was trying to figure out why Remus left the school every full moon. Sirius told me where to find him, as a joke. He thought it would just scare me. Remus could have killed me, but your father showed up in time to keep Remus from seeing me and got me out safely." Severus sighed.

"That debt was paid by protecting my son all these years." James informed. "I won't even knock on you for loving my wife all these years."

"Don't tease him. I liked him before I liked you, James. If things hadn't gone the way they did, it's possible that Harry could have been Severus's child. If you hadn't straightened out your act, I'd have chosen him." Lily chastised her husband.

"You did like me?" Severus asked, shocked.

"I did, but things happened and it went the way it did." Lily stated. "It's time for us to go. We're not long for this world any more. And we'll always be with you, Harry."

"I know," Harry replied.

"Keep looking out for Harry," James asked.

"I will, since he's dating my godson. I suppose I get them both to look after now." Severus nodded. "Goodbye, James. You as well, Sirius and Remus…" He looked at Lily, who came over and kissed his cheek. "Farewell, Lily…"

"It's never goodbye…Only until we meet again." Lily kissed Harry's forehead. "You know what must be done…"

"Until next time," Harry nodded before he released the hold on the stone and they vanished. "Feel better, Severus?"

"Oh, of course. Thank you, Harry…" Severus replied.

"And now I have to destroy the stone. That's another object not to be played with…Far too powerful. We all heard the story of how things went when one brother tried to bring back a loved one…" Harry went to put the stone on the floor.

"Harry…" Draco asked. "Wait."

"Hm?" Harry looked at his boyfriend.

"Can I use it? Just for a few moments to see my parents? I never got to say goodbye and I want them to know, from me, that we're all okay and I'm safe. That Voldemort is gone. Please?" Draco questioned.

"Very well," Harry handed it to him.

"How do I use it?" Draco asked.

"Just hold it in your hand and think of you who you want to see," Harry said.

Draco closed his eyes, then his hand around the stone as he thought of his parents. After a moment, he looked ahead to see his mother and father there, standing together.

"Draco…" Narcissa started.

"It's good to see you, son," Lucius added.

"I'm happy to see you both too," Draco replied. "There's…So much to say and so little time." He admitted. "Voldemort is gone for good. Harry and I destroyed him only a while ago today," He started. "Also…I'm gay, dating and in love with Harry," He went on. "Oh, and Bellatrix betrayed Voldemort for him never telling her about your death, Mother…She helped us save Severus, and she lied to Voldemort about Harry being dead."

"Sounds like a Bella thing to do," Narcissa chuckled.

"And we're glad you're happy, son." Lucius informed. "Be warned, Potter…You hurt my son, I'll haunt you."

"I won't hurt him, Mr. Malfoy. On my word," Harry vowed.

"We're all safe and sound now, working on rebuilding and mourning the losses…I really miss you both." Draco told them.

"We miss you too, but you're good there with Severus." Narcissa assured as Severus nodded.

"Go on now…We've been watching and we're always here, Draco." Lucius said lightly. "You can't see us, but we're there, always."

"I know. Harry's parents and extended family said the same to him…" Draco nodded. "I…Guess this is goodbye then."

"Just until we meet again in the next world." Narcissa smiled.

"It's never goodbye, just so long for now." Lucius added.

"Then…So long, for now," Draco smiled to them.

Lucius put his hand on Draco's head and Narcissa kissed his forehead. Draco released his hold on the stone with Harry's help as the Malfoy's vanished from the room and Draco gave the stone back to Harry, who looked at Ron.

"Ron, you want a chance to talk to Fred?" Harry offered.

"You don't mind?" Ron questioned.

"It wouldn't be fair that we all get to see our loved ones again and not you as well. I don't want any hard feelings when I destroy it and get told that no one else got a chance. Mind you, I'm keeping it to us and it would be too much on the rest of your family to see him right now, so this will have to be only you and to all of you…It never leaves this room that we had the stone." Harry said.

"Then yes," Ron nodded. Harry gave Ron the stone, as he followed the same instructions Draco had and soon, Fred appeared in front of Ron. "Freddie," Ron said softly.

"Hey, Ronnie," Fred smiled. "Good show on Voldemort. You don't need to get sentimental with me now…I stuck around to watch everything. But you can do me a favor,"

"Anything," Ron replied.

"Let the family know that I'm alright, in a better place. I'm with Harry's parents, plus Sirius and Remus. Lily and James said they'd look after me in death as my folks looked after Harry in life. Tell the family that I love them, and I'm well cared for. Tell Georgie that I'm always with him because twins are together forever. Tell everyone I'm okay." Fred said.

"I will." Ron promised.

"Good then. Then I'm off. See you around, little brother," Fred waved.

"So long, Fred," Ron smiled. He released the stone and gave it back to Harry. "Thanks, mate." Hermione held Ron's hand for comfort.

Harry set the stone down and pointed his wand at it. The stone shook violently and finally shattered to pieces, leaving nothing at all.

"What about your cloak, that's another Hallow?" Hermione asked.

"I'll hold onto it, keep to the story…" Harry smiled. "When my time comes, I'll pass it to my own child and greet Death as an old friend." He informed. "Now, we should get down there and help with everything." He stood up.

Draco was beside him, then Severus. Next was Ron and Hermione. The group headed down to see everyone and help where they could; it wasn't as gloomy and sad as before. People were still wounded, and there was a final count of fifty-five that died in the battle, but there were smiles on everyone's faces. It was known that while they suffered loss and pain; the fight was over. Voldemort was gone, for good, and it was Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Draco Malfoy, Severus Snape, and Harry Potter who all worked together to destroy the horcruxes containing Voldemort's soul, and finally get rid of the dark lord once and for all. Yes, other's helped and fought. It was actually quite the group effort.

"Potter," Minerva said.

She came up with Kingsley. "Professor," Harry greeted.

"I know it was your ambition to be an Auror, but never took your NEWTs. Kingsley is offering you and Mr. Weasley a chance to join the program without them for all you've done for us." Minerva informed proudly.

"Really?" Ron asked.

"That is correct," Kingsley said. "I am to become the next minister of magic, and I would love to see you two become part of the magical defense force." He smiled.

"That's…Great. I accept," Ron replied. "Harry?"

Harry considered it, but he didn't want to fight dark anymore. He'd spent his last seven years doing it and he just wanted the life he couldn't have before. "How about it, Harry?" Kingsley questioned.

"I'm going to have to respectfully decline, sir," Harry stated, surprising everyone. "I'm sorry, but I've spent the last seven years fighting the darkest lord known to the wizarding world. I don't desire to spend the rest of my life fighting against it. And I mean really, it may be arrogant…But if I become an Auror, there won't be any work. Who is gonna challenge me? Rather not put anyone out of job." He smiled.

"A fair reason." Kingsley nodded. "I accept it. The ministry will always be on your side, Harry Potter."

"Thank you, Kingsley." Harry responded. The man walked away now.

"You turned down becoming an Auror!" Ron stared.

"I gave my reason, Ron." Harry rolled his eyes.

"What will you do then?" Draco asked.

"Not sure yet. I have time to figure it out, and I did promise you an extended vacation after the battle was over." Harry smiled.

"Yes, you did," Draco chuckled. "Can we take Sev too? He needs the sun, he's pale as a vampire."

"Sure," Harry agreed, ignoring Severus's glares at the comment.

"Minerva, it's going to take months, maybe years to completely repair this school…Even with magic," Horace approached with other teachers.

"We'll make do, but Hogwarts cannot fall completely. It's been around for many years." Minerva sighed.

"Maybe I can help," Harry offered.

"Potter, you've done more than enough," Minerva said with a smile. "Besides, this will take a lot of magic and I'm sure you're tired."

"Not really. I didn't use that much on Voldemort; it was easy since the Elder wand refused to respond to him." Harry shrugged.

"It will still take a great deal of magic to repair the school, Potter. You're only a boy," Minerva informed.

"Out of curiosity…Harry, what level did you use on Voldemort?" Severus asked.

"Power level? I don't know. Maybe half? I wasn't fighting him alone, I didn't need everything." Harry replied. "Let me help, Professor McGonagall…I can do this."

"Very well, but do not tire yourself out…" The woman warned. Harry nodded as he stepped back from the group. "Wait, what are you going to do!?"

"You'll see," Harry closed his eyes as he reached deep to his magical core and released a breath before his power burst and surrounded him and then he raised his arms as the power shot out over the school and bridge, beginning to pulse in little spurts. The bridge began to repair itself, and then so did the school. Everything fixed, returning to the way it was before the attack. The glow on Harry finally receded back as he lowered his hands to his sides and his knees nearly gave out and Draco supported him.

"What was that?" Hermione asked.

"A full scale, max power spell to set things as they once were. A massive repairing charm, if you would." Harry told her.

"It's…It's perfect!" Poppy Pomfrey clapped and cheered.

Everyone was cheering and clapping for it. Harry was tired; it took a lot of power to do that. "I do believe I told you not to tire yourself out, Potter," Minerva sighed.

"I'll be fine…" Harry assured.

Minerva shook her head with a smile eventually sending everyone back into the castle to help with smaller details of clean up. Harry stood with Severus, Draco, Ron, and Hermione on the bridge, looking out to the morning sky. Harry eventually pulled the Elder wand from his coat to look over it.

"Harry, there's something I still don't understand…" Hermione began. "How come the wand never worked for Voldemort; he should have been all powerful, just as Ollivander said that you didn't stand a chance."

"Well, that's what I told Voldemort, or tried to before the last battle. The wand never belonged to Severus." Harry said as they stared at him. "It didn't matter that Severus never died, it still wouldn't have given Voldemort the power as he was never the wand's true master." He paused. "Severus killed Dumbledore, but it was Bellatrix who disarmed Dumbledore on the Astronomy Tower that night…So it was Bellatrix, at the time."

"And then you disarmed Bellatrix in the boat house…" Draco realized. "That means…"

"I'm the Elder wand's true master." Harry nodded.

"That's wicked, mate…" Ron said with a smile. "What are you gonna do with it?"

"This," Harry pulled out his broken wand and set it on the desk before he used the Elder wand to repair it fully. "And then this," Harry took the Elder wand and snapped it in half while the other four gasped. "I understand it's the most powerful wand around, but look at all the fuss over it. Why take the risk again? Besides, I much prefer mine." Harry held up his holly wood with pride.

"What's next for us?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, mate?" Ron wondered.

"I'm going to take my boyfriend and his godfather on a much needed vacation. You two are welcome to come too, of course. Beyond that…I don't know. I guess I'm just gonna live life. Enjoy it." Harry told them.

"Sounds like a plan we can get behind." Everyone agreed.