Chapter Twenty-three

Is This The End?

Harry still refused interviews, but seemed to be accepting the fame that was coming to him easier then before. He was still a bit quiet, and more than a little put off by the increasing number of people who wanted him to autograph things. Serena, Ron, and Hermione began shielding him from the barrage of fans whenever they were out of the common room. Serena watched as he became more thoughtful again, but wasn't worried this time, as Harry told her he was thinking of what they should do next.

In the middle of May, they received their results for the NEWTs. Hermione was saying she had twelve, which meant she had received a NEWT in all her classes. Ron had received nine, one in DADA, charms, transfiguration, herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, and one in the advanced forms of DADA, charms, and transfiguration. Ginny had received nine as well, same as Ron except for astronomy in place of advanced DADA. Neville was more than happy that he had seven, which was only because he had not taken advanced DADA or transfiguration. Serena had been happy when she saw she received the same NEWT score as Ginny, meaning they had both passed everything.

Harry was confused over his NEWT scores. He had taken the same classes as Ginny and Serena, but the list said he had eleven instead of nine. He showed it to Serena, who was equally puzzled. Neither could figure out the other two classes. Animagus training and the DA were not considered classes. The animagus training was illegal, even though Kingsley had swept the knowledge of this under the rug, saying all six deserved some kind of compensation for saving the wizarding world, and the DA was made only to help in the war, and everyone was told it was not a class. Harry walked up to the staff table with his results in hand and gave them to Dumbledore.

"Sir, how can I have eleven NEWTs when I only had ten classes, and one of them I received the NEWT early?" Harry asked.

"Ah, I was wondering if that was the reason for this visit." Dumbledore said. "I saw fit to give you those two NEWTs personally, for your advancement in Legilimency as well as Occlumency. They saved us from many losses, and I felt this should be rewarded."

"I see." Harry said. He smiled at Dumbledore. "Thank you, Headmaster."

"There is no reason to thank me, Harry. You earned those all on your own. As a matter of fact you did this despite what Severus was doing to prevent you from mastering the art." Dumbledore said.

"Shit! I forgot." Harry said. He looked at Conrad Snape now. "Close your eyes for a moment, Professor."

"What are you going to do to me now!" Snape said angrily. "Plan to cause me further agony?"

"If you close your eyes, I will show you." Harry said. "That means you must trust me against your better judgment. That is the only way you will know."

"Conrad, I do not believe Harry means you harm." Dumbledore said. "If harm comes to you, I will see to it that he is punished."

Snape closed his eyes, and felt something in his mind. It was not the cold violent act he had felt before, but warm and friendly. He began to feel memories flood back to him, memories that he lost when Harry attacked him before interrogating Malfoy. The memories were happy and fond, showing Conrad and Severus in their younger years, before war, vengeance, and dark magic corrupted Severus. Conrad smiled as he opened his eyes and looked at Harry.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter." Snape said.

"I'm sorry." Harry said. "I might be able to fix what was done, but you have to know he wasn't the man you loved as a brother when I did what I did. He would have let a family die so Voldemort could find me. He would have killed me himself if he could and Dumbledore was not around."

"I know, but still he was my friend, and my brother." Snape said. "I will miss him, but you are right. Why is it you did not use what I was hiding against me? You could have told anyone what I thought and they would have assumed me a Death Eater."

"At one time, I might have." Harry said. "But someone very close to me once said 'The world isn't split between good men and Death Eaters'. Your reasons for thinking I should die were the same as my reasons for fighting Voldemort. I cannot blame you for feeling pain, or suffering. You made no move to kill me anyway. It was just a thought of revenge for the man who was closest to you."

"That is what he was hiding Harry?" Dumbledore asked him.

"Yes sir. He hid the thoughts that he had of killing me, screaming that it was Snape's revenge. That is why I restored his memories, which I should have done after it happened, but I wasn't quite myself then." Harry said.

Dumbledore smiled. "I understand, Harry. I was wondering if I might have a word with you tonight, my friend?" He asked.

"Sorry, but I think the six of us are supposed to be celebrating our NEWTs." Harry said. "Could I come by your office tomorrow?"

"That would be fine, Harry." Dumbledore said. "You deserve a celebration, now more than ever. Have fun. Now you need to go, as classes start in a few moments."

"Yes, sir." Harry said. Nodding to the teachers he added "Good day sirs, miss." before he walked away from the table.

"I felt like killing him, and the boy apologized to me?" Snape asked Dumbledore. "Who would do such a thing?"

"Harry Potter would." Dumbledore said. "He knows the pain of losing those you love, and has acted in much the same way as you wished to act."

"He really is something at times." Remus said. "He would have made his parents so proud."

"I'm sure he does, regardless of whether they are here or not." Dumbledore said. "However, I have a feeling they may not be gone from us for long."

"What are you talking about, Albus?" Remus asked.

"Just a feeling I have." Dumbledore said, smiling. "I find myself beginning to hope it is right."

Harry found himself enjoying the seventh year celebration over their NEWTs, which was joined by those rejoicing that the OWLs were over. All the seventh years were sending letters to their parents, telling them how many NEWTs they received, except Harry and Serena who had told Remus and Sam in person. Remus kindly acted surprised, though he knew their scores previously. He acted surprised as they spoke excitedly about the scores, before they both realized they had no purpose for needing the NEWTs yet. Then they gave up on that thought and continued being excited about their results.

The celebration in Gryffindor tower was sponsored by the Weasley twins themselves, who had brought all kinds of treats and tricks for them all to enjoy. Also, there was enough butterbeer to keep them all drinking till next year, and many were planning on trying such a thing. Harry and Serena enjoyed the atmosphere with their friends. They were all just sitting around, talking to each other while music played and people were dancing wildly. Harry laughed as he saw that the Head Girl and seventh year prefect were ignoring the fact that many were sharing rooms with their boyfriends and girlfriends. Harry decided to help everyone by breaking the charm that kept the boys from entering the girls dorms.

Harry finally remembered the one important thing the ring had said to him. The thing that made him want this war ended quickly. Excusing himself from the party he went to the Marauder's common room and sat down. Thinking of how to say this he asked the ring carefully.

"Do you remember telling me that you knew the secret to bring back the people I love?"

"Yes, Harry Potter. I remember."

"Well, the war is over. Voldemort is defeated. I would like to know."

"There is a ritual you must perform. It has to be done only on the middle night of the full moon, and you must have two items to perform the spell."

"What do I need?"

"The hand of an Ashikal beast, and a necklace of death."

"How do I find them?"

"They are dark items, Harry Potter. You will have to find a way to get them on your own, as I do not know such things."

"Alright, what do I have to do with them?"

"That matters not. You must get the items before I will tell you more. I fear you may try the ritual without these things otherwise."

"I understand. You are probably right. Thank you."

"You are welcome, Harry Potter."

Harry stood, but no longer feeling like joining the party again he decided to go to sleep.

The next day found Harry standing in front of the Gargoyle that protected Dumbledore's office. The doors password was no longer 'M&Ms' however. Harry was about to leave discouraged, when he thought of how ridiculous that was. Using his power he felt the word come to him and smiled warmly.

"The Marauder's heir." Harry said cheerfully.

The gargoyle sprang to life and jumped aside, allowing Harry to walk up the steps. Harry felt a sadness come over him, thinking how many times he had taken these steps and talked to Dumbledore. True, most times he came because he was asked to, or needed the answers to questions, or came with important news. But every time he entered the office, Dumbledore was always happy to see him, and most times acted as if it was not a problem that he came in. In all the time since he had been a wizard, he had realized that Dumbledore had treated him like a friend. It saddened him greatly to think that when he left school this last time he would no longer find it as easy to see Dumbledore when he wanted to talk to him. Knocking on the door calmly, he smiled again as he heard Dumbledore's voice.

"Come in, Harry." Dumbledore said.

Harry entered and sat in the chair across from Dumbledore, as was his normal routine. "Good afternoon, sir."

"Good afternoon, Harry." Dumbledore said.

"I'm sorry I couldn't come last night." Harry said. "I hope this wasn't an order instead of a request."

"No, Harry, it was a request." Dumbledore said, the twinkle in his eye returned to him as he spoke to Harry. "I have something I would like to tell you."

"Okay, sir." Harry said calmly, listening intently to Dumbledore's words.

"Harry, I remember that you said you didn't know what to do after school." Dumbledore started. "Well, a friend of mine in America is looking for a group of people to tell them of some of the things that have been happening here with the Ministry and Voldemort. They do not want to know anything about the boy who lived. This I swear to you.

"Well, when I was told of this, I thought of you and your friends. You had already expressed a desire to leave Britain, and I felt that maybe this would offer a chance to do this, as well as help some dear friends of mine. If you accept this, your travel will be paid by the Ministry of course, as well as receiving passports for you and your friends immediately. I wish you would stay, as I have grown to enjoy our talks immensely, and I would of course offer you Remus' job as he is thinking of retiring and spending his time with Sam, but I know you do not yet feel comfortable with the new found celebrity you have acquired. America would be different from here. No one would recognize you as Harry Potter, or a wizard at all for that matter, unless you let them know, which I know you won't. Does this idea suit you, Harry?"

Harry sat amazed at what Dumbledore was offering. A chance to leave England, get away from his fame, hopefully find a way to be free. Harry smiled at Dumbledore. "It sounds perfect to me, but I must, of course, ask my friends if they would join me." He said.

"Of course, Harry. Though I have a feeling they will say yes immediately." Dumbledore said to him, smiling.

"I agree with you, of course." Harry said. "I have a question, Professor, if you have the time."

"Always Harry. Feel free." Dumbledore said.

"Where would I find a hand of an Ashikal beast, and a necklace of death?" Harry asked thoughtfully.

Dumbledore sat quiet for a minute before answering. "I'm sorry, Harry. That is something I cannot help you with. I have heard of such things, but have never seen them to tell you whether they can be found by easy methods or not." Dumbledore said. "Perhaps you would take such things up with the government in America. They seem to have better resources than the Ministry does." He added, smiling.

"Thank you sir." Harry said. "I'll talk with everyone and get back to you soon with an answer."

"I know you will, Harry." Dumbledore said almost too cheerfully.

Harry was thoughtful for a minute. Dumbledore was hiding something from him. Harry could feel it, but he could not tell what it was. Harry knew that Dumbledore always had a reason for hiding things, and thought that this could possibly be something with his reasons for sending him to America. Deciding against asking he rose quietly, wondering what Dumbledore was getting him into now.

"Goodbye, sir." Harry said.

"Please Harry, call me Albus." Dumbledore said smiling. "Goodbye for now."

His friends had quickly agreed that the job Dumbledore offered them all was great considering their current plans to leave for America after school anyway. Harry informed Dumbledore immediately, and they were given all the necessary items a week before school ended. The last few days of school passed quickly for them all.

All too soon they were leaving the school, and had only a few days until they left. Those days passed quickly as well, spending a lot of time shopping for things they wanted or needed. Knowing they were traveling in muggle fashion meant a variety of new clothes were needed, especially since they had all grown over the year. Also, Harry helped them all get their licenses.

The day they were to leave, they all stood at the terminal of the airport with their families. After promising they would return every Christmas, no matter how long they were gone, they walked quietly to the waiting area. As they sat there they all thought of what was waiting for them in America. As they boarded the plane Serena spoke to Harry quietly to avoid being overheard.

"I guess this means the Marauder's adventures are over, huh?" Serena said sadly. "I keep asking myself if this is the end of all of our fun and excitement. What do you think Harry? Is it the end?"

Harry thought of everything that lay ahead of him. He had to find a way to get the items needed for bringing his parents and Sirius back, adjust to life in a new place that was different from everything he had ever known, inform people of the state of things in England, and manage to stay a normal teenager and husband, despite whatever surprises Dumbledore had in store for them. With all this in store for him, he doubted his life would be boring anytime soon.

"Somehow," Harry said as a smile formed on his lips. "I think this is only the beginning, love."