"Wait a minute...Let's just think about Snape's Allegiance now, shall we?Had he allowed Riddle to perform the Curse on Malfoy, then Riddle would, again, be reduced to spirit - and Malfoy would have survived. Just whose side is Snape ON? -scs"

That was from a reveiwer. First of all, good question! I actually hadn't thought of that. It kinda threw me at first. But now I have thought about it and will answer you. For one thing Snape must keep the trust of his fellow death eaters, other wise all that he did would be undone. And besides after all the horcruxes are destroyed Harry has to kill Voldemort...but how can you kill vapor? That wouldn't help him at all. Also if Voldemort had failed to kill Draco someone else would have finished the job for him. Snape has reasons to keep Draco alive...though I won't say anymore or i'll blow part of my plot.

Chapter 3: Plans for Departure

Dear Mr. Potter,

We regret to inform you that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry will not be opening again this fall. In light of events last term we have realized that safety at Hogwarts is not what it once was.

Once we feel you will be safe here again we will reopen the school and you can resume your education.

Last terms fifth and seventh years may still take their OWLs and NEWTs at the Ministry of Magic, the Ministry will be sending along further information in a few days time.

Best wishes in these trying times.

Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress

Harry read through this letter once and tossed it aside. Even if Hogwarts had reopened he had already planned on not going. Plus he didn't like to think about it. For the past six years Hogwarts had been solidly and dependably there. And now it was closed…it was gone, like Dumbledore. In his mind he had always paired the two together: Dumbledore was Hogwarts, Hogwarts was Dumbledore. Wasn't it fitting that the two died together? He chuckled at this thought though he found no humor in it.

The room around him was not in its usual disorder. He left everything in his trunk except for when he needed a fresh pair of clothes. He did not want to unpack. For one thing he wanted to make as quick an exit as possible and he did not want to make himself feel at home when in such a short time Privet Drive would no longer be his home. His packed trunk symbolized to him the freedom that would come when he turned 17 and, by wizard standards, came of age.

Harry opened the second letter that had been delivered to him that night by a very excited Pigwidgeon who was still waiting on top of the dresser for his reply.

Harry,

Dad will be coming for you on your birthday! 8:00 in the morning. Wouldn't want you to spend any more time with the muggles than was necessary. He'll send your trunk and Hedwig on ahead and apparate with you to the Burrow. Hermione will be arriving a little later. Mum is going to go and get her.

I wonder if they'll open Hogwarts again…but that doesn't really affect us as we won't be going anyway. Though I hope they don't because I'd hate to see mum's reaction when I tell her I'm not going back!

Can't wait to see you! Give your cousin a good kick for me!

Ron

Harry had only been home for a fortnight. He had remained mostly in his room though Aunt Petunia now insisted that he had dinner with the rest of them. He didn't really see the point. Uncle Vernon spent the time when he was not chewing gnashing his teeth and glaring at his nephew. Dudley kept his eyes fixed on the television set as normal but would not accept any dish after Harry had touched it. Harry thought this was rather good for him, it was like another diet as he wouldn't take seconds anymore.

The only thing Vernon had said to Harry during these meals had been spoken on his first night back.

"Will…Dumbles…er that man who got you last year, will he come get you again?"

"No" said Harry.

"Oh and why not?" asked Uncle Vernon suspiciously. "He said you'd be leaving as soon as you turn 17. And I'm not letting you stay a day longer boy!"

"Dumbledore will not be coming to get me because he's dead" said Harry glaring at his uncle. "I don't know who will be coming to get me, or if anyone will for that matter but I assure you that I will not impose upon your hospitality for any longer than I have to."

He would tell them tomorrow at dinner his plans for leaving. They would, no doubt, be pleased that he was leaving so early in the day. Perhaps they would even elect to sleep in so as not to see him at all that day. Harry hoped they would.

Harry lay down Ron's letter on his nightstand where he could read it again in the morning. He rested his glasses on top of them and crawled into his bed. One thought came into his head to mar the glow he felt from knowing he would be leaving Number Four for the Burrow: Ginny would be there. He hadn't planned on seeing her so soon. He didn't know if his resolution could hold up if he were living in the same house as she was. But yet it wasn't an entirely unpleasant thought…he fell to sleep with him emotions still confused.