Disclaimer: This story is based on the characters and events created by JK Rowling. Publishing rights and copyright owned by JK Rowling, Bloomsbury, Scholastic, Warner Bros., and others I may not have mentioned. No money is being made by this story.

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Harry Potter and the Final Struggle

Courage, it would seem,

is nothing less than the power to overcome danger,

misfortune, fear, injustice,

while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good;

that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding;

and that there is always tomorrow.

---Dorothy Thompson---

Chapter 1

The Journey Home

Saying goodbyes are never easy, especially to a place you have considered home for years. However, like everyone else, Harry must grow up and let go. Even though he felt he grew up long ago, the death of a mentor whose guidance will no longer be given makes it all real.

"It feels like we're saying goodbye forever doesn't it?" asked Hermione whose tears have started to form in her eyes.

Everyone around them is loading their trunks and belongings in their carriages. Some parents who attended the funeral the previous day or those who failed to remove their children days earlier are there helping their children and planning to take the train to King's Cross with them.

Normally, the students would leave for summer holidays at the end of June. But with the death of Dumbledore and the increased dangers in the wizarding world, parents are impatient to have their children home sooner than later. At any normal end of school, the students can be seen shouting and laughing and saying goodbyes to their friends and promising to write about their holiday.

This year is different. The cloak of mourning is wrapped around the whole castle. Students and staff can be seen with watery eyes. Smiles seem forces in many faces, and the normal excess of energy and excitement for leaving Hogwarts was absent.

"It's not goodbye. We'll see it again." Looking back at Hogwarts, Harry knew this to be true.

"Yeah, we'll come visit. Not like we're cutting ties with Hogwarts, eh Harry?"

Looking back at Ron, he nodded in agreement.

"We should get going. I want to make sure we have a compartment to ourselves." With one final look at Hogwarts, Harry turned around and boarded the carriage followed by Ron and Hermione.

The ride to Hogsmeade station was quiet, all three thinking about the coming year and the dangers ahead. The war has escalated a bit during their sixth year and will get even worse now that Dumbledore is gone.

I should do this by myself. No need to put them in even greater danger. But... We've been through so much. It wouldn't be fair. They've always been there for me, stood by me. The least I can do is give them the choice and honor it. Besides... I don't know if I can do this by myself. I'm not strong enough. Not yet...

"Will the parents be riding with us?" asked Ron.

"Of course they will. They're really concerned about their children's safety aren't they?"

"McGonagall mentioned about expanding the train and adding more compartments," came Harry's input.

"When did she say that?"

"Honestly Ron. Don't you pay attention to anything else when there's food in front of you? She said it this morning at breakfast." With a smile directed at Ron, she stepped out the carriage as they arrived at the station.

Finding a compartment of their own proved to be more difficult than they thought. Many parents preferred to have their own compartments with their children, while students wanted compartments with their friends and with out parents supervision.

"Honestly! They treat me like I'm eight years old again! There are aurors guarding us. Isn't that enough?" voiced a fifth year Ravenclaw.

Harry was trying to find an empty compartment but failed amongst the stares given to him by both students and parents. As they passed, some aurors can be seen casting curious glances towards "The Chosen One." In defeat, the three settled in the compartment with Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood.

"Harry, do you think they'll keep the school open next year?" asked Neville.

"I don't know. But even if they did, some parents will not want their kids coming back."

"Yeah, well... Even if they did, I'm sure Gran will force me to come back."

Hermione gave him a knowing smile. "She's proud of you, Neville."

"Your grandmother trusts that you'll be able to take care of yourself. And besides as friends we'll be able to look out for each other. I suspect the minister will bring in his army of Hellosbore to help protect Hogwarts." This earned Luna a several raised eyebrows as she disappeared behind a copy of last month's Quibbler.

"I'm sure he will, Luna." Hermione, like Ron and Harry, didn't have the heart to tell them that they will not be returning the next year. Harry had told them not to tell anyone until after Bill and Fleur's wedding. Both had agreed not knowing how others will react to the news.

The rest of the trip was spent on talking about anything besides the war and whether or not Hogwarts will reopen. Quidditch, Newts, and the wedding were amongst the few topics that came up, with an occasional input of Quibbler articles from Luna. Stares from many passer-bys came through the compartment window but were largely ignored by the group.

Outside, the sun had begun to set and the sky turned orange and purple from the setting sun. The clouds began to cover the sky to foretell the coming rain as the air grew colder and the compartment began to dim.

"I'm starving. You guys want anything?" Ron asked.

But Harry didn't hear him. It was odd. I was getting dark and cold, too cold, at the same time. Harry knew something was wrong. He knew they were coming long before anyone else did. He rushed to the window, trying to shake the coming darkness and screaming in his mind, and looked out the window to try and see anything.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Hermione asked but already knew what was the matter. She can now feel them, feel the loneliness and hopelessness of it all. Luna can be seen sniffing at the corner and trying to prevent the tears from coming. Neville was sitting and Ron was standing, but both had the look of fear in their eyes. They knew what was causing this. They knew what was coming.

"What are we gonna do?" Ron finally managed to say.

Turning around, he said, "We've got to warn the aurors. They must feel it! They're close."

With that, Harry headed towards the door but before he could reach out, the train lurched forward and came to a halt. Outside students can be heard wondering what was happening. Aurors can be seen running past their compartments. Some have guessed right and were taking out their wands in preparation for an attack. Parents held their children and stood in front of them with wands drawn and pointed towards the door or windows as the darkness increased and the temperature dropped.

As Harry opened the door, a girl was heard screaming two compartments down. He ran towards the compartment with Ron and Hermione in tow and jerked the door open. It wouldn't budge. Looking through the glass, it was difficult to see what was happening. The glass was covered with frost and he had to squint to see anything.

Another scream was heard in the compartment as well as throughout the train and in his mind. Without thinking Harry pointed his wand at the door and yelled "Reducto!"

What greeted him did not surprise him. A dementor had managed to get in through the open window and was lowering its hood to a second year hufflepuff. Three other girls can be seen cowering at the other corner, unable to do anything.

"Expecto Patronum!"

A large white stag emerged from the tip of Harry's wand and connected with the dementor. The next second, it was gone and the dementor had retreated out the window.

"Ron. Hermione, take care of them. Search the other compartments!" With that he left and ran down the corridor to help the others.

"Are you going to be all right?" asked Hermione. The hufflepuff girl only managed a whimper as she fell to her knees. "Ron, go check the other compartments."

"Right!" With a determined look on his face, Ron left, going the opposite direction that Harry went.

"Listen, stay here and keep your wands out. The aurors should be here in a little while." Hermione started to leave when a hand grabbed the sleeve of her robes.

"No, please, don't leave us," begged the girl kneeling on the floor.

Hermione knew she couldn't stay, knew she had to go and help the others. But she couldn't just leave them here like this, can she?

She turned back to the girl on her knees and kneeled beside her. Looking at the girl's watery brown eyes and she said, "Listen, I'll go get one of my friends to stay with you all right? I have to go, but she'll be here in a minute." Hermione stoop up and started for the door. "You'll be all right," and left.

Running back to their compartments, she found it empty. A few compartments down, she finally found them. "Luna! Luna... can you go back a few compartment down and stay with a couple of second year hufflepuffs?"

"Sure. I'll take care of them." Hermione turned around and began running down the corridor looking for Ron and Neville. Luna began to head back when she suddenly collided with an auror.

"What are you doing? Get back in the compartments." Without a second glance the auror kept running the other direction followed by a hawk patronus.

"Expecto...Expect... Expecto Patronum..." came a weak whimper behind the door. Harry slid the door open and found a sixth year Ravenclaw he had taught during the DA meetings pointing a wand at a dementor but only managing a silver mist that disappeared a second later. Two others were pointing their wands at it but couldn't manage to say anything.

"Expecto Patronum!" For the second time that night, the silver form of a stag emerged form Harry wand and this time Prongs remained visible. "Are you guys alright?" The Ravenclaw girl managed a small sob before disappearing behind her hands. "Stay here and keep your wands out. Prongs! Follow me!" Harry ran down the corridors and pushed back more dementors before coming across an auror.

"You! What are you doing here? Get in your compartment!" ordered the auror before realizing who she was speaking with. Only after she saw the stag patronus next to the boy and the scar on his forehead did she realize his identity. "What...you're..."

"No time for that! This part is clear! We've got to help the others." Harry shouted and ran past the auror. He continued down the corridor and came across more patroni attacking the dementors, some corporeal and some only managing silvery mists. He realized that some of these were coming from the students that he had taught during the D.A. meetings and the others from parents and aurors. At the corner of his eyes he saw a swan patronus attacking a dementor before it finally disappeared.

"Hey Harry. Don't worry about us. I got it covered." Said Cho, a little breathless and managing a small smile.

Harry nodded in her direction and continued down the corridor and coming across more aurors and dementors. At this time, Harry noticed that the fight had been taken outside the train and looking through the glass, he could see dementors, aurors, and patroni engaged in battle.

It had started raining a few minutes earlier and combined with the darkness, made it that much more difficult to see. Lightning and thunder can be seen and heard from above but did little to illuminate the battle.

Harry stepped out of the train and into the rain followed by Prongs. Screams and shouts can be heard all around, but before he could take another step he saw a body on the ground breathing heavily and staring at the clouds in the sky.

That's odd. Why is he just lying there? "Hey! Are you alright?" Harry kneeled next to the man and shook him. Nothing. The man was soaking wet and his clothes frozen to his skin. That was when he realized that he was beyond help. The man no longer has a soul in him.

The fighting continued as dozens more dementors appeared. It was becoming more and more difficult to see the dementors as it got darker and darker, colder and wetter at the same time. It was impossible to see them.

Harry continued to run towards the flashes of silver patroni and shouts coming from the aurors. "Prongs! Over there!" An auror was having difficulty keeping back two dementors at once when a third came from behind. Harry only managed to chase off the dementors as the auror dropped down on the ground and Prongs disappeared. "Hey! Wake up! Wake up!" He shook the auror until he became aware of what was happening.

"What? Who...?"

"Are you alright? Can you still fight?"

"Yes...Th- Thanks." The auror got up on shaky legs and stared at Harry. "Thank you."

"Expectro Patronum!" More shouts and more silver appeared all around.

"There's too many. We can't hold them back!" Another shouted from the darkness.

"Everyone! Get back in the train. Now!" More yells and finally a scream somewhere on Harry's left.

Harry stood frozen on one spot for a second before he started to run back towards the train. Another scream, closer, much closer, but he kept running.

"No! No! Please not him he's just a child!" Confused at what a child must be doing out here, he stopped and looked around but couldn't see beyond a few feet around him. Above him, thunder continued to roar and the deluge of rain increased. Behind him he could see the faint outline of the train illuminated with the few patroni conjured by the aurors. Wand out, he kept searching around him, trying to see the outline of a woman and a child, but failing.

Suddenly, a laugh came out of nowhere. A horrible laugh he had heard so many times before. "Stand aside, you silly girl...stand aside, now..." He couldn't take it anymore the voices were getting louder and louder. He could feel his wand slipping from his fingers as his knees came in contact with the cold and frosted grass. The images were getting clearer and clearer as if he was standing right next to them. He could hear faint shouting in the background, but that didn't matter. What matters was what was in front of him.

"Expecto Pat... Expecto Patronum!" There were many shouts coming from many compartments. Those who were members of the D.A. the previous year took it upon themselves to cast the charm. Those who were able to produce a corporeal patronus during the meetings could only summon a silver mist. Many were unable to repel a dementor on their own and had to rely on help from the aurors running from one compartment to another. Working as a group there were some who manage it.

Ron held on to his wand and kept it pointed at the dementors in front of him. Neville stood beside him and held his wand tight while straining to keep a happy thought in mind. Behind them, two third years, a Ravenclaw boy and a Hufflepuff girl were clutching each other, trying to keep as far away as they can. Ron and Neville can only manage a silver mist, but between them that was enough, but for how long?

"Expecto Patronum!" a voice behind them yelled. Suddenly a silver otter rushed at the dementors. "We have to push them back out the window!"

"Right!" With the combined effort of Ron, Neville, and Hermione they managed to push the dementors back. Once out the window the two dementors disappeared in the darkness to join the others of their kind.

Breathing heavily, the trio sank to the floor, trying to catch their breath. "Bloody hell... How does Harry do it?" Ron shook his head and got up to leave. "You two stay here and keep the windows closed," he told the third years. "Let's go." Hermione just smiled at him and got up along with Neville.

Running down the corridor, Hermione chanced a glace outside from an open door and what she saw made her heart stop. Outside, aurors were keeping the dementors back with great difficulty. There were just too many of them. She saw them retreat but a lone figure was left behind, kneeling on the ground and clutching his head. She knew it was Harry even though she couldn't see him very well. He was completely surrounded and a few dementors were already lowering their hoods.

She couldn't do anything. Her feet felt like they were glued to the floor and every inch of her muscles felt frozen in the cold air. Everything looked like it was in slow motion. The dementors coming closer and closer. More were lowering their hood, and reaching for his face. Oh God! This can't be. Harry. Someone's got to help him. Please someone...

A loud shout and a bright silver bird flying past her face snapped her out of her trance. The bird, a hawk, soared straight towards the group of dementors and started attacking. A few dementors moved away but did not retreat. There was still too many surrounding this figure on the ground.

Lifting her wand, she thought of the happiest memory she could summon at that time and released her patronus once more.

"No... no... not again...mum..." Harry whimpered as the man in black cloak approached the woman with a curse at the tip of his tongue. This is it. He's going to kill her. He's going to kill her again.

"Avada Kedavra!"

"NOOOOOO!" He screamed at the top of his lungs and expected to be engulfed in green light, but instead everything became white and his mother disappeared.

"Harry! Harry! Are you alright?" A man in white robes and a girl in school uniform were running towards him. But right in front of him was a silver otter and silver hawk which disappeared a second later.

"Get up Potter! We have to return to the train there's too many of them." The man in white robes and the girl in uniform were helping him up.

"Hermione?"

"Yes Harry. We have to get back to the train," came Hermione's hurried voice. But it was too late. At least a dozen dementors are hovering in front of them, just a few feet away.

"Expecto Patronum... Expecto ... Expecto..." stuttered the auror. They were too close now. Surrounded. There's just too many of them. Hermione lifted her wand and realized her whole arm was shaking along with her whole body. She felt frozen and couldn't move. She tried to summon her patronus but failed to even say the words.

The Auror didn't have much chance either and only managed to silver mist that barely left his wand.

Harry didn't notice any of this. Soaking wet and the freezing rain caused him to feel numb. Numb to all the noise and all that is happening around him. He can't even tell the difference between what's real and what's not. All he could see are people dying; his dad, mum, Cedric, and finally Sirius. "All my fault... It's all my fault..."

"Harry..." came a soft whisper. A woman's voice. He lifted his head to see who had called him. Nothing. It should be cold here shouldn't it? Dementors... but it's warm... Are they gone? What happened?

"Harry... Wake up..." This time it was a man's voice, he was sure of this. And so familiar too. But...

"Mum? Dad? Is that you?"

"Wake up Harry. You have to wake up."

"But... How? Mum. Dad. What's going on? Why are you here? Where am I?"

"Wake up Harry. They need you. You have to help them. Help yourself Harry. You have to live."

Help them? Help who? What's going on? As he asked himself, everything suddenly came back. The shouting and screaming. The train. The students and aurors. The dementors.

Harry opened his eyes and saw the dementors just a few feet away. An auror stood on his left trying to hold him up and on his right, Hermione. The dementors were coming closer and closer and he could see that the two beside him were already suffering from the effects.

No you're not taking them! I won't let you! He thought of his parents and his friends and the hope of a future for all of them. Of Ginny and how someday... someday they will be happy together. He thought of his feelings for her and how someday he will be able to tell her how he really feels and to be able to show her. Someday...

Raising his wand and pointing it at the dementors in front of him, he placed all his hope and happiness for this future and directed them towards his wand.

"Expecto Patronum!" A bright white light emerged from his wand and at the center of it all was an incredibly large silver stag. All who tried to see the animal had to shield their eyes or look away for it was too bright to see compared to the darkness that was there a second ago. If one were to see what was happening, they would see hundreds of dementors in the sky fleeing from the white light and the animal within. They would a man with black hair holding a wand and pointing at the silver stag. On his face, one will see great determination and defiance against the creatures in the sky. Power can be seen within those emerald eyes.

Unearthly screams of pain can be heard from the sky as the dementors who were unfortunate enough to be enveloped within the white light were shredded to pieces and all that can be seen of them in the end were the pieces of black cloth floating towards the ground.

The caster stood tall and kept his wand on the stag. No commands were needed, for the silver stag knew where its master wants it to go. It charged into the sky scattering the dementors, many fleeing into the darkness. Turning around Harry directed the stag towards the train where a few dementors were trying for another attempt at an attack. With its head down and gaining speed as it galloped beside the train, its antlers came in contact with two dementors retreating in the opposite direction. The rags on their backs were shredded in many pieces as they released their final screams. Many more that came in contact with animal were destroyed, but even more managed to escape.

Soon the darkness faded away and the cold frigid air was replaced by a warm breeze. The rain slowed and finally stopped as the night sky cleared and stars appeared in the sky. The silver stag, which now appeared without the white light surrounding its form and is clearly twice as large as a normal stag, stood tall facing its caster. Harry on the other hand stood facing it and nodded. All around them black pieces of cloth floated towards the ground, the remains of many dementors. The stag took one step towards Harry before fading into a white mist.

The students and aurors in the train, including Hermione and the auror who help Harry earlier, could do nothing but stare at the whole scene. Harry didn't notice any of this. All he knew was how exhausted he was. He closed his eyes and held his head with his hands as he welcomed the darkness yet again.

"What he did was impossible!"

"Yes. There is no known way to destroy a dementor, yet that is what he did."

"So... the rumors... It is true! He really is "The Chose One", is he not?" came a female voice.

Harry didn't know who was speaking and didn't care who it was. What bothered him is that he had a headache and these people don't have the curtsey to keep quiet and let him sleep. He could feel the train moving along the tracks and hear the whispers outside their compartment. Well... If he could hear them, then they're probably not whispering.

"... wants to speak with him... Kings Cross..."

Finally, giving up the effort of trying to get back to sleep, he cracked open one eye but could not see a thing. Opening both eyes, all he could see was a blur and realized someone had removed his glasses.

"What's going on? Where are my glasses?" Harry sat up and realized he was back in his compartment along with five blurry figures. His robes were completely dry and he was warm again.

"Oh, Harry! Are you alright?" Hermione's worried voice came from his left.

"You scared us Harry. Getting off the train and facing those dementors. Did you know there were hundreds out there? Can't believe you-know-who would send this much dementors after us. Didn't know he had this many," mumbled Ron as he handed Harry his glasses.

"That was amazing kid. No one has ever managed to destroy a dementor. Not to mention a more than two dozen at one time."

Putting on his glasses, he saw that the owner of the voice was standing by the door dressed in white robes with arms crossed. He knew the look this man was giving him, he's had many experience with this kind of thing. He knew that auror was trying to figure him out.

"Yes amazing! Just amazing! How'd you it?" The female auror sat down next to him, but honestly, he didn't know how he did it, or how it happened. What had happened during the attack was almost like a dream. He didn't know which voices had been real and which had been just a figment of his imagination. But his parents... Was that really them? Is it possible?

"Don't know. Not really sure what happened."

"Well... In any case you saved us all. As of now, the ministry should have heard about this. The Minister himself would like to speak with you upon our arrival at King's Cross. The name's Dawlish by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter," said the auror as he extended his hand.

Harry shook it. "Nice to meet you again." He remembered this auror. The last time they met, he was trying to arrest Professor Dumbledore after Fudge discovered the existence of Dumbledore's Army.

"Here, take a chocolate. We'll see you around Mr. Potter. And thank you again." The female auror handed him the chocolate and left, closing the door behind her as she and Dawlish made their exit.

Outside the sky was completely dark, but was very warm in their compartment, which was a good sign. The others around also had chocolates in their hands and were looking at him with astonishment.

"Are you guys all right?" Harry asked looking at Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna. "Sorry I left in such a hurry. What happened by the way?"

"After you, Ron, and Hermione left, Luna and I tried to make sure that the others were alright. We headed in the other direction and saw Seamus casting the patronus on a dementor. But I couldn't really figure out what it was."

"His patronus had four legs and was very hairy. Other than that, its form was not very clear so it was very difficult to identify it," said Luna.

"After you left us we went to help the others. There were more aurors here than I thought. There were many patronus along the corridors and compartments. I believe some were cast by those you taught during the DA," said Hermione, taking a bite out of her chocolate.

"Yeah. Those meetings really paid off, mate. Managed to form some sort of animal this time. Didn't last long but it's an improvement," Ron said with a mouth full of chocolate.

"You cast that patronus didn't you Hermione? The otter outside?"

"Yes Harry. I followed you after Ron and I check on Neville and Luna. You were outside on the ground and completely surrounded by dementors." At this time Hermione began to sniff as she wiped the tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes. With out thinking, Ron sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her. "They were right next to you and a few had its hood lowered already. You didn't seem to know what was happening. You were just kneeling on the ground shaking. Harry, I thought that it was too late, that there wasn't really anything I could do. I'm sorry." She turned her head into Ron's shoulder and tried to stifle a sob.

"But Hermione, you cast the patronus. You helped me."

"Dawlish was the one did it first. I couldn't do anything. After I saw him cast the patronus, a few other aurors did it as well. I was only able to cast my patronus after the aurors sent theirs to help you. I'm so sorry Harry. I froze. I should have reacted much quicker. But I... I..."

"Hermione, you were there. You helped me out. You have nothing to be sorry for," interrupted Harry. He couldn't let her blame herself. He knew what it felt like to be helpless and wanting to do something, but couldn't. In the end, she did cast a patronus to help him and that's what matters.

After a while, Hermione was able to collect herself. Sniffing one last time, she looked at him and asked, "Harry... umm... you really don't know how you cast that last patronus? I mean... Corporeal patronus only drives dementors away. It's never destroyed a dementor before."

"I honestly don't know Hermione. I really don't understand it myself. Somehow, I just knew what was going to happen. It was just a feeling." He said the last part of this to himself.

"Yeah, but that was huge!" Ron said amazed. Neville and Luna were sitting beside him nodding their heads.

"I suppose this will be in the Prophet by morning." That was just what he needed, more publicity.

"This is going to confirm in people's mind that you are 'the chosen one.' And it's going to help parents make up their mind to continue sending their children to Hogwarts, especially since you'll be there." This was the second time that night Luna had said something that bothered Harry. Besides Ron and Hermione, no one else knows that he will not be returning for his last year until right before he leaves. He exchanged knowing glances with Ron and Hermione and knew that they understood. He needed to speak with them but he couldn't with Neville and Luna around.

As the train rolled in King's Cross Station, looking out the window and onto the platform, one could see the presence to more than a dozen aurors in white robes. Parents were waiting and looking at the passing windows to see a glimpse of their children. There were more parents and relatives than any previous year. After hearing the news about an attack on Hogwarts Express, worried parents rushed to meet their children on the platform bringing along other relatives for extra protection. After while, some were asked by aurors to leave when the platform became too crowded that navigating anywhere on the platform was virtually impossible.

"James! Susan! Over here!" A woman's voice was heard amongst the shouts of parents outside and was one amongst the many parents who rushed to collect their children.

"Neville, Luna. We'll see you around." Said Harry as the two left the compartment pulling their trunks behind them.

"See you Harry!" said Neville.

"Farewell! And take good care of yourselves," came Luna's voice as they disappeared.

"Come on Harry. Mum and dad must be outside waiting also. I think Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George are outside as well. That is if they haven't chased them away."

"Wait." Now was the time to tell them. Ron and Hermione stopped in their tracks and looked at Harry questioningly. "You two said that you will be with me in Privet Drive right?"

They both nodded. "Yeah Harry. Of course. I'm sure mum and dad won't mind."

"No. You two go back to you families. If you're going to come with me you have to spend this time with them."

"But Harry..."

"He's right Ron. Who knows what will happen while we're away. But Harry, you're not leaving with out us, right?"

"No, I won't. I'll meet you two at the Burrow for Bill and Fleur's wedding. We'll leave from there. Just don't tell anyone until right before we leave."

"We won't. But it will be hard to say good-bye."

"Don't worry Hermione. We'll still be able to owl them," said Ron while Harry nodded at her.

"We better leave. I still have to meet with the minister." He really didn't want to but he might as well get it over with. He was sure the minister will try another attempt to manipulate him.

Stepping off the train, they saw families hugging their children before herding them through the barrier. Those old enough to disapparate did so to avoid the crowd.

Harry pulled his trunk and Hedwig's cage from the train as he passed people openly staring at him. This he ignored, but he couldn't help over hearing the whispers.

"That's him, mom. He sent this large patronus stag after the dementors and it ripped them to pieces."

"It was amazing dad. See that's him over there!"

"He really is 'the chosen one.' Good looking too." This he heard from a woman who looked to be five years older.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione kept walking until they spotted Neville.

"Hi Harry, Ron, Hermione. You've already met Gran at St. Mungos. Gran these are..."

"Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger. It is nice to meet you again. Mr. Potter, it's a pleasure. I must say being friends with you has greatly improved Neville. He is becoming more and more like his father. I'm sure they would be proud of him. You take now Mr. Potter." Mrs. Longbottom shook all their hands before leaving.

"See you Neville," Harry called out.

A second later, they were smothered with red hair. Mrs. Weasley had finally spotted them and was giving each one a hug. Ginny stood behind her mother trying to avoid Harry's eyes.

"Oh dear! When we heard... Didn't know what to think. Are you all right?" Mrs. Weasley gave Ron a bone crushing hug and kisses on his face.

"Mum! Mum! I'm alright! We're alright! Really!" Ron's face had started to turn purple by the time she let go of him.

"Oh Harry, dear. Hermione. I'm so glad that you two are all right," and planted a kiss on each of their faces after giving them the same reception as Ron.

"Harry. The Minister said he'd like to see you. He's over there. I'll take you to him." Mr. Weasley and Harry headed towards the direction where there was five aurors wearing muggle attire, standing beside the Minister.

"I'll be fine. I'll see you guys later," he told Ron, Hermione, and a worried looking Mrs. Weasley. He chanced a glanced at Ginny before leaving and their eyes met for only a fraction of a second before she turned away to speak with the twins.

"Now Harry I must warn you. Minister Scrimgeour heard what's happened on your way here. About the patronus and all. I'm afraid there will be a repeat of what's happened during the Christmas holiday. But don't worry I'll there with you," warned Mr. Weasley.

"I'll be fine Mr. Weasley. This is actually the third time," assured Harry.

"Mr. Potter, reports say that you engaged the dementors on the way here. Is that true?" asked the Minister who was wearing a muggle suit.

"Yes."

When Harry didn't say anything else, the Minister continued. "Well... perhaps it would be best if we take this conversation else where. Somewhere more private I believe." Around them people had stopped doing what they were doing trying hard to listen. "Your aunt and uncle will be told that you will meet them back at your residential place. Mr. Weasley, if you excuse us."

"Uh... Minister, I really think that I should be..."

"It's alright Mr. Weasley. I'll be fine. I'll see you at the Burrow over the summer," said Harry.

"But Harry... I don't think..."

"Please tell the others that I'll see them there. Don't worry. I'll send Hedwig when I get back to my aunt and uncle's." Harry turned around and left Mr. Weasley as he followed the Minister. The aurors surrounded him, forming a guard as they stepped through the barrier.

Stares and whispers followed the group on the wizarding platform. In the muggle platform, stares continued to follow them. But these were different. These were curious and mocking stares. A man in suit leading the group followed by a teenage boy who was surrounded by five men wearing a Hawaiian t-shirt, a cowboy attire, a lab coat over t-shirt and shorts, overalls with bright orange t-shirt, and a particularly normal attire.

Harry saw the man in the lab coat separate from the group and approached his aunt and uncle as they passed. From what little he saw, they took a step back and stared at the man is disgust as he approached them. He didn't get to see what happened next because he was then escorted to a black ministry car and headed to the Ministry of Magic.

A/N: Thanks for reading and please... PLEASE leave a review. And be nice because this is the first fanfic I've ever written. I've already got the story planned out and should be more than 30 chapters... I hope... If I don't get a review there is a high chance that I will not post the next chapter. So be warned!

--Ness a.k.a. ayacelest