A/N: Right now, I feel like Draco at the beginning of Chapter 30. "You plan and plan and then, in an instant, it's over. I spent months that I could have wasted on video games to write this story, proofread it (several times), edit it, nitpick at it and, finally, to post it. And now it's over. Now, I have to decide what to write next. I have plenty of good ideas. The problem is writing about them. For example:

Sirius Black visits a young boy named Cole Sear (The Sixth Sense) and asks him to say goodbye to Harry.

Shakespearean Harry: "Whether tis nobler in the mind to take up this wand against a sea of trouble and thus end them."

Voldemort is really a product of the Computer, an effort to destroy the wizarding world, which is unknowingly warping and manipulating the MATRIX.

Huckleberry Finn comes to Hogwarts. (Believe it or not, I've written an exploratory chapter to see if I could get this story to work.)

This one has been done by others: The League of Extraordinary Young Gentlemen. Artemis Fowl hear's his father reject an offer and decides to accept it for himself. Group would loosely include Harry, Artemis, Rudolf Sackville Bagg (Littlest Vampire), Wednesday Adams, Dashell Parr and Cody Banks for the Tom Sawyer part.

You see the problem. It's fine to have a good idea. It's easy to have a good idea. But it takes time to write a good idea until you reach a good ending, or at least an ending. For example, Draco Malfoy and the Philosopher's Stone. It's coming along nicely but the beginning is all wrong. Harry Potter is happy, because his parents are alive. (He has brown eyes, just like his mother.) But how am I going to explain how and why Lily Evans agreed to marry Lucius Malfoy. (I have an explanation, but will you believe it.) It's another story that may never be finished.

Thank you to everyone who read and who reviewed. I know it sounds trite, but I do mean it.

Chapter 37: The Farewell

"This is it," Malcolm said wistfully. "After tomorrow, I won't know the future anymore."

"It was a sad future, anyway. But brighter days will come."

"Yeah, well, I found out something I didn't know. My folks are coming to the funeral."

"So are mine."

"Yeah, but your parents are nice to be around."

Ginny laughed. "I'd say the same about your parents. Why don't we trade?"

"You made your point. The evil I know is better than the evil I don't know."

Miklos Abercrombie smiled as McGonagall handed him a cup of tea. "Minerva, you never told me why you're so sure I won't be recognized."

"Because of this boy," Minerva waved her wand and an image appeared.

"Who is he?"

"Euan Abercrombie. And I already met his father, Michael. While there may be some familial resemblance, I would say that the names were a coincidence."

"Then I AM a complete stranger to everyone here."

"Harry?"

Harry Potter looked up from his table in the common room. "Malcolm? Who's your friend?"

"This is Dan. He stopped by for a visit. It's kinda bad timing. Dan, this is the guy people think you are when you're wearing those glasses."

Harry looked carefully at the stranger. There was a resemblance, although no one would make that mistake if the two of them were together. He held out his hand. "I'm sorry we couldn't meet under happier circumstances."

"The odd thing is," Dan noted, "If circumstances were happier, we probably wouldn't meet at all. The funeral is the only reason I'm here. I feel the need to say goodbye, even though I never met the man."

Harry smiled appreciatively. For a friend of Malcolm's, Dan seemed overly polite. "May I ask, how is it you know Malcolm." He waved his hand at an empty chair.

Dan sat down. "I'm an actor by trade. I was working on the set and Malcolm popped in one day."

"And you became friends?"

"Of sorts. Once, I warned him his mother was coming. I think that's when we became friends. And you? Malcolm says that you don't care for him too much?"

"More his cousin than him. And Malcolm usually sides with his family."

I like the way they talk about me like I'm not here.

Harry looked up. "Malcolm, why did you stop and talk to me?"

"I was hoping that Dan would become all gushy about meeting the Chosen One, and embarrass you."

"He's lying," Dan said. "He found out a few things about you, that he didn't know. He knows what happened to Draco was not out of any malice."

Harry nodded his head. "It was stupid of me. I honestly believe that we all would have been better off if I never followed him that day. But that's only because, now, I understand what he might have done."

"It's all in the past," Malcolm muttered.

"I'm sorry," Harry said, and held out his hand. "Can you forgive me?"

"For not knowing the future. First, I'd have to forgive myself."

Harry put his hand down. "Some things we just have to live with."

"Could I . . ." Dan began to say, when three other people walked up.

"Harry," Hermione asked. "You and Malcolm are talking again?"

Malcolm gave a grim look. "We were just telling each other the stupid things we've done. Harry went first, and since you came by, I don't have to take my turn."

"And what about me."

"You're my big sister, until Ginny wants the job back."

"Thanks," Ginny said in mock anger

"This is completely maudlin. Should I cry?" Dan asked, and received a snort from Harry in response.

"Wait until he talks to Ron."

"Harry," Ron asked from his other side. "Who's he? Not a friend of Malcolm, I hope."

Dan remembered what Malcolm had coached him to say. "Sort of. I'm here with Dewey." He did of remarkable job of not laughing when Ron heaved a sigh of relief.

"Ron Weasley," Ron said as he held out his hand, "Can we get rid of Malcolm for you?"

Dan shook hands. "My pleasure, Ron. I'm Daniel Radcliffe. And if you get rid of Malcolm, I'll be stuck here."

"You can muck about with us. We're supposed to meet Dewey later, anyway."

Dan tried to control his delight, while Harry, Hermione and Ginny rolled their eyes.

"Malcolm. Do you mind?"

Malcolm snorted. "I've got to catch up to Er. . . Dewey, anyway." He turned to Harry. "Is it a problem for you? I'm warning you. He's really a groupie."

Harry eyed Dan carefully. "It could prove interesting."

Malcolm smiled then grabbed Ginny to one side and whispered something. She glanced in surprise at Dan, then nodded. Malcolm was still smiling when he left. Dan WAS going to have an interesting time.

"Dewey?" Professor Slughorn said with a touch of confusion.

"He's in his dorm. He said I might like to wear a set of his robes since we look alike. It sounds like fun. Are you the potions Professor?"

"Horace Slughorn," he said as he took the boy's extended hand. "And you are?"

"Erik Sullivan."

"You're Irish?"

"Swedish," Erik said with a wide grin.

"Ah," Slughorn said, sincerely wishing he had never become involved in this conversation. In an effort to make it more sensible he asked, "Are you musically inclined? Your doppleganger is accomplished on the saxophone."

"I'm a keyboards man myself. I still need to grow longer fingers."

Slughorn looked at his watch. "I must be going. It was nice meeting you. I think."

Erik smiled. It was a lot of fun acting like Dewey.

"Here," Dewey said a few minutes later, as he handed Eric the robes. Eric donned them and Dewey handed him a wand. Nott's wand. "This makes it more realistic. And that's an extra wand. You can keep it as a souvenir if you want."

"Great. What do you want to do first?"

Poppy Pomfrey looked down at the twin boys in identical Slytherin robes. Her eyes kept shifting back and forth between them. "Dewey? What seems to be the problem?"

Both boys spoke in unison. "Madam Pomfrey, I was practicing my magic and had a little problem with a duplication spell."

"And where's Dewey?"

"Mom, you were supposed to be coming here tomorrow. A friend came to visit. Dewey's showing him around."

"He's not one of those other friends of your? Like Alex and Kyle? I'll call his mother immediately."

"You know about Alex and Kyle?"

Lois looked suspicious, ignoring the small crowd gathering to watch them in the Main Hall.

"That they went to Las Vegas on a weekend trip? I heard all about it. How did you know?"

Malcolm spoke as fast as he could. "Um, Stevie owled me a letter. But all he said was they ran off somewhere." After he paused for breath, he added, "They went to Las Vegas?"

"Those boys are too smart for their own good. They managed to get their own credit cards and used that internet to get plane tickets and fake ID's." Lois turned her head. "Dewey, who's your friend?"

"This is Erik. He's in my year," Dewey said as the two of them stepped up

Lois turned back to Malcolm. "They're lucky they won all that cash or they'd be in bigger trouble."

That's pretty cool. Flying to Vegas from here. It's the perfect place for a wizard in training to get money.

"Gee, Mom. I wouldn't even do something like that."

"You see, Lois," Hal noted. "Malcolm was a good influence on those other kids."

Lois turned to Hal. "GIVE ME A BREAK. If either of you were there, you'd have gone along with it in a heartbeat." She turned back to Malcolm. "So how's school been? Outside of the headmaster dying and your cousin Draco being part of it."

Malcolm nodded. "Other than that it's been pretty good. I go down to Uncle Hagrid's every week or so for tea. His pet spider died. He should be in if you want to visit?"

Lois agreed. "I could use some tea. And Nob's already there. Draco told me he made wonderful cookies. Why don't you ever tell me things like that?"

"You make wonderful cookies, Mom." He opened the Main Doors to go out

"You should see what Reese made," Hal said with excitement. "It was this really flaky pastry filled with walnuts and dipped in honey."

"It's Baklava."

"No, son. That's what they call a Russian banjo. But it had a name close to that."

Malcolm waited until they were away from everyone before he said anything else.

"Uh, Mom. It's about Reese."

Lois said with a laugh and a wave of her hand, "I know all about that, and I think it was nice what you did for your cousin."

"You know? But Reese . . . "

"Is home. Normally, I wouldn't leave him by himself, but I'm letting him go shopping and then fix dinner for us when we get home. That should keep him busy."

Malcolm stared at his mother. "Reese is home? "How'd Reese get there?" "When did this happen?"

Lois smiled. "It was Narcissa's idea. She convinced her boss that no one would think of looking for Draco in another country, much less with relatives like us."

"Wow," Dewey exclaimed. "I never thought being Trailer Trash could be lucky."

"We don't live in a trailer, son," Hal pointed out. "Those two weeks while we had the house fumigated don't count." He turned to Lois and whispered. "I don't believe they're still calling us that."

"Mom?" Malcolm asked. "Do you know about Draco?"

"Yup? Gabrielle Delacour owled me a letter to let me know about your visit. And Malcolm, you're a lot better off this way. Now you have a chance to meet other girls. You'll have a lot of fun."

"But not too much fun," Hal admonished, pointing an educational finger at himself and Lois.

"Yeah, sure, Dad. I would never think of doing something like that."

I really hope he's talking about sex. If he isn't, I don't want to know what he's talking about.

"Mom, is there anything you don't know?"

"Let's see? Reese. Draco. Basil . . ."

"YOU KNOW ABOUT BASIL?"

"He and his friends met us when we got off the train. He was very curious about what your parents were like. And he was delightful to talk to. Malcolm, you should have more friends like that."

"Mom. He's dead."

"That doesn't seem to hold him back from having an active live, getting around and meeting people, discovering new interests. You could learn a few things from that young boy."

"Uh, yeah, Mom."

"Mom," Dewey interrupted to ask. "Have you been putting on weight?"

"HAH. Hal, he noticed. Either that or it took him this long to say something. Dewey, you like living in a large family, don't you."

"Yeah?"

"Good. Because it's about to get larger. I'm pregnant. See what you miss when you don't come home for Christmas."

As Hal and Lois walked off with Malcolm, Eric turned to Dewey. "That was strange. They didn't notice me."

"They're like that. They only notice me when I'm talking directly to them."

Erik nodded. "Real life IS just like television."

"Are you sure this will work," Erik said as he mounted the broom.

"Not really. But it's worth a try."

"You know I'm a muggle."

"Yeah, and it shouldn't work. But I figure if I hold on . . ."

"We could give it a try."

Both boys jumped out of the owlery window at the same time. Dewey was fully prepared to race his new friend's broom to the ground if it failed to work properly. It did fail to work properly, but not in the way either of them thought.

"At least I'm not falling," Erik said helpfully, as the broom continued to glide along in a straight line, moving to one side or the other as he moved about.

"Can you steer at all?"

"If I shift my weight."

"Nudge it so you're heading for that tree over there," Dewey suggested.

"The giant Willow?"

"Yeah."

Erik eyed Dewey. "Isn't that the Whomping Willow."

"It's okay. We're friends."

The group paused in their wandering to admire the trophy case.

"Are you really mistaken for me a lot?"

Daniel smirked as if Harry were making a joke. "That's part of the reason I wanted to meet you. On a number of occasions, people have called me by your name. But that's usually when I'm wearing glasses. To be honest, most of those people have only read about you."

Harry snorted. "That would explain it."

"I'm curious," Hermione asked. "How is it people make that mistake? Which school do you go to?"

Dan paused. "It's a muggle school. That's what makes the situation so amusing. I'm not a wizard."

Hermione started to say something but Ron whispered, "Malcolm." Hermione nodded, and smiled.

"You must have been surprised to find out that magic is real."

"You wouldn't believe. I remember seeing Malcolm turn into an owl. I almost forgot to breath."

"But you know Dewey," Ron pointed out.

"He was the one who suggested Malcolm show me. I didn't expect anything to happen." He paused. "And now I'm standing here, and talking with all of you." He paused. "Sorry, I think I sounded too cheerful, but I'm grateful for the chance to be here. And I do wish I could have met Dumbledore while he was still alive."

Harry's smile faded as he was reminded of the day's events. "I saw him die."

"I know how you must feel. I've had that experience before. Where your entire world changes in one moment. And nothing you can do can every restore what you used to take for granted."

"You're right. I suppose I did take Dumbledore for granted. I always assumed he'd be there."

"He's never gone, as long as we hold him in our hearts."

Harry nodded. Dumbledore, himself, had said something close to that.

"Those were goods words, Daniel."

"You reminded me of the man who starred in two movies that I was in. I remembered how I felt when I heard he had died. In his own field, he was also a great man."

They shook hands once more..

"Excuse me."

Dan looked own to see a familiar boy.

"I don't know if you remember me, Sir. I saw you once . . . on a movie set."

Dan tried to remain calm. "You look familiar. I see you're in Gryffindor."

"I am, Sir.

"Call me Dan."

"Can I really? Thanks. Could I bother you for an autograph? I know I'll never have a chance like this again." He held up a parchment and quill."

Dan looked at Harry and smiled. "I'll be just a moment."

"Do you know Daniel?" Hermione asked.

"I've seen most of his movies. I even had to watch one for English class."

Daniel quickly signed his name to the parchment."

Hermione was amused by Dan's reaction. "For English?"

The boy nodded. "David Copperfield?" He pocketed the parchment and ran off.

"David Copperfield?" Hermione asked.

"It's by a man called Charles Dickens." Dan smiled. "Can we talk about something other than work?"

Harry couldn't help but grin. "I know exactly how you feel."

"We're not too high?" Erik asked.

"Shouldn't be. The Giant Squid has a pretty good reach. And she has excellent aim." Dewey paused. "Do you want to know where you're going to end up?"

"Naw. Let it be a surprise."

This time, Eric took a running start before jumping out the window. It worked. The broom was going much faster, and heading straight for the lake.

Professor McGonagall looked over at the young man as she pried him away from his new friends. She assured them he was not going to disappear.

"I hope you were circumspect, young man."

"I tried to be. He was different from what I expected."

"Are you disappointed?"

"Hardly, Professor. I expected him to be more private, more withdrawn. For all that I know about him, he's a fairly open person."

McGonagall gave a half smile. "For all that boy's been through, he can't afford to hide in a shell." She eyed Dan carefully. "Do you portray him faithfully?"

"I think I do. I hope I do. It is still difficult to believe I've actually met him."

McGonagall opened a door, showing a small bedroom. "This will be your room for tonight. When you leave, turn right and take the staircases down to the main floor. You'll find the Great Hall."

"Professor. Thank you for letting me come."

"Malcolm said you were instrumental in helping him return. I thought it was the least I could do." She paused. "I need to ask. The seventh book?"

"I can't say for sure. But I think you will live the year out before the book is published."

McGonagall nodded, asked if he needed anything, then left to take care of other matters. Miklos Abercrombie was blending in very well but the other guest had already caused a number of problems.

The funeral was almost over. Dan was waiting for the centaurs to appear and shoot their arrows. It was an amazing sight, even though he knew it was going to happen. Then the funeral was over and everyone broke up into small groups. He saw Ginny standing next to him.

"I was curious. The autograph hound said I was prettier than the girl who plays me. Is that true?"

"For my own safety, I will answer yes."

"Has everything been happening according to the book?"

"So far. The funeral was described perfectly. Um, I think you should know . . ."

"That Harry's going to break up with me? I'm guessing he'll do that once he's done talking to the minister."

Dan grinned. "That's right. You read the book?"

Ginny gave him the Weasley smile. "Not at all. I just know my men." She looked over at Harry. "He's done. I'd better go see him. It was a pleasure meeting you." She refused his hand, and gave him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. "Do a good job."

"I will," Dan promised, and Ginny walked off.

"An interesting conversation," Miklos Abercrombie said from behind. "Not that anyone else listened in."

"This is all so amazing. I'm happy I had the chance to see it."

"And any one of them would be amazed to see the way you live." Miklos looked at his watch. "It's almost time to go. We need to find Malcolm and Erik."

"There they are."

"We'll find someplace quiet, and disappear from this world."

The sun had set several hours before. The castle that was Hogwarts was dark except for only a few lights. The students had left the day before and were already at their homes. In Hogsmeade, there were few lights as well. Most people were already in bed, or in the tavern. Ripples appeared in the placid lake. There was a sudden waterspout as a young man suddenly shot out of the water as though thrown. By coincidence, or excellent aim, he landed on some soft bushes which broke his fall. He was out of breath, hungry and weak, but physically unhurt.

Theodore Nott had returned.

COMMENTARY

The hardest part about writing this story is that it doesn't have an end, for maybe two years. I had to leave some things hanging because I did not know if they will become useful. To give the reader an idea, I will list a few of them here. These are things I plan to use, should I be given a chance.

First, there is the case of Louis' steel wand. If the opportunity arises, he will prove how useful it can be, as well as the advantages of steel over wood.

Gabrielle will make a reappearance, with an explanation for the reader as to why she suddenly decided to break up with Malcolm. If she ever reunites with Malcolm, the resultant conversation will make Maple syrup taste like tar by comparison.

Chef Reese. Who knows? I still have to figure out what to do about Millicent. She isn't going to like this one bit and she's not afraid to cause trouble.

The Whomping Willow. I guess she'll just hang around and grow. That is what trees do, after all.

The Gryffindor Boy. It is exceedingly doubtful that his name will ever be revealed. I can't help but find it an amusing effort. Malcolm and his family have no last name. Why not a character who has no name at all? How involved can I get him and not trip over that problem?

Anthony. Yes, Reese's Sixteen-year-old friend will celebrate his eleventh birthday sometime in the next story.

Basil. He will probably make a cameo. Expect him, with his two guardians, to be at Kings Cross on September First.

The Other World. Will probably never be mentioned again. Everyone has had their curiosities satisfied and are ready to go on with their own lives. As far as Malcolm, he repaid his debts to anyone there and won't try to wear out his welcome. It may be an amazing feat, but Malcolm is a teenager and has other things to think of, for example, himself.

Timmy. I have no idea what to do with him. On the other hand, neither does Francis.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

BOOKS

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, JK Rowling, Scholastic Books, 2005

The Pagan Mysteries of Halloween. Jean Markdale. Translated by Jon Graham. (U.S., 2001)

TELEVISION

Malcolm In The Middle, Fox, 1998 - 2005

Dinosaurs, ABC, 1991 - 1994

WEB SITES

The Harry Potter Lexicon: www. hp. Cult: MITM: www. In The Middle www. Lexicon: www. in the Middle, The Complete First Season, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, 2002

Casablanca, Turner Entertainment, 1999

Eerie Indiana, The Complete Series, BMG Special Products, 2005

Hocus Pocus, Disney, 1993

David Copperfield, BBC Worldwide Americas, 2000

CD

B.B. King, Paying the Cost to be the Boss, Delta Entertainment, 1997

GRAPHIC NOVELS

The Sandman, Volume Four: The Season of Mist, Neil Gaiman, Vertigo, 1992

Dead Boy Detectives, Issues 1 - 4, Neil Gaiman,Vertigo, 2001

The Dead Boy Detectives, Jill Thompson, Vertigo, 2005

The two twelve-year-olds were walking down the street in the muggle neighborhood.

"Thanks, Avery. I really appreciate your coming by to visit."

"I had to. I was curious. It's almost a month already, Erik. Has anybody noticed?"

"No. I think everybody ignores me automatically. I hope Dewey's okay."