Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. If I did I would be famous and rich. Since I'm neither lets just accept that JK Rowling and I are two different people.

AN:

"…" denotes speech

'…' denotes thoughts

A Journey's End

Chapter 2: Professors and Portraits

"Look Harry, I'm not saying that you're wrong. I just think that maybe we should wait a little longer. Even with Dumble-"

"Hermione…" Harry had spent all morning trying to convince Hermione that they should probably start working on finding the Horcruxes. For two weeks they had gone over everything Harry could remember from his visits to Dumbledore's pensieve, and then every schoolbook they could get their hands on. Thankfully, since the Ministry of Magic couldn't distinguish between adult and underage magic, Ron and Hermione's staying with him meant he could do magic without getting in trouble.

"No, Harry. You using magic here with only the two of us knowing is one thing, the moment we leave that changes. After your birthday, it won't matter."

"Hermione's right, mate. I want to do something too, but as it is we can't."

Harry turned to glare at Ron before sighing in defeat. If it was one thing he had learned recently, it was when he was fighting a loosing battle. Between Ron and Hermione bickering every few hours, and then the Dursley's trying to cause problems every night, he had definitely learned when a fight was hopeless. "All right, we wait a little longer."

Hermione pointed her wand down at what was left of breakfast, vanishing away the leftovers. "Now that that's settled, we should start getting ready for Remus. Didn't he say he would be by this morning?"

Before Harry could reply affirmatively, there was a knock at the door. "We got it Mrs. Dursley." Without waiting for any reply Ron had jumped up and headed over to the door while Hermione and Harry pushed any books around them out of sight.

Opening the door, Ron saw Remus and smiled. Seeing Charlie behind him he opened the door farther before stopping and then reaching for his wand. "Sorry, questions first."

Remus nodded, "What was your nickname for Sirius?"

Ron smiled and said "Snuffles" before opening the door all the way and letting the ex-professor and Charlie inside.

Hermione looked over her shoulder at the three of them and said solemnly, "You know, that really doesn't do much good with people out there who are legilimens."

Charlie was the one to reply with a nod, "Yeah, but it's the only way for those of us who aren't to have some means of protection."

"Humph. I hope you are here to take those -- them away." Turning, Petunia Dursley reentered her kitchen.

"She always like that?" Charlie asked.

"Pretty much. At least for the last two weeks." Hermione turned to look at Harry who nodded. "Fortunately, you missed uncle Vernon. He's not taking our presence as well as she is."

"He causing any problems?"

"Nah. Hermione set him strait the first day here," Ron said with a grin as he thought back to when they had arrived at number four.

Remus looked over at the now blushing Hermione as she mumbled something about having lost her temper and there being no permanent damage.

He chuckled and looked over at Harry. "You okay?"

"Best as could be expected. You?"

Charlie hit Remus on the back, "He's fine. Ever since he and Tonks had that little shouting match at Hogwarts they don't seem to be apart from each other very long." Remus for his part just had his eyes closed with his hand rubbing his nose as though he was fighting a headache.

Looking up he grinned, "All right, let's start getting ready to leave for the day. McGonagall said she had something to talk to the three of you about at Hogwarts." He pointed at Ron and Hermione, "Why don't you two clean up and make sure Harry's dear Aunt has no objections." He motioned over to the kitchen and then gave Charlie a look that said to help out.

Charlie glanced at Harry, "Right. You two run off and do that. Remus, Harry and I need to have a quick talk."

Hermione grabbed Ron's shoulder and started pulling him towards the open door. When he looked at her confused, she motioned to Harry with her head and mouthed "Ginny". Ron's face changed to one of understanding. For two weeks, that had been the one taboo topic between the three of them. He knew why Harry had done what he did, and agreed on some level. After all, he didn't want Ginny hurt anymore than Harry. Of course, he also didn't want to see Harry hurting over not seeing her. Hermione had just stated that the two of them would have to work it out. As stubborn as his sister and Harry were, that could take a while.

Once the two had left, Charlie walked over to Harry and put his hand on his shoulder. Speaking in a sharp voice he squeezed the shoulder, "So. What happened between you and my sister?"

Paling, Harry dropped the book he had just picked up, "Um, uh, why do you ask? We just," He looked over at Remus who had sat down on the sofa for some kind of help only to receive a look of disappointment. Closing his eyes he slumped back to the ground and sighed. "We decided to breakup. At the funeral we just," he shook his head. "I told her that…" He stopped when Charlie put his hand on his head.

"You told her it was safer?" At Harry's nod he continued. "You should know that she is completely miserable. Personally, if it weren't that she would never forgive me for it, I would blast you into oblivion."

Harry simply nodded again before Charlie continued, "As her brother though, I do think that she shouldn't be fighting side by side with you, but that's because she's not old enough. Once she turns seventeen then it's a completely different matter. She'll be old enough to make her own choices."

"I know," Harry replied in defeat. "I just don't think I could handle it if she was hurt because of me."

"And you think she could if something happened to you?" Remus interjected.

Harry looked up at him sharply and then back down at his feet. "I'm going to fight Voldemort. I'll make it up to her afterwards if she'll still have me. But for right now, I think this is best."

Charlie just shook his head. He could tell that Harry had thought this through. "Too damn stubborn for your own good. All right, I'll leave it at that for now, but if you think that this is a good idea then you are sadly mistaken." He looked down at Harry as he looked up, "Just a brother's thoughts on his sister, though. She's not helpless. And from the way she's acting she must agree with you on some level, so just make sure you don't push her too far away." Silently he decided that it was best to leave it at that. "Now, go help Ron and Hermione. We should leave as soon as possible."

Leaping to his feet Harry hurried out before Charlie could change his mind. Harry didn't want to continue that conversation any longer than he had to.

"You're going to leave it at that?" Remus queried hotly.

"Yes. He loves her, it's written all over his face." Charlie turned to look over at Remus with a sigh. "And like her, he's too stubborn to change his mind. Guess we'll just have to let the two sort it out on their own. I give it till the wedding."

Remus shook his head, "Remind me why you work with dragons. Is it because you're used to stubborn creatures or because you just like to play with fire?"

"I'm a Weasley. That should pretty much sum it up."

"That's what I thought," Remus grumbled.

A few minutes later the group prepared to leave. Remus told Hermione to apparate to the Shrieking Shack. He took Harry's arm, while Charlie took Ron's. Several cracks later they were gone, leaving Petunia silently cursing her sister and any other wizard or witch she could think of.

"I'll be glad when I can take the test and do that on my own," Harry grumbled.

"Me, too," Ron agreed.

Arriving in Hogsmeade the group quickly made their way up to the castle. Seeing the tomb where the former headmaster now rested, they silently paid their respects before reaching the main gates.

Walking down the familiar corridors of the school the group remained quiet. Even upon reaching the gargoyle blocking the Headmaster's office they stayed silent. Remus and Charlie knew that Professor, no Headmistress McGonagall had asked to see Harry because of some things Dumbledore had left, but neither really wanted to say it. Remus quietly said the password and led the group towards the office.

Walking up the steps they entered and saw McGonagall sitting behind a desk, her eyes still as red now as they were at the funeral. Over her shoulder the portrait of Dumbledore looked down with a sad look on his face. Stepping back towards the steps, Remus and Charlie nodded to her and left.

McGonagall blinked and sighed before walking around to the three students now watching the painting behind where she had been sitting for any kind of hope, "Paintings are only shadows. They are merely reflections of what was." The three jumped a bit and looked at her as she came to the side of the desk they were standing on.

"Even the best of us can't put souls on canvas. The best that can be done is a nicely done rendition." When the three friends returned their gazes to the now speaking painting, it continued. "I can tell you my name, favorite color, and even eat my favorite treat." Dumbledore popped a sherbet lemon into his mouth and smiled before continuing, "But beyond that I'm afraid I know little. We all start that way. Here with my fellow colleagues on the wall I can continue watching my legacy and give my council. But alas, beyond this school I fear I can be of no help to any." He smiled again before reaching out to pet the image of his phoenix, Fawkes, leaving the group to do as they would.

With a sigh McGonagall regained the attention of the three. "He's right. As much as I wish it were different, he is right." She motioned for Harry to move closer to a cabinet. "Before all of this, Albus." She paused for a moment before continuing, "Albus wanted me to give you this." She opened the cabinet to reveal a pensive. "I trust you understand what's inside it and what it represents. The pensieve is bound to this school by magic. I know you'll want to use it to finish what you and he started, so," she stopped there and closed the cabinet so she could turn around. "So, if you need to use it, it will be here for now until I can move it somewhere safer."

Harry seemed to want to speak; but before he could, McGonagall raised her hand. "The governors have yet to fully decide on whether or not to reopen the school. They expect to give a decision within the next few weeks, but even if the school is closed the current faculty and staff have decided to remain. Also, Minister Scrimgeour has assured me that a group of Aurors will be stationed here as well. He seems to feel that Hogwarts is too important a target to leave without better security."

Harry made a small nod, "More like he doesn't want Hogwarts to fall into Voldemort's hands. Don't blame him, neither do I."

McGonagall made no remark at being cut off, and continued when he finished. "I and the other teachers have also made another decision that affects you and your friends. Regardless the governors' choice, you three are going to be allowed to live in the castle."

She pointed to an open parchment on the desk, "Albus left me a note explaining a few things. One of them was what the two of you were up to all year. I don't agree with him in letting you do this, but I also know I can't stop you." She looked up at the other two in the room, "At least you have the common sense not to do this alone." Sighing she returned her gaze to Harry. "If the school is closed, know that the professors here will still help you. I know that Moody is willing to train you if you want. I think Dumbledore asked him to do it this coming year anyways." Turning she walked back over to the desk and picked up two letters. "If the school does reopen, I expect you three to be here on the first day."

"I," Harry began but was cut off quickly by McGonagall.

"You will be here Mister Potter. Albus would have wanted it." She turned to look at the painting behind her to see the painted firebird trying to avoid being fed a sherbet lemon by its owner. "Whether you wish to live as a student here as, hopefully, many others will or not, you can at least benefit from the resources and protection of the school. If you wish to, I think a more independent study based schedule could be arranged."

"I don't want to put others at risk if I can avoid it."

This time Hermione stopped Harry. "If the school's going to be attacked it will happen whether or not you're here Harry. And if we're going to hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes we are going to need the resources."

Glancing at Ron, Harry again saw him siding with Hermione. Turning to Dumbledore's portrait, he actually had to hold back a laugh. Fawkes, it seemed, was pecking the headmaster in retaliation for him trying to feed him one of the yellow treats he was famous for offering.

"You're right. I don't like it, but you're right. Besides, if the pensieve can't be moved it would be simpler if we stayed here." He looked at McGonagall, "I'll be here. I won't promise as a student, but I will be here."

She smiled and nodded. "That's all I ask." She handed him the envelope she had picked up earlier. "I was also asked to give you this. I know it concerns something to do with Grimauld Place and Professor Snape." The last name was spoken with contempt for her former colleague, but also a hint of sadness. "Supposedly, Phineas Nigellus figured out a way to allow you ownership."

The mentioned portrait gave a nod, "If that descendant of mine saw fit to give it to you, then the least I could do is see to it doesn't go to waste. Just don't go wasting the gift. The Black family may not have been the nicest of people; we were well informed if nothing else." He glared from his spot on the wall. "See to it that you make sure the person who killed my great-great-grandson pays. I don't care that she's family, we might disown and disinherit, we may even hate and despise each other, but we NEVER attack our own. Any who would do so are traitors of the worst kind. My descendant named you his inheritor. As far as I'm concerned you are now the only remaining true Black remaining. Make sure to remove the last remaining blights on the family and redeem it."

Stunned, Harry nodded and gave his thanks. Ron and Hermione who had drifted over to a corner to look at one of the gadgets, walked over to thank Professor McGonagall for allowing them to come and for what she was offering. Leaving, they stopped as she made one more comment before they ascended the stairs. "Please feel free to talk to me if you need. I may not be Albus, but I am here to listen."

With that, the three stepped out of the office thankful that they had the support of people they respected and a place to call home if things don't go as planned.

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