Tom and Harry

by old-crow

HBP left us with a half played chess match. Riddle's goal is to finish off Harry. Harry needs to find the Horcruxes and train to destroy Riddle. CH 28. Surprises and chills await as the story comes to a conclusion.

22. Aftermath

Chapter 22

Nov 1 - 7:30 AM

Minerva McGonagall rarely swore. She thought it was bad taste for a lady to have something like that in her mouth let alone letting it slip out. When viewing the crowd that had just crossed onto the blackened the battlefield snapping photographs she let out a string of curse words so long and loud that she knew her late husband would be spinning in his grave.

The Ministry had arrived in force.

Diane glanced at her and then said, "Please, tell us how you really feel."

Susan looked at Diane as if he were expecting her to be transfigured into a goat but Minerva chuckled.

"I cannot tell them to leave. Parents are going to be upset enough without some nameless ministry hacks adding to their worries with whatever lie they get the Prophet to print this week," Minerva groused. The Headmistress, Emma, Diane and Susan watched the crowd for a couple of minutes. The leaders of the battle, having just accepted the weapons of their enemies, were being swarmed.

Diane thought for a moment and then asked if McGonagall minded her seeing what she could do. McGonagall didn't think that anything less than hexing them would make them leave. She nodded to Diane who turned and walked outside. She heard Emma snicker and threw a three-fingered wave over her shoulder.

Diane surveyed the scene. Harry and a few of the others were being mobbed by the Ministry officials, Aurors, and the like. Everything that she knew about the teen screamed that he just wanted to be left alone. Dan must have thought so too because he was doing his best to stay between the crowd and Harry.

Harry scowled at a particularly forward witch who had given Hermione a shove so that she could take a turn hanging on him. For a moment, Diane feared for the offending witch's life. However, Harry just grabbed Hermione by the hand, helped her up, and the two left the ministry officials open mouthed as they turned for the castle. The crowd made to follow but Abraxan stopped them.

Diane approached the group and offered her hand to Minister Abraxan. The Minister had not been offended in the least when Diane had tossed her and the others out of the Renny's rooms when she was trying to talk with the frightened campers. They had spoken a few times and the Minister had sat in on one of the student sessions that Diane had held.

The leaders of the battle went into the castle, except for Dan. He was glowering at the crowd holding a pistol and a sword in his hands. After a few moments he too turned to leave. Diane noted that he had waited for Harry and Hermione to safely pass through the giant doors.

"May I have a moment of your time?" Diane asked the Minister. Anyone watching would have never known that the witch intimidated Diane.

"Of course," Abraxan said walking with her. Like a heard of sheep, most of the group followed.

Diane frowned at them and asked, "Alone?"

She could have sworn that Abraxan told them to 'sit and stay' just in her tone of voice. Diane walked out of earshot and Abraxan joined her a few moments later. John Thomas was with her. She nodded to the intimidating, silent man.

"I know you both want to speak to Harry and the rest of the key people in this horrible battle. Everyone is exhausted, emotionally as well as physically. I understand that you need information, but right now…" she stopped speaking as Abraxan held up her hand.

"I understand, Doctor. I'm willing to wait as long as Mr. Potter needs."

"It would help to lose the rubberneckers," Diane told her with a frown. She could tell that Abraxan didn't understand the muggle reference. Instead of explaining the disorder of gawking at an auto accident she asked, "How many of those people have a justifiable reason for being here?"

"Most of them have no reason other than their self grandiose important image," Thomas told her.

"Then I suggest that they leave. We all know that Harry is less than interested in politics and couldn't care less what those people think. He respects you two," Diane informed them.

"He told you that?" Thomas asked with a frown of his own.

"He didn't have to," Diane replied. She turned to leave and finished, "It will be several hours before anyone is ready to relive this mess. You are welcome to wait."

Abraxan spoke to Thomas and then followed Diane who was walking slowly. She caught the muggle easily.

Emma saluted her when she returned and Diane snickered at her friend. Exhaustion was making them act like they had in their university days. The three muggles left Abraxan with the Headmistress as she went in search of something hot to drink and a warm bed. Dan told her that the kids had gone to bed.

She went back to her room, showered and changed out of her blood stained clothing. She sat down and closed her eyes for what felt like a minute. When she woke an hour later, Diane discovered that Abraxan had returned to the Ministry. No one had seen Harry or Hermione. McGonagall was sure they had not left the castle. Moody had his own opinion.

Dan and Emma were concerned to the extreme. Diane suggested that they get some sleep. Emma's giddiness had worn off and she snapped at her friend. Diane didn't take it personally and was not surprised when Emma's anger turned into tears.

It was a while before she left Emma in Dan's arms knowing that he could do more with a hug than she could with hours of work. She wandered the deserted halls of the castle. McGonagall had sent all of the kids to their dorms with strict warnings about leaving. Diane hoped that they listened better than they had during the battle.

… --- …

8:30 AM

The hospital wing was quiet.

Master Healer Poppy Pomfrey surveyed her hospital wing and was satisfied with what she saw. She had only kept the most grievously injured patients. The rest had been escorted back to their dorms with instructions to go to bed.

She had three patients and they were all asleep.

Diane Turnbull wandered in and checked up on how things were going. Poppy assumed that she was on an errand for Potter. Diane was relieved to hear that none of the students had perished. The Healer explained to the Doctor about the three that were left.

Dean Thomas had been hit in the leg with one of the arrows. It was not such a debilitating injury that he should have been in the hospital wing. However after having his leg healed he had returned to the battle and managed to undo the bone knitting and the muscle regrowth. Poppy was not sure if he was brave or stupid.

Fred Weasley had hit his head when the flash fire had knocked him over. He had fought with a minor concussion and a pretty bad case of red face. She kept him simply because she didn't want to think about how George would wake him every hour.

Her last patient was the one that worried her the most.

Katlyn Greystone was still having trouble breathing. Her punctured lung had been healed but she was short of breath. Poppy knew that it was a combination of the sickening smoke and nerves. There was a reason that the fourth years and below had been sent back to the houses. Katlyn was not the youngest student to sneak out of the dorms and into the battle but she had been hurt the worst.

… --- …

1:00 PM

Headmistress Minerva McGonagall stared out the window of her office. The day was crisp, bright and beautiful. The children should have been outside on the pitch playing Quidditch or sitting by the lake with their friends.

Instead the castle was on complete lock down.

The former head's portraits had been told of the battle. Dumbledore had praised the originality of the plan. Phineas had been disgusted that they had resorted to using a muggle trap regardless of the outcome. McGonagall took both as good signs.

Her discussion with the Minister had been brief but full of information. The news of the battle would spread quickly. The wizarding wireless was already reporting horribly erroneous news from people that had allegedly been at the battle. The rumors had to be squashed.

After the gargoyle informed her of a visitor, she gave Diane permission to enter her office and watched as the muggle woman took her seat. They didn't speak, instead sat sipping the tea and listening to the wireless.

"We interrupt to bring you to the Minister of Magic. Minister Abraxan will be giving a statement on the tragedy at Hogwarts," the announcer's voice said, interrupting the interview with a low-level ministry official whose fifteen minutes had been cut short.

"Good afternoon. As you know last night at dusk Lord Voldemort and his supporters attacked Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His forces included approximately fifty Death Eaters and an estimated twelve hundred Inferi. The bodies of forty-six of the Death Eaters have been recovered. All of the Inferi were defeated by an amazing contingency plan put in place by the Headmistress.

I have heard rumors of the number of students killed in the raid. Let me put the rumors to rest. None of the students were killed. As a matter of record, many of them helped defend the castle. As of ten o'clock this morning only three of the students injured remain in the hospital wing at the school.

In all thirty students were injured and treated. Headmistress McGonagall has invited the parents of the students who were hurt to come to the castle to visit their children.

Headmistress Minerva McGonagall has been and will continue to work with an elite security force that has been in place since just after the funeral of Albus Dumbledore. The school remains on lock down. No one will be allowed in with the exception of the parents who will be arriving by portkey later today.

The village of Hogsmeade was also attacked. Invading forces destroyed almost half of the town. Fortunately there was enough warning that all residents were evacuated before the attack.

The identity of the Death Eaters is problematic as most of the bodies were charred in a large fire on the school grounds. Only two of them have been identified. They were Peter Travers and Delores Umbridge. Travers was hit by a reducto curse and at no point was near the fire. At the beginning of the battle Umbridge fled into the Forbidden Forest where a rather large group of acromantulas was watching the battle. The acromantulas killed her but refused to suck her husk dry."

Diane was surprised to see Minerva smile.

"Her body was discovered when one of the acromantulas approached the Care of Magical Creatures Professor to get the taste of biting her out of its mouth," Minster Abraxan concluded.

… --- …

2:00 PM

Eventually Diane found herself in front of the door leading to Harry and Hermione's suite. She gently knocked, thinking they were asleep and no one would answer. A few seconds later Harry opened the door.

He let her in without saying a word. She followed him inside and watched him throw a couple spells at the closed door. He was wearing sweat pants and nothing else. She noticed that he had a number of light scars on his back. She wondered about them but didn't ask.

"Hermione's asleep," he told her rubbing the scar on his forehead.

"I didn't want to wake you," she started, but he waved her off.

"I was awake. What can I do for you?" he asked. She found a place to sit on the love seat. She was surprised when he sat down next to, not across from, her. On the table in front of them was the collection of weapons from the Inferi.

"The question is what can I do for you? I know you don't like the idea of therapy Harry. But you need to talk to someone. So does Hermione," Diane told him. The young man shook his head.

"Sometimes my life just spins out of control. It just happens," he said with a shrug. She watched him wrap his arms around his torso in a defensive position.

"Emma is very worried about both of you. She about bit my head off for suggesting she get some sleep. Can I tell her that you two are at least talking to each other?" Diane asked.

"Sure, if you don't mind lying," Harry said sardonically. When she didn't respond he kept talking to fill the silence. "We talk about almost everything… but not this… never this."

"What is 'this'?" Diane asked.

"We don't talk about killing people," a familiar voice said from the bedroom doorway.

Hermione joined them dressed in a pair of men's boxers and a loose long sleeve t-shirt. Diane noted that the cut on her face had not been treated. Hermione wrapped herself in a blanket and sat in an overstuffed chair.

"Who have you killed?" Diane asked. Hermione didn't answer. After a moment Harry sighed.

"You didn't kill them, Hermione."

"I helped design the fire defense," she told Diane, who was getting more confused by the second.

"And it worked brilliantly," Diane replied not understanding what the problem was.

"I suggested using the accelerant. I helped plan the death of over a thousand people. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll send me through the veil," Hermione said miserably.

"Don't say that," Harry snapped. Hermione pulled the blanket tighter.

"Harry, I killed…"

"You didn't kill them!" he yelled. Hermione flinched and burrowed deeper into her cover. Harry took a couple of deep breaths and then said, "I'm sorry."

"They weren't supposed to be that way. They were supposed to be mindless monsters," Hermione murmured, suppressing her tears.

"I know, but if they had gotten into the castle they would have killed us all. I know that and so do you. You did the right thing building a defense that they never saw coming," Harry told her.

"And you did the right thing ending the battle," Hermione returned.

"Neither of you believes a word the other one is saying do you?" Diane asked. The teens both looked at her having forgotten that she was in the room.

"I executed him," Harry said softly. His arms tightened as he stared at the weapons on the table.

"It's a war, Harry," Diane told him. Harry looked away so she continued to speak, "He was a monster born from an evil man who raised him from the dead."

Neither of the teens continued the conversation, both lost in their own thoughts.

"Let's play a game," Diane said. The kids looked surprised. She gave them a reassuring smile. "It's called 'what if…?' I am going to start a thought and I want each of you to finish it."

Neither of the teens objected so she continued, "What if Emma had decided that Hermione was not coming to this school?"

Both of the teens looked at her strangely and she shrugged.

"At the time I thought that Hermione had been accepted into a school for the gifted. Your Mum really didn't want you to go away to school, Hermione. She knew she had to let you go or you would have never been happy. So what if she had decided that you were to stay at home?"

"Voldemort would have come back three years earlier," Harry replied thinking about the stone that they had saved.

"I would be dead," Hermione said shifting in her seat. She pulled her legs up under herself and hugged the blanket tighter.

"That's a little harsh," Diane told her but Hermione shook her head. She didn't explain and Diane didn't push it. Crookshanks hopped up on Harry's lap and gave him a dirty look when he didn't get petted.

"Okay. How about, what if one of you had been sorted into a different house?" Diane asked thinking about how some of the friendships she had seen seemingly ran along house lines.

"That almost happened. The hat wanted to put me in Slytherin. I begged it to put me in Gryffindor," Harry answered.

"And what if that had happened?"

"Every seventh year boy Slytherin eventually became a Death Eater. I probably would have been murdered in my sleep before the troll attack, first year."

"Hermione? What if you were in a different house?" Diane asked.

"A lot of people think that I should have been put in Ravenclaw. I just tell them that it takes a lot of bravery to bug the boy-who-lived about his homework," Hermione answered avoiding the question.

"And if you were in Ravenclaw?" Diane asked not letting her get away with it.

"I would never have made such great friends."

"Okay. Those are good answers and you both have good points. You can see how life is full of cause and effect?" Diane asked. Both of the teens nodded so she continued on, "What if… Dan had not killed that woman?"

She had posed the question to a very upset Emma not too long ago also. She hoped their reaction was not as strong as Emma's had been.

"Then he wouldn't be on top of Voldemort's list," Harry answered immediately.

"We would all probably be dead," Hermione answered.

"Dan would not be on the top of Voldemort's list? Do you really think that he and Emma would be in less danger?" Diane asked.

"Yes. He would not be actively seeking them," Harry was adamant.

"How are you measuring the degree of danger? His daughter is helping to lead the fight against Voldemort. Isn't that enough reason to go after them? Didn't that Lestrange woman show up at their house in the middle of the day?"

Harry thought about it while Diane questioned Hermione.

"You would all be dead?" Diane asked.

"Yes. If Dad hadn't stopped her when he did, she would have killed us all."

"She was that bad?" Diane asked not comprehending completely. Hermione nodded but didn't explain. Crookshanks had given up on Harry and hopped up on Hermione. Diane watched the strange cat for a moment and then continued.

"Let's move on. What if you hadn't come back to school this term?"

"The Inferi wouldn't have attacked the school," Harry said.

"You don't know that. Voldemort would have probably attacked sooner. Plus, we would probably be on our own looking for the Horcruxes," Hermione told him. Diane let them think about that for a moment then continued.

"What if you decided that it was too dangerous to light the fire last night and went with just firing spells?" Diane asked.

"We would have had major losses," Harry answered.

Hermione didn't answer. Instead she sank back in to the blanket. Crookshanks jumped down and glared at Diane as if it were her fault that Hermione was so upset.

"Hermione?" Diane prompted.

"I don't know," the girl with all the answers confessed. Tears were running down her face.

"Without the flash fire destroying most of the soldiers how many of the students would have died?" Diane asked. When Hermione didn't respond Diane asked, "Did you know that several of the creators of the atomic bomb became its biggest detractors? Why do you think that is?"

Diane posed the question to both of them but it was Hermione who answered, "They probably felt guilty."

"Do you feel guilty?"

"Of course I do. I wouldn't be human if I didn't," Hermione snapped. Diane nodded.

"That's what separates you from your enemies. You feel bad for taking their lives. They on the other hand will do everything in their power to kill you and everyone you love."

She let the silence settle then moved along.

"What if… Hermione, you had decided not to wear your armor to the wedding?"

Both of the teens flinched.

"I would be dead," Hermione answered.

"So would I," Harry replied.

"Explain, please," Diane inquired.

"I lost my best mate and my girlfriend. If Hermione had died, I would have given up," Harry told her honestly.

"Do you still think of giving up?" Diane asked. Harry shook his head.

"Not anymore. I have enough people behind me that I know we can win this war. I used to feel so alone," Harry confessed.

"You're a great leader Harry. That's why people follow you," Hermione told him. Silence fell again as they waited for Diane's next hypothetical, but it never came.

"Nothing I can say will ever convince either of you that you did the right thing. You are going to have to find in yourselves to see it, but I want you to think about what would have happened if you hadn't been here or if you hadn't come up with such a brilliant defense. Just for the record I think that you did the right thing."

Hermione hugged her knees to her chest and Harry stared into space. Diane let them think as she approached her next question carefully. In the end she decided to leave it alone. Now was not the time to ask them about sleeping in the same room. She hoped that they were being careful. Risk was a relative concept.

"Harry, Dan and Emma love and respect you. Hermione is obviously in love with you. That's good enough for me. Hermione, I have known you your whole life. You're the closest I'm ever going to get to having a child of my own. I love you," Diane told them. She paused for a moment collecting her thoughts.

"That said, I'm very concerned about you. Both of you. I see the crushing stress you are under and I worry about how you're coping. Harry you said you feel like your life spins out of control. Why do you think you feel that way?"

It was then that Harry realized Diane didn't know the prophecy. He told her the whole thing. Diane's eyebrows knitted together as she frowned.

"How reliable is this divination witchcraft?" She asked. To her surprise Harry burst out laughing. Hermione snickered a bit too.

"I'm sorry. I was once told by the smartest witch I know that as a whole, divination is rubbish," Harry said still smiling.

"Wooly rubbish. Unfortunately this one is a real prophecy. Even if it weren't, Voldemort is making it real," Hermione replied.

"So you have to kill him. I guess that makes sense in a cosmic sort of way," Diane mused. She formed her next question as Hermione tightened the blanket again.

"How have you two been sleeping?" Diane asked.

"Since when?" Harry asked with a snort. The question didn't seem to sit well with him.

"I don't know. You tell me," the therapist answered.

"I have nightmares about the wedding almost every night," Hermione confessed when it became apparent that Harry was not going to answer.

"The same one every night?" Diane asked.

"No."

Diane waited and then prompted for details when none were apparently coming.

"Sometimes it is what happened. Sometimes Mum is kissed. Sometimes Dad misses and Lestrange kills him. Sometimes Harry is killed," Hermione answered.

Diane thought that it was interesting that it was never Hermione dying. When she asked about it Hermione seemed surprised as if it had never occurred to her.

"You've never woken me up," Harry said with a frown. Hermione shrugged.

"I've had bad dreams since I was little. I usually wake up in the middle of them. I've only had nightmares once when you were in bed with me. Besides your dreams are worse than mine," Hermione replied.

"What is worse than seeing the people you love killed?" Diane asked ignoring the fact that Hermione had just confessed to sleeping with Harry.

"Not much," Harry answered not telling her that he used to see actual murders through Riddle's eyes. "I've had bad dreams off and on since Cedric was killed a few years ago. There's not much I can do about it."

"I see. You have developed a pretty bad temper Hermione," Diane observed. She made it sound like an accusation on purpose to get a desired effect.

"What are you talking about?" Hermione snapped. Diane just looked at her for a moment and then shook her head.

"You just proved my point, sweets. Is this a recent development?" Diane asked.

"Since the wedding," Harry answered. He looked defiantly at Hermione's glare.

"I don't know what you're talking about," the young witch said dismissively.

"Uh huh. You snapped at your Mum about the house in Crawly. You nearly took Turpin apart in defense class. Chambers is still afraid of you. Moody wasn't fazed by you yelling at him but you scared me," Harry told her. Hermione shrunk into her blanket cocoon as if he were yelling again.

Diane said, "I saw the memory of the duel. I thought you showed remarkable restraint, all things considered. Do you ever relive the battle at the wedding during the day?"

"Once," Hermione said biting her lip. Harry's jaw dropped. She swallowed and said, "I didn't want you to worry."

"I'm surprised it's only been once. Smell, sight, people and many other things can trigger these things. What do you think triggered it?" Diane asked.

"Mrs. Weasley. She was wearing the same perfume that she had on at the wedding. She hugged me and until I showered that night I kept thinking about it," Hermione answered quietly.

"Did you have a flashback?" Diane inquired. When Hermione nodded she asked, "Of what?"

"The Dementor picking up Mum to suck her soul out. I was trying so hard to get my patronus to form but couldn't," Hermione said miserably.

"Is this why you've been nearly obsessive about learning the charm better?" Harry asked her and she admitted that it was.

"What about you Harry? Have you relived any of the horrors in your life during the day?" Diane asked. When he shook his head she continued, "Do you ever feel numb? Or maybe exaggerate your emotions?"

"What do you mean, exaggerate?" he asked.

"Do you have overstated reactions? Say someone gives you a gift and you start crying?"

"Not like that, but I have been known for my temper," Harry replied.

Diane nodded but didn't speak for a few moments. Finally she shook herself. She was tired too.

"Okay. I could tell you that I think both of you are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After everything you've done and been through it is a virtual certainty. I would need to speak to you a lot more and ask more questions, many of which you wouldn't want to answer, to do a proper diagnosis, but I won't. I can tell you are both resisting the idea of formal therapy. Instead, I have a few suggestions for you," Diane told them.

"I want both of you to start keeping a dream journal. This is for your eyes only. You don't have to share it with me or anyone else unless you want to. Sometimes writing out what we dream can help us deal with it. Secondly, I would like both of you to make a list of the top ten worst things that have ever happened to you. Again these are for you. You need to deal with your traumas, but before that, you need to know what they are," she told them. She could tell that neither of them were thrilled with her ideas but she continued on anyway, "I also would like you to breathe."

"Breathe?" Harry asked.

"Yes, Harry, sometimes it is as simple as breathing. When you are anxious, the body's natural reaction is to breathe rapidly and shallowly. I want each of you to take a deep breath about once an hour. Set an alarm on your watch if you have to. I have some books on meditation that might interest you two but let's just work on breathing for now."

"Er, okay," Harry said.

"And don't forget your dream journals or your lists. I suppose I should mention one more thing," Diane said. Hermione looked almost afraid of what was to come but Diane smiled gently. "I won't tell anyone that you are sleeping together. As far as I am concerned this conversation was completely confidential even though technically I am not your therapist."

"Technically?" Hermione asked with a trace of a smile.

"Yes, technically. Now, I believe that the Headmistress wants to see you Harry. Hermione, your mum needs to see you," Diane told them.

Harry, go on. I want to talk with Diane for another minute. She leaned into him and whispered, "I love you."

He smiled, and whispered, "I love you too." Smiling at Diane, he said, "Thanks for stopping."

After Harry closed the door, she asked, "What's up?"

Hermione took a breath and said, "I want to make love with Harry?"

Diane nodded and asked, "For the first time?"

Hermione nodded.

Diane replied, "You're both young and under a lot of stress, but he's a good man. You only give your innocence away once. Are you sure?"

Hermione nodded and said, "I lost my innocence when I watched an eleven year old climb onto a troll and fight it to save my life. We learned to live with our decisions when Harry chose to spare the life of a man and later watched that man kill one of our friends right in front of Harry. I've had my body ripped open when I was sixteen by a man who was intent of causing me an agonizing death. All I want right now is to feel Harry inside of me. Is that so wrong?"

Diane looked at her Goddaughter for a moment, wrapped her arms around her and said, "No. It's OK. You'll know when you're ready. Trust your heart. I love you."

"Thanks Diane. I love you too."

As she walked back to her room Diane wondered what she would do given the same circumstances. On one hand they were trying to lead a militia in a terrorist war, on the other they were trying to cope with being eighteen and in love. They probably both wished they had time for roses, love letters and champagne. Diane sadly realized that probably wasn't their fate. They were left with a stolen moment here and there and even that was criticized by Harry's mentor.

Harry found McGonagall in her office. They didn't say much, but sat together looking out the window to the lake. The elves kept giving Harry fresh butterbeers.

Hermione found her parents where Diane had left them hours before. Emma was asleep in Dan's arms. Dan was nodding off. Hermione slipped next to him and cuddled close to her father. He kissed her forehead and then dozed off.

… --- …

4:00 PM

The portkeys sent to the families of the students that had been hurt were timed in ten-minute intervals. Harry and Hermione met them at Hogsmeade station and they took the carriages back and forth to the castle.

Minerva and Emma had greeted the first two arrivals and led them to the hospital wing. Dean's mother and Katlyn's parent were muggles. Minerva was glad that Emma was with her.

Dean was about to be released. Poppy was checking him over one last time along with giving him a lecture about being careful.

Diane was talking to Katlyn who was able to breath but was completely exhausted. She wasn't so tired that she didn't snicker at Dean. It wasn't as funny when Madame Pomfrey turned her wrath on Katlyn.

Diane advised Poppy to get some sleep and again was treated to getting snapped at again. The Master Healer hadn't slept much in the last week either.

… --- …

7:00 PM

Dinner was being served later than usual. All of the parents were still in the castle and were scattered around the room sitting with their children. Even the Grangers were sitting at the Gryffindor table instead of their normal spots at the head table.

Minerva was worried about Hermione and Harry. She had asked them to be as visible as possible but was now worried that it was a bad idea. They needed to be visible but also positive.

Harry was almost mute. Hermione had bitten her bottom lip so many times that it was swollen.

Headmistress Minerva McGonagall stood as the last students took their seats. Silence fell and she looked out over the room.

"Last night will forever be imprinted on our lives. I have to say I am extremely proud to know each and everyone of you. Last night we suffered no losses. However in the past few years our losses have been many. I ask that tonight we remember the students that have died in this war. Their sacrifice has allowed us to fight on another day. Mr. Potter?"

Harry stood up and cleared his throat. He picked up his goblet and raised it to the head table where Amos Diggory was sitting with Justin's dad.

"To Cedric Diggory, a fine champion and an even better man," Harry said. He remained standing.

Hermione stood up and held her goblet.

"To Ron and Ginny, two of the best friends I will ever have."

Padma stood. "To my sister Parvetti, you'll always be the pretty one, Parv."

Susan got out of her seat. "To Hannah and Justin. May we all remember to question everything."

It went on for quite a while. With each name Harry felt his stomach tighten more. Emma slipped her hand into his when she realized how upset he was getting.

After no more names were spoken McGonagall nodded to the students who were standing. They sat down almost in the order that they had stood.

"We shall never forget," she declared.

The meal was a quiet one but not as somber as Diane expected. She listened as several of the Gryffindor girls got the giggles. She watched as three Ravenclaw boys joshed each other while watching Hermione, who was completely oblivious. She saw five of the Hufflepuff's throwing green beans at each other when they thought no one was looking.

After all that had happened they were still kids.

…---…

Nov 2

The news article from the Daily Prophet the next morning was different than what Minerva would have written.

Ministry, Headmistress endanger school children and citizens of Hogsmeade

By Cheryl Whiteheart

It has been learned that MLE John Thomas and Minister of Magic Abraxan knew that an attack by an unknown force was eminent. Firecall records indicate that Headmistress McGonagall knew that the castle was going to be attacked for almost a week yet did nothing to evacuate the students. Records further indicate that some students participated in the destruction of school property including damage to shrubs, exotic trees and the destruction of one of the school greenhouses.

Our investigation has uncovered proof that a student was allowed to go off school property directly resulting in that student's death. Justin Finch-Fletchley 17 was reported dead on October 22. At the time he had been off the school grounds on an approved school project. This is an obvious case of poor judgment on McGonagall's part.

There is also direct evidence that arson was deliberately committed on October 31. This reporter calls on the Board of School Governors to investigate McGonagall's reckless endangerment of our children and willful destruction of school property.

It showed a photo of Harry and the others finishing the battle.

Taking a leaf out of Dr. Turnbull's book, McGonagall took a steadying breath, and then burned the paper up in a flash. Fortunately The Quibbler had a different viewpoint.

Tom Riddle AKA He-who-must-not-be-sane gets his ass kicked

Friday evening at dusk a group of students and teachers marshaled by Harry Potter annihilated an attacking force consisting of Inferi and an estimated 50 Death Eaters led by Voldemort.

Using a combination of muggle technology and some fireworks donated by Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes, 93 Diagon Alley, Mr. Potter and his forces decimated the attacking force. Within a single minute an estimated 75 percent of the attackers had been incapacitated.

For several minutes the battle raged fiercely. During that time 30 students had been injured by the Inferi's attack. They were treated and eventually the majority of them spent the night in their own beds. Only three remained in the hospital wing over night. They are all expected to recover completely.

It appears that the hyphenated one had found one of the legendary cursed divisions from Roman times and reanimated them. Witnesses described them as an ancient Roman army consisting of gladiator style footsoldiers, bowmen and a support team. They wore Roman armor, helmets and something resembling a short kilt.

Besides Mr. Potter two of the real heros of the evening were Mr. Neville Longbottom and Mr. Remus Lupin who repelled an attack by several of the attackers who had managed to scale the wall with a ladder. Mr. Longbottom was slightly injured during the attack, but was treated on the spot with the exceptional care provided by Master Healer Poppy Pomfrey.

By daybreak the battle was all but over. Under the direct observation of Minister of Magic Natasha Abraxan and Magical Law Enforcement Director John Thomas, the remaining Inferi handed over their weapons to Potter and the defenders. Minutes after the surrender, the ancient Roman army turned into rust and dust. 45 Death Eaters who apparently hadn't been taking notes in second year when Flame Freezing charms had been discussed were killed in the fire that had been set to incapacitate the inferi.

Minister Abraxan specifically praised Hogwarts Headmistress Minerva McGonagall for her quick thinking and improvisation in defending the castle and protecting our children under extraordinary circumstances. She was quoted saying, "Professor McGonagall had previously promised the safety of our children and last evening she delivered. In addition to keeping them safe, she has been orchestrating the efforts all term to provide them with a meaningful education in these times of unprecedented stress."

Head Girl Hermione Granger concurred saying, "I saw students apply skills this evening that Professors McGonagall, Vector and Flitwick taught us. With their help and the help from the Ministry Auror Cadets, the castle and the occupants were in good hands."

A complete list of the Death Eaters who were killed can be found on pages 10 and 11.

A list of Death Eaters believed to be still at large can be found on page 15 column E.

Several photos were printed showing the eerily still battlefield and a photo of Madam Pomfrey and Molly Weasley standing next to a row of unoccupied hospital beds.

There were several other articles in the thicker than normal edition. Minerva turned her attention to them.

Artifacts found at Hogwarts

Hogwarts Liberian and Historian Irma Pince reported finding several previously believed lost artifacts that appear to have once belonged to the school founders. She said, "I found a drinking cup that almost certainly belonged to founder Helga Hufflepuff, a ring that was documented as belonging to Salazar Slytherin and the legendary Slytherin Locket." She said, "It was unfortunate that they were all broken. Otherwise they would have been virtually priceless." There was a photo of the objects on a table.

Prankster pulls stunt at Hogwarts

Hogwarts Keeper of the Keys and Care of Magical Creatures Instructor Rubeus Hagrid reported finding a dead snake on the Hogwarts grounds this morning. He said, "It looked a bit like an American Diamondback that some kids did a bit o charm work on make it a bit bigger. It was kinda hard to tell, being as it got burned in da fire that was on the front lawn."

Filius put down the paper and said, "Fifty points to you Miss Lovegood."

Sitting at the table next to him Minerva shook her head and said, "Make it a hundred."

There had been no mention of the putter in the paper. Harry made it absolutely clear that no one was ever to mention the putter. He wanted Riddle to assume that it was still safely hidden. In truth it was safely hidden – in pieces placed on a table down in the chamber of secrets.

… --- …

Hundreds of miles away in Nottingham, Riddle put the paper down and said "Lucius, go get Fenrir Greyback." If he couldn't get to Potter personally, he would see to it that the people around him got hurt. He had carefully read and reread the paper. It was obvious that the writer of the articles knew nothing about the Horcruxes.

… --- …

Moody took the seat that had been offered to him inside the private office. It was decorated tastefully with thick champagne colored carpet and walls covered with objects reflecting her background as a high priestess. Seated next to him was Director John Thomas who was dressed in a plain work robe similar to what the Hogwarts students would wear. As was his habit Moody checked the room for listening charms, found none and acquired a miniscule comfort level. He was certain that he'd been summoned to meet with the two to provide an assessment of the Hogwarts battle.

After five minutes of chitchat he gave it. "Potter orchestrated a flawless defense of the castle. He spent his own gold to buy those tanker trucks and all of the," he paused for a moment to find the word, "Kerosene and flamed their asses. The two surprises from my point of view were the size of the inferi army and the number of Death Eaters that were there."

Abraxan nodded for him to continue.

"Harry's got a think tank of brainpower backing him up, but most of the ideas are his or Granger's to begin with."

"Was there any trouble with the Horcruxes?"

"I didn't see how they did it. I saw the box full of the broken pieces, probably the same as you did. Granger must have figured out a way to remove the soul fragments without getting herself killed. I saw her yesterday afternoon distracting Potter," he snipped in disgust.

Abraxan glanced at Thomas who said, "Perhaps it would be best to give them a bit more space, Moody. Sunset missed two days of work the last time that you sent him out on one of their dates. It was all I could do to keep Chambers from resigning from the Cadet program. They must have scared the hell out of him."

Moody wouldn't yield, replying, "He needs to stay focused. This is a critical time."

Abraxan wanted to move on and said, "You're both right gentlemen. Potter needs a bit of space, and when he's out, he needs to be sensible. I'll do you both a favor and talk with him myself. What about awards?"

Moody said, "It's a long list. Everyone in the defense club that he runs for the students, all of the Grangers, Lupin, the Weasley brothers, the Lovegoods…"

"And everyone in the Order?"

"I suppose," he replied grudgingly.

John Thomas shook his head, and sputtered, "Merlin Moody, it's not like it's coming out of your pension. Minister, if we're done here, I'll take Alastor out for lunch."

Moody cracked a smile at the thought of a free meal, then thought for a moment. "We need to go after Snape next."

Abraxan who had been finishing her notes looked up and said, "Go on."

Moody said, "He's the only one of that bunch who could be out recruiting."

Abraxan looked at him for a moment and realized that this was his way of asking for help outside of the Order. She replied, "What do you need?"

"He's probably recruiting from Eastern Europe, possibly Bucharest or Kosovo. He needs to be eliminated. We don't have many people that he wouldn't know."

"Who's he recruiting?"

"We found forty men and six women dead at Hogwarts. The only two we have identified are Travers and Umbridge. Most looked between 20 and 40, but it was hard to tell. Quite a few were burned up pretty badly. Their deaths most likely left Voldemort with Snape, Malfoy, his brat and Dolohov."

"Is he having much luck?" asked Thomas.

"Fortunately we didn't have to find out. Based on where we found them, it appears that most of them were dead within 30 seconds of the fire starting. We never had the chance to trade shots with them."

"Don't sound so disappointed, Moody," said Thomas. "The death toll could have been a lot different if they'd blasted the front door open and a few hundred of the Romans had made their way into the castle."

Abraxan finished the conversation saying, "Good planning, good execution and a bit of luck are an outstanding combination. Let's be happy that it worked out. I'll see if I can work something out regarding the potions master. Enjoy your lunch Gentlemen."

… --- …

November 7

Abraxan agreed after some discussion that the awarding of the medals would need to wait. A published list of recipients would give Voldemort something to aim for. As it was several families of the defenders at the Battle of Hogwarts had been attacked.

Hermione Granger had escorted Wendy Williams to the funeral of her only brother. First year Clancy Clearwater had laid his sister Penelope to rest in a freezing rain with Harry Potter and Cadet Alyx at his side. Dean Thomas came back from the funeral of his father in a rage. The whole school was surprised when the only person who was able to comfort Lisa Turpin when her parents were murdered was Hermione.

… --- …

Minerva gave a stern look. "Mr. Crow you are going to allow us a break, aren't you?

"Yes ma'am. I'm to remind everyone to complete a proper review when they're finished."

"Very good. Seeing as you have another 22 feet of parchment, you'd best continue.

… --- …

November 8

Hermione had walked into the library on a mission and ended up in the middle of a fight.

A group of Ravenclaws had said something nasty to a group of Slytherins. The Slytherins had retaliated by attempting to hex them. They had missed and hit a bookshelf. The books had flown into the group studying potions with Hermione. Hermione scowled at the copy of Quidditch Through the Ages that had nailed her in the face.

Katlyn immediately drew her wand but Hermione took it from her. Wendy held it as Hermione stood back and started using full body binds at the third years that were rolling around on the floor. One of them threw a book at her, swearing. She ducked and then shouted, "Stupefy" at the top of her lungs. The kid hit the floor with a thump and the two students still able to move froze mid punch.

Madame Pence had come running when the shouting started. She looked at Hermione and then at the pile of younger kids.

"Fifty points from Ravenclaw for being absolutely stupid. Throwing insults and making assumptions about others because of their bloodlines is what caused this damn war. All of you are going to follow me to the Headmistress' office. Right now." None of them could recall seeing the old Liberian so made before.

Hermione felt her eye swelling and knew that it was going to be black.

"What about them? They tried to hex us?" one of the Ravenclaw boys objected.

"Yes, they did. Do you see what hurtful words can lead to?" Hermione demanded. She looked at the Slytherins and gave them a glare.

"Twenty points for not ignoring the taunts. Twenty points for starting a fight," Hermione told them.

The tension in the castle had been ebbing and flowing since the battle. A lot of the kids were taking their frustration out on the Slytherins.

"She should have given them points for acting like Gryffindors," Wendy said as they passed. The Slytherins looked disgusted at the thought.

"Ten points from Gryffindor for encouraging it," Hermione snapped as her.

To say Professor McGonagall was unhappy was an understatement. She yelled at all six of the third years for a good fifteen minutes. Then she gave them each detention for a week. She also insisted that they spend time with Dr. Diane.

Hermione felt bad for her Godmother.

… --- …

November 13

Though not exactly happy about it, Snape was back recruiting in Romania. He stopped several times in Bucharest, as it had a fairly large wizarding population. He had made arrangements to meet a witch and three wizards at midnight at the Armadillo club.

Snape was still in pain from the burns that he'd received. His hands would be scarred for a long time, and somehow his hair had been singed and had briefly caught on fire causing burns to his scalp. As such he walked with quite a still gait as he made his downstairs to the underground strip club.

Handing the doorman 50 lei, he entered the bar and saw the usual two dancers demonstrating how limber young females could be when aided by a pole. Not giving the entertainers a second glance, he ordered a drink at the bar and glanced at the four seated at a table. The witch appeared to be in her mid thirties and bore a passing resemblance to Bella – dark hair, thin and dark eyes. The wizards looked like they had seen some action. They had keen eyes and didn't look nervous.

The witch stood up and the wizards followed in kind. The music was loud, too loud to hold a meaningful discussion at their table. She made her way over to the back rooms where the entertainers plied their other trade. One of the wizards glanced at Snape and he got up and followed them.

Snape closed door to the little room behind him. He was surprised to see that the witch was already half undressed. He was even more surprised to hear "Petrificus Totalus." The wizard pushed Snape over and he fell onto the bed, his head resting on the witch's lap.

"OK, Now we talk," said one of the wizards. "You got job for us?"

"Yes," replied Snape. He could only move his eyes and mouth. At the moment, his eyes were fixed on the some of the witch's finer assets.

"How much you pay us?"

"A thousand galleons a month." The wizard gave him a hard look and Snape concluded, "Each."

"You have place for us to stay or we live in hotel?"

"One of the other Death Eaters has a rather large estate in Nottingham. You may stay there if you wish."

"So why'd you kill him, Professor?" The thick Romanian accent completely disappeared and was replaced by a bouncy cockney sound. The witch slid Snape's head out from on top of her lap and said, "You might as well take another look. They're the last that you'll ever see." She turned around and got dressed. She stunned Snape, took out the anti-apparation manacles from under the bed and placed them on Snape's wrists. She took the bag of gold out of his robe pocket and said, "Perhaps you three should keep this as evidence." She also found two wands on him and placed them in a leg holster that she'd been wearing. She stunned him a second time, turned to the three wizards and said, "Thank you Inspectors. If the British Ministry can return the favor, please let us know. Holding onto the greasy Death Eater, she took the portkey out of her robes, activated it and disappeared.

… --- …

Things would never be the same for Harry at Hogwarts again. In truth he had saved the school several times, first year and second year and arguably over the summer, but this time was different. This time there had been hundreds of witnesses, and the teachers weren't trying to cover anything up.

The mountain of fan mail that arrived in the two weeks following the battle was astonishing and the large pile from the parents of students and from the students themselves was harder to ignore. Emma, Dan and Moody took it on themselves to sort through the various piles – Underwear/photos from adult witches, underwear/photos from students, letters from parents, those with gifts, business offers, letters from officials, letters from students and ordinary fan mail. Moody checked each item for hexes or porkey charms before letting the Grangers near anything.

Hermione was highly amused until she saw the knickers from the students. Harry comforted her with a few words and a snog that made her hair curl more.

… --- …

November 15

Hermione was sitting at a large oak table in library when she closed her eyes and rested her forehead on the table. She was too tired to walk back to the suite she shared with Harry. She wished softly out loud for a soft pillow. She heard a soft pop.

"Thank you," she said automatically. The house elf vanished again before she could open her eyes.

The dream journals that she and Harry had started seemed to be making her nightmares worse instead of better. She had discussed it with Diane and found that it was a pretty normal reaction. According to Diane, Hermione needed to learn to accept what was bothering her before the nightmares would diminish.

It was nine o'clock in the evening. She had an hour before the research team was to meet. Her work was done. She had her bullet points noted. She had assigned her rounds of the castle to a couple of prefects who looked as exhausted as Hermione felt. Apparently she and Harry were not the only ones having nightmares.

At Poppy's request Dr. Diane had remained in the castle for the remainder of the term. Her professional talents were being put to the test. In addition to the regular groups she had been meeting with, she was also counseling on a one on one basis.

Hermione had spoken to her several times privately as had Harry. But it was one step forward and two steps back. Diane had suggested that they get away for a weekend. Instead of going to number twelve the teens were going to hide in Edinburgh for a night.

Before they could leave, Hermione was holding a meeting. Her group had been tasked with one more thing - Find a way to kill Tom Riddle.

This thought was on Hermione's mind as she drifted into a light sleep. About fifteen minutes later the wards she had set up in the hall warned her that someone was approaching. She connected the tip of her wand to the small wooden box in front of her.

Then she smiled.

Three people were approaching the room. One was a werewolf, one was a female witch and one was a female muggle. Thirty seconds later she was hugging her mum tightly.

"You look tired," Emma commented after the usual greetings.

"I am. I think we all are," Hermione amended. "What are you doing here, Mum? I thought you and Dad were out tonight." Auror Sunset had agreed to escort her parents to the play that Harry had purchased ticket for.

"Bob had to cancel. I also have some information for you," Emma explained. "And I couldn't pass up the chance to see my kids before they leave." In a lower voice she said, "Be careful. I love you both."

Hermione smiled at her mum as they sat down. Tonks and Remus stayed for few minutes then left for their own meeting.

An ancient house elf named Joanie was delighted to bring the Granger women some biscuits and a pot of coffee. Emma was surprised at the difference in Joanie and the two elves at Harry's house. Dobby and Winky were always squealing and eager to please. Joanie seemed afraid of them.

Hermione again remembered her manners and thanked Joanie who popped away quickly. Seeing her mothers questioning look she quickly explained. "She was bonded to the Nott family. Theodore used to use her for a target while practicing the Cruciatus Curse."

"And the wizarding world mocked you for wanting to free the elves?" Emma asked aghast.

"Yes. Not all elves are treated like that though. I'm sure Madame Bones never abused her elves…" Hermione trailed off not really wanting to discuss her S.P.E.W ideals.

"Is something wrong, Hermione?" Emma asked as her mother instincts kicked in. Her daughter nodded as she slowly chewed on a chocolate biscuit.

"Can you stay after the meeting? I have something I want to talk about."

"Of course."

Emma wondered what was on her daughter's mind but put it aside for now. Hermione recognized the fine leather briefcase that Emma placed on the table as the one that she had purchased for her mother's birthday. Hermione had been saving for two years to get Emma a mother's ring. After the Death Eater attack Hermione had gotten a little more practical. The briefcase was an exact duplicate of the one Dan had purchased soon after they had opened their practice.

What she didn't know was that Emma had cried for fifteen minutes upon receiving it.

Hermione pushed the thoughts of their burnt up house out of her mind. Emma handed her a copy of the London Times. On the front page was news of a terrorist attack.

As she read the article she almost vomited. A bus full of school children, on their way to an overnight field trip, had been attacked. The terrorists had not used bombs. Instead it was a vicious knife attack. As she read on she realized why her mother had given her the article.

"… one child was heard to be screaming 'monsters! They were monsters' as he was lead away by EMT's … Not much is known about the perpetrators of this attack … One EMT said he had never seen knife wounds quite like it … Their bodies were torn apart … Of the twenty children on board only three survived …"

Hermione cleared her throat after taking in the horror. Emma placed her hand on Hermione's arm.

"That was last night," Emma commented.

"Full moon." Hermione began to shake slightly before reigning in her emotions. She picked up her quill and made a note on her agenda for the meeting. "Does Harry know?" Hermione asked.

Emma nodded. "Remus and Tonks just went to tell him."

Hermione knew that Harry was meeting with the fighting team in the Room of Requirement. She wrote a short message to Harry and called for Joanie again. A few minutes later she had a response from Harry. She could tell from his handwriting he was as shaken as she was.

They didn't discuss it as members of the research team began to file in. Susan was first. She hugged Emma as tightly as Hermione had. Soon Luna and Padma had made their way down from Ravenclaw tower. Molly, Arabella, Diggle and Tom came together having just finished a drink at the Leaky Cauldron. Professors Sprout and Flitwick arrived a few minutes later.

When Fred and George Weasley entered the library Padma stood up to hug them both. Hermione had no idea how Padma was functioning after losing her sister. While they had never given the impression of being two halves of the same person the way that the Weasley's did, Hermione knew that Parveti and Padma had shared a very special bond.

Fred and George each kissed their mum who smiled at her boys.

"What are you two doing here? You're in the other group." Padma asked as the Weasley boys took seats on each side of her.

"Well Miss Patil," George began.

"Harry told us that Hermione…" Fred chimed in.

"Wanted us to join your group…"

"For tonight. And since we have always…"

"Been much more afraid of Hermione than Harry…"

"Since all he has going for him is that…"

"Boy-who-lived thing and Ron always said…"

"That Hermione was frightening…"

"And brilliant. Scary combination that."

"We didn't think it was an offer…"

"We could refuse."

Padma looked as if she were at Wimbledon. Hermione smiled a crooked smile at their mention of Ron. George met her eyes with his. He grinned.

"Besides we've never actually been in the library before," George admitted. Sprout and Flitwick both laughed and Molly shook her head. She had no trouble at all believing that.

"I'm not surprised," Hermione said dryly. "Believe it or not boys we need your brains tonight."

"Ah, Hermione, my dearest. Please remember that I am the brain of this pair. My dear brother George is the good looking one," Fred told her. George smoothed his hair and primped a bit.

"I thought you were the good looking one Forge. I do remember you trying to convince me that you were the best looking of your brothers," Hermione said thinking back to a different but not better time and place.

"I was trying to calm you down, woman. You were hysterical and not in the fun way either. Honestly, I would have said anything to stop you from hexing me," Fred told her. She smiled at his imitation of her use of the word.

"Me, hex you? On the train? You must be thinking of someone else," She said in what she hoped was a sweet and innocent voice. She had been frantic that Harry and Ron had gone missing and not been on the train.

"Hermione tried to hex you on the train?" George asked. "When? Where was I?"

"My second year. You had just stolen Ginny's diary and she was chasing you through the train," Hermione said.

The three of them thought about that for a moment. Then George snickered.

"I was going to read it out loud to everyone. When I opened it the pages were blank. Little Colin jumped on my back and tried to take me down," George said amused.

"I remember that. Ginny hexed you. It was disgusting," Padma said scrunching her nose.

"Yes, it was. My sister had the horrible habit of using that bat bogey hex on her brothers. Mum even encouraged her. I think the only one of us she never got was Ron."

"She needed no encouragement from me," Molly scolded in a light voice.

"Bat bogey hex?" Emma asked.

"Oh it's horrible. Ginny got Malfoy with it once. I think she did something special just for him. He had nine bogies attacking him," Luna said.

"One day you will have to share that memory with us," Hermione told her.

"That's right. You and Harry had already taken Umbridge to the Centaurs by then," Luna said. She hummed a bit. Hermione sighed softly.

"I never did give you house points for that did I, Hermione?" Flitwick asked with a wicked smile that Hermione had never seen before.

"Professor McGonagall gave me plenty of points and we didn't take her to the Centaurs. I was just trying to figure out how to get away from her."

"I'm surprised she ran into the forest when the fire started," Flitwick was heard to mutter.

Madame Pomfrey had entered the room while the discussion was happening. She was smiling sadly. She remembered healing George when he had arrived at school that year as she had Ginny and Harry after the Chamber of Secrets incident. She never would forget the look on Malfoy's face when she had not been able to stop his bogies from attacking. The residual effects of that curse had lasted days. Poppy wouldn't be surprised if occasionally his nose would start to act up again even now.

She was glad to see that the group was able to talk about their friends who had passed with such affection and few tears. Molly did look a bit better than she had the last time Poppy had seen her. Diane must be very good at her job, Poppy mused.

"Originally we had one thing to discuss tonight. It would have kept us busy for a couple hours. Unfortunately recent events have changed that," Hermione began, getting down to business. She didn't want to think about the fire or the centaurs or Umbridge.

"The muggle press is reporting that there was a terrorist attack last night on a bus of school kids. It has the markings of a werewolf attack. I would assume that Greyback and his pack were behind it but we have no information on that. Fred, George, I wanted you here tonight so that we could talk about weapons development against werewolves."

Everyone digested that for a moment.

"The easiest way to kill a werewolf is silver. Even touching their skin with a minor amount will hurt them badly," Poppy said.

"How much would it take to kill them?" Susan asked falling into her roll of questioner.

"It depends. Have they transformed or are they in a human form? How big are they? Are they muggle or magical?" Poppy asked.

"How does silver kill them?" Emma asked.

"It attacks the lycanthropy and causes it to coagulate," Poppy answered. Seeing the questioning look on several faces she simplified her answer. "It causes the lycanthropy cells to clot and blocks the flow of their blood."

"Break down the differences," Hermione said grabbing a quill.

They listened to Poppy expound on the differences. In the end the conclusion was that it was easier to kill a magical werewolf than a muggle one simply because their magic caused their blood to clot faster. Transformed werewolves were harder to kill because their skin became harder to penetrate.

"Their size has little to do with it when transformed. However the smaller they are while in human form the harder they are to kill. Surprisingly it takes a lot more silver and they are much stronger than their larger counterpart," Poppy concluded.

"Maybe that's why Greyback attacks children," Padma commented.

"Good point. They might also be easier to manipulate into following him," Hermione said. "Merlin, I hope not. I don't know if killing children is something that we can live with, even if they are werewolves."

"It's only one possibility. Someone needs to question those kids who survived. How old were they?" Molly asked.

"Eleven and twelve," Emma said in a tight voice, "There was nothing in the wizarding press or on the wireless about this. I don't think that the ministry knows. What happens to muggles that are bitten?"

"They are told the truth about their injuries and the wizarding world. Many commit suicide," Diggle answered her.

Silence followed.

"Everyone knows what a dung bomb is. What if instead of dung it spread something else," Fred finally said.

"If we made one that spread silver pieces that could penetrate the skin," George said thinking out loud.

"You'd have a muggle bomb," Hermione told them.

"It doesn't have to penetrate the skin. Just touch it," Flitwick pointed out.

"Dust," Hermione said simply.

Fred shook his head and said, "It also has to stop them and have enough mass and velocity to knock them down in their wolf form. We'd better go with the bigger pieces. Should this be effective against one werewolf or several at once?

Emma looked at her daughter in horror and asked, "A biological weapon?"

"I can't believe I suggested it…" Hermione began. She took a deep breath and then described muggle biological weapons.

"If it got into their lungs would it cause Pulmonary emboli?" Emma asked. Most of the people look at her like she had grown a second head.

"Yes," Poppy answered.

She and the others watched Hermione tap the quill in her hand on her jaw as she thought. A few seconds she was chewing on her lower lip. Everyone at the table recognized the behavior.

"Mum do you have your pepper spray with you?" Hermione asked.

"Never leave home without it," she replied searching her briefcase. She quickly found her keys.

"Be very careful with this. It causes pain and suffering if you get it in your face. Think you can make something like this filled with silver dust?" Hermione asked handing the bottle to George.

Emma explained how it worked. Padma looked nervous as the twins leaned in front of her to examine the canister.

"If we created a silver dust bomb by the time they figured out what had happened it would be too late for them."

"This information can never leave the Order," Hermione said suddenly. When she got confused looks she continued, "Can you imagine what people like Fudge or Umbridge would have done with this information?"

"Also if we are going to use a weapon like this we would have to make sure Remus and probably Bill are far away," Pomona pointed out.

"I think…" George said. He stopped.

"Yes, George I think we could. Set a timed…"

"Yes. Five minutes after touching air… So you need two devices. One to put down a werewolf that's attacking and another to kill a group of them that are stationary."

"You two work it out and let me know what you come up with. We have another issue for tonight. Is Alyx upstairs? Can you guys ask her to come down?" Hermione asked them.

The twins each kissed Molly and Padma before they left. Fred kissed Hermione on the cheek too. George looked at him strangely.

"Hermione, anytime you want a job just come see me. You have so much wasted potential," he said with a wink at Emma.

"Is that something you would know about?" Hermione asked and he laughed.

"Yes, I would," He told them in a proud voice.

They took a break as they waited for Alyx to arrive. Hermione stretched a bit. The coffee had helped.

"You're wasting your potential are you?" Emma asked in a teasing voice. Hermione gave her mum a weak smile.

"Apparently so. I guess I'll have to think up a prank or two," Hermione told her.

"Merlin. Can you imagine the chaos the twins would have had caused if they had Hermione's brain backing them up?" Sprout asked Flitwick. They both shivered at that thought.

"Thank Merlin, that there wasn't much chance of that happening. Hermione disapproved of their pranks as much as I did," Molly said. She seemed lost in thought for a moment then she smiled and said, "They were always on Percy, trying to get him to help them concoct some thing or another."

"I didn't disapprove as much as I just hoped I wasn't the one they were going to prank next. Percy was the one who thought that they were going to be the end of Gryffindor tower with their pranks," Hermione said with a fond smile. Molly chuckled and then her smile widened even more.

"Did Percy tell you that the night he proposed to you?" Molly asked. Hermione groaned.

"How in the world do you know about that?" Hermione asked feeling her face turn red.

"Proposed?" Emma asked in an amused voice.

Molly took great joy in telling the story. Hermione was embarrassed but encouraged Molly just the same.

"Oh what summer was it? Before your third year. Yes, we were at the Leaky Cauldron. Harry had blown up that awful Marge woman and we had just gotten back from Egypt," Molly began. "I had gotten up to check on the twins. Percy was on his knees going on and on about how wonderful Hermione was. When he proposed I almost fainted."

"Me too," Hermione told her. Molly smiled but only a little sadly.

"Then I realized that he had called her Penny. Poor Percy. The twins had slipped him some fire whisky and he was as pissed as he could get and still be conscious."

"They charmed it to have no taste or smell," Hermione said.

"I always knew that they were smarter than they let on," Flitwick said in amusement.

"It was the middle of the night. What were you doing up?" Molly asked. She had always wanted to know.

"Looking for Crookshanks."

Alyx saved Hermione from more embarrassing questions by arriving. She handed Hermione the pensive and gave Emma a hug. "Hi, Auntie Em," she said with a smirk. Alyx found a seat between Susan and Padma and they all turned serious again.

"What we are going to look at tonight is going to be hard. It's also going to be frightening. Anyone who wants to leave can. I won't blame you," Hermione said.

"What are we going to see?" Diggle asked.

"Two of Harry's memories. The one of what happened right after he and Cedric took the tri wizarding cup, and the duel between Voldemort and Professor Dumbledore in the Department of Mysteries."

No one left the room.

"Harry is sharing these with the hope that we can figure out a way to defeat Voldemort. We need to look at his fighting style. I can stop it or back up the memory at anytime. Is everyone ready?"

Hermione noted that everyone had something to write on. She started the first memory. It played above the pensive like a three dimensional movie.

They watched Cedric and Harry argue about who was to win. They watched as they held their wands at the ready.

"Kill the spare." They watched Cedric fall.

Pettigrew tying up Harry… The ritual… Blood of an enemy… Flesh of a servant… Bone of the father…

Voldemort rising out of the cauldron. Molly and Diggle both left the room.

Calling the Death Eaters… Harry throwing off Voldemort's Imperius curse… The duel… The Priori Incantatem effect... The golden dome... The apparitions of Cedric through Lily helping Harry.

"Accio Cup," Harry yelled in the final escape holding onto Cedric's body.

The memory stopped. Hermione looked at her parchment. For nearly a minute there was stunned silence.

"He started early," Arabella told them.

"Yes. He also led with an unforgivable. One that can't be blocked," Alyx said. Hermione encouraged them to continue so Alyx spoke on. "He also stacked the odds with the Death Eaters. Even if Harry could have gotten away from Voldemort the Death Eaters would have still been an issue. I think we have taken care of that problem."

"Let's watch the other memory," Poppy said feeling sick and dirty. She remembered giving the Diggory's the body of their only son vividly. Hermione started the second memory.

Harry was facing Bellatrix at the Ministry of Magic.

"Well you're going to have to kill me because it's gone!" Harry roared. They argued about the prophecy. Bellatrix attempted to summon it… Her begging to not be punished.

"He can't hear you from here!"

"Can't I Potter?"

Harry caught unaware.

"Avada Kedavra!" The statue moving in the way and protecting Harry.

Dumbledore animating the statue to fight with him… The desk bursting into flames.

"Indeed, your failure to understand that there are much worse things than death has always been your greatest weakness Tom."

The whip turning into a serpent… Fawkes catching the killing curse… Dumbledore banishing the serpent… Voldemort vanishing and Bellatrix screaming for him.

"Stay where you are Harry," Dumbledore bellowed.

The memory seemed a bit fuzzy then. Then Harry spoke with Voldemort's voice.

"Kill me now Dumbledore…"

They could hear Harry's voice begging Dumbledore to kill him too.

"And I'll see Sirius again…"

Moments later Voldemort was gone. Hermione let the memory play so everyone could see Fudge in his pajamas. It didn't lesson the effect of the seeing the duel.

"Why did the possession stop? Why did he leave Harry's body?" Poppy asked.

"Love," Luna said simply.

"Love?" Tom asked.

"Umm… Harry loved Sirius. He must have felt hope that he would see Sirius again if Dumbledore killed him. He thought of his love for him," Luna concluded.

"She's right. That was the same thing Dumbledore told Harry," Hermione said.

"Would that hurt Voldemort?" Emma asked.

"I believe it would. It would only work when someone is possessed. There's no charm to spell someone with love," Sprout said.

Again Hermione tapped her quill on her jawbone and chewed on her lip. After about a minute she began to scribble madly on her parchment. The others waited patiently. Finally she looked up.

"Sorry. I had to get that down before I forgot it. What did we see in this duel?"

Alyx replied, "Again he lead with an unblockable unforgivable. This time it was the killing curse. In both memories the killing curse was blocked with a solid object. When fighting him we will need something to be behind."

"Has anyone ever conducted tests to see what materials block the killing curse?" Hermione asked.

"I don't believe so. Unless it was the Department of Mysteries, if so we will never see those tests," Flitwick responded.

"Contact the ministry and be discrete. Harry can talk to the Minister herself if needed but let's not go there yet. What else?" Hermione asked.

"He wasn't surrounded by Death Eaters this time. Just Lestrange and she was useless. He left when he knew he couldn't win. I think we should take a play from his book," Alyx began. She stopped when she realized everyone was staring at her.

"Keep going," Hermione encouraged.

"At this point he is just another wizard. A really powerful, horribly evil killer, but he's mortal. We need to surround him, take away his escape, weaken him and then kill him," Alyx concluded.

"That's what I was thinking too," Hermione said nodding.

"Taking away his escape is fairly simple. Anti-apparition wards are common. There are enough of us to surround him. If we had barriers it would lessen the danger to all of us," Flitwick said.

"We were learning in transfigurations how to create barriers. How would we weaken him?" Susan asked.

"Let's leave it at that for tonight. It's getting late. We'll meet again soon. I want everyone to try to come up with three ways to weaken Voldemort. I think we need a better option than the cruciatus curse," Hermione told them.

… --- …

An hour later Harry shut the door and locked it. He threw a couple privacy charms on it and then followed Hermione into the hotel suite. She sat down on the bed and he took a seat in an armless high back chair.

"You okay?" Harry asked her. They had escorted her parents back to their rooms after the meeting. Hermione had taken the time to have a short private conversation with Emma before they left.

"I gave mum my dream journal. I'm worried about how she is going to take it," Hermione replied.

"Why'd you give it to her?" Harry asked. Hermione kicked off her shoes and stood up.

"I needed her to know," Hermione said simply. Harry nodded. He had let Hermione read his journal for the same reason.

Hermione passed him on her way to the loo. She stopped and gave him a long kiss. He was still sitting there with a half smile on his face when she returned. Finalizing her decision she straddled him sitting on his lap facing him.

The snogging continued. After a few minutes she pulled back and looked into his eyes.

"How is it possible that we live together, sleep in the same bed most nights and still I have missed you like mad?" Hermione posed the question not expecting an answer. Harry didn't give her one either. Instead he unbuttoned her shirt slowly revealing her black bra. She felt his body react more than it had when she sat down.

Her skirt was up around her waist. She continued to grind herself into him as he explored her breasts. He unsnapped the clasp between them and pushed her back slightly.

"You really like them don't you?" she asked, almost amused feeling him flex.

"You're perfect Hermione," he replied lowering his mouth to one of her nipples. She moaned at the sensation that flowed through her body.

Harry kept her breast in his mouth as she moved around on his pelvis. She could feel him straining to get free.

"I want you," she whispered in his ear. He stopped and looked up at her not daring to hope.

"Are you sure?" he asked. She moved against him harder.

"Yes. I want to know what it feels like to have you inside me," she confessed. He almost came in his pants as she spoke.

He gathered his arms under her bum and carried her to the bed, her legs wrapped around him. He sat her down gently and knelt next to the bed. He pulled her into a gentle kiss hoping that he would live up to her expectations. He would have been surprised that she was thinking the same thing.

… ---….

Minerva shook her head and said, "We don't need to hear about that sort of thing Mr. Crow. You can share that story on your other site.

"Yes Professor. I'm sorry."

"Continue with your story, Mr. Crow."

… --- …

When they awoke the next morning both were surprised to find that the bed was in the middle of the room. Remembering accidental magic, they were amused to realize that they had rearranged all of the furniture. They had to use their wands to put the room back to its normal state when making love again to repair the room didn't work.

… --- …

November 17

Voldemort was pleased with the attack on the muggle children but he wanted more.

One objective was to find his potions master and torture him slowly. He was going to have revenge on the man for not checking in for over a week.

His meeting with Greyback was productive. The werewolf had eagerly agreed to join forces and had a keen enough nose to spot any of Potter's foolish traps. In two months time the new Death Eaters and Greyback's werewolves would be ready for a simultaneous attack on Diagon alley and Hogsmeade. The castle walls might be thwarting him for the moment, but Hogsmeade was undefended and Diagon Alley would soon be his.

…---…

November 20

The next Saturday McGonagall reluctantly agreed to have the Ministry and Board of Governors come in and talk with the students. The Daily Prophet was demanding an investigation. It looked like they were getting it. Beforehand she had called Harry and Hermione into her office.

After they had sat down they were surprised to find Dumbledore's portrait talking with them. He said, "Good evening. I'd offer you a lemon drop, but that jar seems to have run low." Minerva gave him a withering look and he continued. "Alas. It's not important. Thank you both for coming. I am happy to see you both again." He looked at them carefully for a moment confirming with his own eyes the things that Minerva had told him.

He continued, "There are aspects of every position that some would find appealing and others would find distasteful. In Gilderoy Lockhart's case, receiving the attention and glory made his day, while he seemed incapable of actually doing the deeds that he so capably wrote about. Mr. Potter, you're much the opposite. You are a great leader and you bring the actions and skills to back yourself up. Miss Granger, you are a brilliant researcher and an extraordinary companion."

Harry was uncomfortable with where the conversation was going, while Hermione flushed at the praise. Dumbledore continued, "Miss Granger, I must congratulate you on your profound research effort to eradicate Tom's soul fragments from the objects. I daresay I expect that it would have taken me at least another year to have come up with a solution that would have offered the element of safety that yours did. Many lives will doubtless avoid being lost in the future due to your work."

Hermione was beet red, but managed to say, "Thank you Professor. I must admit that my mother and Luna did much of the work."

Dumbledore smiled and said, "I'm certain that there is enough praise to go around. I enjoyed speaking with your mother. The two of you share many excellent qualities."

Minerva made a small noise and Dumbledore's portrait adjusted his spectacles.

"Ah yes. Back to the matter at hand. The stated purpose of the visit tomorrow by the School Governors and the Department of Muggle Secrecy from the Ministry might be to understand what happened and assess the safety at the school, but the real reason is to talk with you two and dig up any dirt that they might find in the hopes of strengthening their own position."

Harry asked, "Do you think they've been infiltrated with Death Eaters?"

Dumbledore considered his words for a moment and replied, "They aren't Death Eaters Harry, rather purebloods and traditionalists. Apparently they would have been happier to have had the Inferi attacked and defended solely with spell work even at the loss of the castle and half of its students than the outcome that took place. In the case of the Ministry, there are those who feel threatened at having fifty wizards bested by a muggle dentist and a truck."

Hermione was visibly nervous that the knowledge of her father's participation in the defense was growing.

"What do you recommend, Professor?" asked Hermione, choosing her words carefully. She knew that Harry had often bristled under Dumbledore's advice. The fact of the matter was Harry was quite capably leading the Order, and she was happy in her role as chief advisor. That said, she would at least hear him out. For over an hour he advised him on the different board members and their viewpoints. Drifting off for a moment, it occurred to Hermione that she was spending more time with the portrait than she had the man.

… --- …

Emma had read her daughter's dream journal twice before she mentioned it to Hermione. Hermione's nightmares were as awful as always.

Emma gave her the journal back and then handed her own to Hermione. They talked about nightmares and reality for a while.

"Do you still rearrange the furniture when you have bad dreams?" Emma asked. She wasn't sure what to make of the look Harry and Hermione gave each other. She swore that Hermione smirked before offering up an explanation.

"Once, when I was little, I woke up screaming. All of the furniture in the room was upside down except for the bed. Mum and Dad didn't believe me when I said it had been flying," Hermione told Harry and Diane.

Harry smiled.

"No, I don't," Hermione, answered her mum.

They continued to talk and things were a bit lighter. Diane, Dan and Harry sat through the whole conversation not saying a word.

Dan had not read Hermione's journal but he knew what was in Emma's.

Harry knew what Hermione had been dreaming because she told him about it just as he talked about his nightmares to her.

Diane was just glad to see Hermione and Emma sharing their fears. She knew it would help.

… --- …

November 21

The next morning ten students sat in the History of Magic classroom to be interviewed by the Ministry and the Board of School Governors.

Flitwick had selected first year Emily Folgard and seventh year prefect Lisa Turpin represent Ravenclaw. Sprout had selected Megan Jones and Susan Bones, both seventh years from Hufflepuff. Slughorn selected Graham Pritchard and Malcolm Braddock, fourth and fifth year Slytherin students. McGonagall had selected Dean Thomas and fourth year Katlyn Greystone from Gryffindor. Harry and Hermione attended as Head Boy and Head Girl.

Gwynn Morgan from the Ministry was cut along the same mindset as Augusta Longbottom while Katherine Trewent of the Board of Governors reminded Harry of the painting of Mrs. Black. Harry suspected that several of the others had met him several years earlier at his Wizengamot hearing. The only people that he specifically recognized were Amos Diggory and Griselda Marchbanks.

Madam Morgan from the ministry started. "We are gathered today to update both the Ministry and the Board of School Governors on recent events and to satisfy both groups that Hogwarts currently under the leadership of Professor McGonagall is in fact the safest place for our children's education and is demonstrating a proper set of values for our children. This hearing will cover but not be limited to the following topics:

The housing of unauthorized muggles within the school

The destruction of school property

The murder of a student

The overall safety of students residing at the castle

The topics that students are currently being taught

Madam Morgan continued saying, "It is my understanding that three muggles are currently residing in the castle, each in some way related to Miss Granger. Is there a reason that our secrecy laws have been breached to accommodate these three?"

Poppy replied, "Doctor and Doctor Granger are here this term assisting in my personal continued education and are the parents of Miss Granger. They have known of magic for years. Doctor Turnbull's Grandfather was a squib and has known of magic for most of her life. All three of them have been of great assistance to both myself and the students this term." Lisa, Susan and Katlyn nodded in agreement.

Hermione replied, "If you're worried about the expense, it is my understanding that they're all volunteering their time, though their normal fees are somewhat higher than those charged within the wizarding world."

Undaunted, Morgan asked, "Is there any denial that students willfully destroyed Greenhouse One and the contents on October 31?"

McGonagall responded, "With the help of Mr. Longbottom, Susan Bones and funding provided by Mr. Potter, Professor Sprout has promised that Greenhouse One will be back in operation by the start of second term."

Morgan replied, "Professor McGonagall, no question was directed at you. However, since you brought it up, do you deny that the students' actions started one of the school buildings on fire?"

Lisa interjected, "Actually Madam Morgan several of the Inferi were on fire and ran into the greenhouse before they died. Specifically several reanimated Roman soldiers started Greenhouse One on fire."

Morgan said nothing but glowered. The reporters furiously scribbled notes on tablets.

Madam Trewent asked, "And what of the death of Mr. Finch-Fletchley?"

Hermione asked, "Madam Trewent, approximately how many witches and wizards reside in Britain?"

"About 8,000. I believe I was the one doing the…"

Hermione cut her off saying, "Madam Trewent, other than by natural causes how many witches or wizards have lost their lives in Britain in the last twelve months?"

Trevent thought for a moment and replied, "Nearly 700. Why do you ask?"

"That's over 9 percent. Holding to the same standards, a total of two students or staff residing at Hogwarts have lost their lives at Hogwarts in the last twelve months– Professor Dumbledore and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Using the same ratio that you gave, you would expect that 32 students or staff would have been killed out of about a population at the castle of about 360. Therefore you could argue that living in Hogwarts with Professor McGonagall as Headmistress is fifteen times safer than living in the wizarding world in general. Don't you agree?"

Trevent realized that she was far outmatched by the debating skills of the young witch, nodded and sat quietly for the remainder of the meeting.

Harry stood up to try and end the meeting as he'd been coached. "Madam Morgan, and members of the Board of Governors, we need to remember that the wizarding world is at war. Death Eaters murdered Professor Dumbledore and Justin under direct or indirect orders from Tom Riddle, the wizard that you know as Lord Voldemort." He scowled when several people winced at the name.

"For Merlin's sake, call him Tom Riddle, Voldemort, moldy shorts, whatever you want, but don't be scared of the name. That's stupid, and too many good people have given their time, energy or their lives to dishonor them by using that he-who-must-not nonsense. The topics that we've learned here helped save our lives. Some of the classes could be better. The Aurors have started using technology from the nonmagical world to save lives and the Muggle Studies class still covers material from 1910 and isn't even taught by a nonmagical person. The wizarding world needs to catch up."

The other students stood up and clapped. Lisa and Katlyn replied, "The doctors that were brought in are brilliant. Are you trying to bill them for the food that they've eaten?"

There was an uncomfortable silence from the board.

Katlyn kept going, "Dr. Turnbull helped me a lot after I was hit by an arrow from one of those monsters. Are you trying to send her away?"

Marchbanks was smiling for the last few minutes. She stood and said, "Professor McGonagall, Mr. Potter and the rest of you, we've taken enough of your time for one day. I'm certain that you have better things to do. Please continue as you have been doing. I believe I speak for the majority of the Governors when I say we think that you all have been doing an outstanding job as students, as professors and most importantly, as citizens of the British wizarding world. We will leave you now. Please enjoy the rest of your day."

The reporters scribbled their notes and stood to ask questions. Minister Abraxan shook her head and said, "That will be all for today. Auror cadet Alyx will escort you to Hogsmeade station."

After they had all left McGonagall who realized that among other things, Harry and Hermione had saved her position as Headmistress at the school that she loved so much, looked at the two of them carefully, held out her hand and said, "Thank you both, for everything."

… --- …

November 22

Hermione watched as the kids who had been fighting in the library played a pick-up game of Quidditch. It wasn't a rough game and the insults that were traded were good-natured and strictly about the game. They had even divided teams up without following house lines.

Diane was on the sidelines cheering for all of them. She had a thick cloak wrapped around her and she gave Hermione a grateful smile for the warming charm.

The tension in the castle had abated a lot. Everyone seemed to be getting along better and tempers were less frayed. Hermione watched as each of the boys took Diane up on their broom after the game. She seemed to like it and was not as afraid as Hermione would have been.

"How come you never offered to take me for a fly?" Diane asked Hermione as the last boy landed on the pitch. Emma and Harry had arrived with Dan.

"Cause flying is the only thing she sucks at," Slytherin Anderson Condor told Diane. Hermione glared at him then shrugged.

"I can't deny the truth," was all she said as she watched Emma slide on the broom behind Harry. The Firebolt took off at a speed that Hermione was sure muggle physics would not allow. She and her father both flinched.

Emma and Harry had taken to flying around the pitch at speeds that Hermione and Dan couldn't watch. They always came back laughing and relaxed. Hermione was convinced they were out of their minds. Tonight they didn't fly in the cold air for long, but came back with a smile on their faces. She hugged them both as they walked back to the castle.

…---…