Disclaimer: I own no part of Harry Potter or its associated canon nor, any other already copyrighted material.

(A/N): The end is so close I can taste it. And it tastes like white chocolate.

Chapter 43

Semi Charmed Kind of Life

The following morning, a bright and clear Saturday, Ginny had arranged for the DA to meet for what would be the final time that year, possibly ever. More than the Aurors, more than the staff, more than even the Order, Dumbledore's Army was the group Harry felt a connection to, having grown up with, learned with and instructed many of them. Now that the only remaining potion of Tom's forces was a few scattered Death Eaters and the school year was almost over, it was time to say farewell to the Army. At least for now.

Harry was surprisingly alone for a change as he strode through the corridors to the Room of Requirements. Ginny, Ron and Hermione had gone on ahead to wait for him with the gathering students and give him a moment of peace. Harry glanced out a window and noticed one of the few patrolling Aurors making their rounds on the walls. A small smile crossed his face at the bounce in the woman's step. She had reason to be happy. The Ministry had finally officially opened the last of its offices just two days ago, much to the approval of the rest of the magical world. Harry had been as good as his word and had made a point of mentioning his approval for the Minister's actions in his second interview, this time with the Quibbler. In return Fudge had acted on the mention Harry had made of werewolf rights and action was already passing rapidly through the halls of the Ministry, much to Lupin's surprise and subdued approval. Remus's own well published help during the battle had been another strong promoter for the changes.

It wasn't only his exploits that were in the papers these days though. Colin, before he had been killed, and then his younger brother Dennis, had somehow snapped a large number of magical photographs of the final battle and parts of the aftermath. These were in turn sold to the Prophet at rates that would provide for the remaining Creeveys for the rest of their lives. Harry still had no idea how the pair had taken so many of the pictures, but the copies Dennis had given him visually told much of the story of the battle from the gathering in the entry way to the aftermath in the medical ward. Harry had a vague feeling that the one of him brandishing the sword near the beginning, ran as it had been against his collapse after the duel, was likely to become rather popular.

Because of these other photos however, more students were receiving attention as well. Ginny, Ron and Hermione and quite a few others had all had at least one individual interview with the Prophet as well as taking part in group interview with several others more recently. Harry thought they were handling their sudden fame rather well, though they didn't have to deal with the level of it he did. Well, it would fade after a while, as would his…hopefully.

Approaching the door to the Room he pulled it open and smiled at what awaited him. The Army had assembled and turned as one to meet his gaze. Much as with the first meeting of the year, he made his way through the crowd shaking hands and exchanging greetings with the much larger group until he reached the front where the other three were waiting. With a flick of her wand, Ginny summoned chairs for every one to sit, which they did a moment later. While Ron, Hermione and Ginny stood off to the side, Harry stood alone before them and looked out over the students.

Many of those finishing this year, many more than normal at least, had taken Fudge up on his offer and would be entering the Auror training program soon. Others had a career at St. Mungo's lined up or a job with the Prophet. Once they left they would diffuse to all parts of the English magical society. At least one had mentioned going to America and trying out for the Dueling Club. Of his class though, one still stuck out in his mind. He still had no idea what Neville planned to do. His strangely prophecy born kinship with Longbottom had created an interest in what Neville was going to do, but the man had been remarkable tight lipped about his future plans. Harry put the thoughts out of his mind though and looked over the rest. He could see the same expectation in their eyes that he had seen in so many others. They wanted a speech of some sort…from him. He had never been a master wordsmith, but he got by.

"Good morning." A murmur of returned greetings came back to him for a moment. "Well… Some year huh?" Wry chuckles came from a number of students at this. "You remember our first meeting I said it was my goal to defend the school and defeat Voldemort. We were nervous, untrained and running on conviction then. Now…we're the strongest fighting force in the magical world. We did all we set out to do and more. It cost us a lot," he could still see some people unconsciously cradling previously injured limbs, "and it cost some of us all." His weren't the only eyes that floated over to Denis for a second. "But we came though." He paused for a moment and considered.

"I couldn't have gotten here without your help. Thank you." There was much…and yet nearly nothing left to say. "I know Dumbledore would be proud of each and every one of you. As am I. I doubt you'll need the Army next year, but if you do, I'm sure Ginny will prove herself as able to lead then as she did this year. Like this school itself, the friendships we made here will last our entire lives. Though, hopefully, the world will never again need a force such as ours to assemble, I can't say it won't. To that end I will not dissolve the Army. Instead, we stand adjourned, awaiting the next meeting, should there ever be a need. Ginny?"

"Right." She stepped forward and held up her coin, gesturing for the others to do the same. When everyone had, she flicked her wand over her own. As one each of them turned softer and began to reform, melting into a new shape. A second later each became the golden letters D and A set partially overlapping with a pin on their back.

"Thank you." Harry affixed his own to his shirt. "Wear them with pride. Only those standing with you now know exactly what it means to wear these pins. And that is bond that will never be broken. Thank you." As one the group rose and began to break up. Hugs and handshakes were shared and more than a few tears shed. With a pop in the corner, food, eagerly provided by a number of the house elves in appreciation for saving their home, appeared on a table and in moments an actual party had begun.

As Harry moved about the room for the next hour he heard people sharing tales of their training, things they had done as part of the Army and more than one toast to those who had died in the fight. He also heard them discussing all other things from scores they thought they received on the NEWTs to who looked good in Quiddich this year. It was somehow comforting to hear such conversation after such a tense year. One by one though the group broke up and slipped out the door either back to their rooms, to Hogsmeade or just off to enjoy the day.

Neville was one of the last to leave and Harry took the opportunity to slip out and speak to him alone. He caught up with his dorm mate a dozen paces from the door and fell in beside him. Neville greeted him with a nod and turned back to looking ahead. "Nice speech."

"Oh…thanks." They continued down the hall for a moment as Harry tried to figure out how to ask. Neville himself provided the opening.

"Figure out what you're going to do next? I imagine you'll have your choice of careers."

"Oh…uh yeah. I think I might take Fudge up on his offer to be an Auror." Neville nodded in response.

"Makes sense. Sure you'll be able to handle it though? Auror training is probably pretty dull compared to what we've been doing."

"I think I could handle it." He paused for a moment as he walked before continuing. "So…know what you're going to do? I bet Fudge offered you a spot as an Auror trainee too. That'd make your Gran happy." Neville nodded again, slower this time, a shadow crossing his features.

"Yeah. Yeah it would. She always wanted me to follow my father." He could see the look of intense concentration and fighting in Neville's eyes at the words that followed. "But I won't. It's time I stop trying to be what she wants, and start living my life." Harry was again surprised at how far the bumbling, forgetful boy, terrified of his grandmother and Professor Snape had come to turn the confident, willful man before him that knew nearly no fear.

"So…what are you going to do?" Neville finally stopped and looked out the nearby window. Harry followed his gaze to find he was looking at the greenhouses outside the castle. A small smile formed on Neville's lips and his eyes focused, apparently coming to a decision. Harry looked back and forth between the student and the glass structures, not understanding. "Uh…Neville?"

"Here. I'm going to work here." He turned away from the window and faced Harry. "Professor Sprout was injured during the battle you know and she can't move around quite as well as she used to. So last week Headmistress McGonagall offered me…she offered to make me the professor's assistant. And after a couple years of that…the full professorship if I want it." Harry blinked a couple times, surprised and yet not really stunned. It still took several moments for him to grin and stick out his hand.

"Congratulations." Neville took it and shook a second later.

"Thanks. I've been talking it over with Professor Sprout and if I take the position there's a few places she wants me to visit over the summer. Get some real hands on experience you know?" Harry nodded again.

"Yeah. Well…I'll feel good a duelist of your caliber is still haunting the halls next year. Good luck."

"Thanks." After another glance at the greenhouses Neville continued on his way, leaving Harry alone in the hall to stare out the window. He was only by himself a minute though as Hermione, Ron and Ginny appeared and joined him.

"Hey mate. Saw you slip out after Neville. Had enough too?"

"Oh…uh, yeah. So…the party broken up?"

"Yeah. Everyone's off to whatever. Like Hogsmeade. Fancy a trip?" Harry glanced at the others and could see their decision was made.

"Sure. But let's stop by Hagrid's on the way."

"Okay. Let's go." With Ron and Hermione in the lead, they descended through the castle and out into the day. Trips to Hogsmeade had become more laid back affairs after the end of the war and students, especially DA members, were more or less free to go as they wished. After exiting the main gates however, they turned aside and made their way to Hagrid's cabin. Harry looked past it to the Dark Forest beyond and for once felt not a hint of fear at the place. He had faced everything the Forest could produce and survived. Nothing would now scare him there.

Arriving at the cabin where Witherwings rested and bowed as they passed, Ron knocked loudly on the door. A moment later it opened slowly to reveal the half giant, his eyes a little red, carrying a small, relatively speaking, glass of brandy. "'ello there. Come in." They followed him back into his home and took seats around the large table. He was rather more subdued than normal and just stared at his drink, not really looking at them.

"Hagrid…what's wrong?" His large eyes slowly panned up to Harry.

"Oh…sorry 'bout this. It's just…you see…today is…would have been…Grawp's birthday. Near as I could figure anyway. He was a bit dodgy on it himself."

"Oh…" All four of them were quite for a moment not sure exactly how to respond. Fortunately, Hagrid took the initiative.

"But I've spent enough time mourning my brother. So…one final toast…and I'll have to move on." He rose slowly and headed for a cupboard, glancing out the window for a second to the graveyard. "It's not like I can never visit him." When he returned to the table he carried four small, again relatively, glasses and set the down. Into each he poured a small measure of brandy from the nearby bottle and handed one to each of them. He held his glass aloft, an action the others mimicked uncertainly. "To Grawp. A good friend, a good brother."

"And a fearless warrior," Harry added.

"To Grawp!" Hagrid downed his glass in a gulp while the others each took small sips and had varying reactions to the liquor. Harry set his glass down and pushed it away a little, as did the others.

"Thanks Hagrid. We're going down to Hogsmeade for a bit. Care to come?" The professor shook his head slowly.

"Thank ye but no. I think I'll jut stay here and rest for a bit. Thanks for stoppin' by you lot."

"Any time." Rising, the quartet showed themselves out and after a moment of reflection continued on their journey to Hogsmeade. They joined a stream of students and the odd professor heading down the hill or back to the school. Arriving in town a few minutes later they broke apart as Ron and Hermione headed of to somewhere around the bend and Ginny took off for the Quiddich store, apparently already anticipating being named Captain the following year, leaving Harry to wander the streets alone.

On a whim he headed for the Hog's Head and the barkeep there. Pushing through the door he was greeted by a virtually empty main room that was dimly lit and had only a couple people nursing drinks. They didn't even bother to look up as he entered and took a seat at the bar. It was only a moment before the owner sidled up behind the bar and approached him. "Morning, sir. What can I get…you…?" His eyes drifted over the face and up to the scar. It took him a rather long time to speak again. "Nothing too strong this early I imagine." Harry shook his head slowly.

"No. Nothing in fact. I was instead hoping we could talk."

"Talk? About?"

"Your brother."

"Ah. Well…if it's to be like that…" He stepped to the side and lifted a section of the counter so he could step out. Dropping it back in place he jerked his head toward the rooms on the second floor. Harry rose and followed, stepping silently up the stairs in the too quiet bar. Harry recognized the room they entered as the man closed the door and dropped a silencing ward over it with a wave of his hand. He then turned and gave Harry a bow that betrayed how he, like his brother, was still nimble at his age. "Aberforth Dumbledore at your service Mr. Potter. What might you wish to ask?"

"Um…this is the room where Professor Trelawney…"

"Yes. I though it somewhat appropriate. After all…it all started here." Harry glanced around at the innocuous room that could have been any room in any tavern anywhere in the world. But it had been the one in which his life had been set, for better or worse.

"Yeah… What…uh… What I wanted to ask you though was why you're here…and your brother was Headmaster."

"Oh… You're not the first one to ask that. Please, pull up a chair." Harry did and sat across from him at a small table. "It's been hard all my life being Albus's sibling. You see, people always assume that I was just like my brother." He paused for a moment, a rueful smile passing his lips. "The truth is, I've never been nearly as clever…or as powerful as Albus. Oh, I'm an average wizard and not slow minded, but I had no ability for the plans he wrought or the battles he fought. He was special…as I suspect are you. But here…at the Hog's Head…I'm happy. And I could provide a service to him in having a place he could interview people and a sanctuary should he need it. In fact I was the one who told him about the Professor's job opening. I always knew he would be an excellent professor; it just took a little convincing after the life of action he had lived to that point. But he took it, and we all know how that story went. I was useful, I was happy. Still am. But I'm not my brother."

"I see…" They were both silent for several moments before the younger Dumbledore spoke again.

"They…they say you were with him when he died. Tell me… Did he die well?" Harry was surprised by the question. It had been so long since anyone wanted to talk about anything other than the final battle the memories of the tower a year ago had been pushed to the back of his mind. Then there was what the man meant by 'well'. He took several moments to consider it before nodding slowly.

"Yes. He died protecting people and doing whatever it took to do so." Aberforth's mouth slowly formed into a smile.

"Thank you. That's what I figured." He paused again and cocked his head to the side, as if looking for something in Harry's face. "You know, Albus told me several times and now that you're here I see it too. You've got a touch of greatness about you. You know…he once told me something. Something that at the time I thought he had made up or been mistaken about, but…"

"What was it?"

"When he was young…very young, he met a gypsy who read his fortune. She said, 'you will never die, until you meet your equal'. I think that almost haunted him sometimes. He fought Grindewald thinking he might have found his equal. Of course he beat that dark wizard. Then he thought it was Voldemort. I did to. But Voldemort could never defeat him. 'The only one he ever feared' they called Albus. And it was true. No…I know now…as he later believed…that the equal he was to meet…was you." He fell silent and left Harry in silent shock. He had never thought himself half as strong as Dumbledore…but the Headmaster had thought him his equal?

Aberforth had to ask twice before Harry heard him. "So…anything else?" Harry thought for a moment. He was surprised to have gotten so much out of a short conversation, but all he had really wanted was to meet the man. And thank him. He rose and extended his hand.

"Uh…no. I'm glad to finally meet you and…thanks. For all you've done over the years." Aberforth rose as well and shook.

"It was my pleasure. Now…I've got a bar to run and I imagine you have a few friends waiting for you out there."

"Yeah…I do." Following Aberforth Harry headed down the stairs, passed the bar and out into the street once more to enjoy the rest of his day off.

Now that NEWTs had come and gone and there was only one full week left in the year, classes for the seventh years involved almost no work or effort. By and large they were lectures about some of the more far fetched and esoteric possibilities that existed within the various fields and applications they may not have thought about before. It got to the point that Professor McGonagall let them go early from Transfigurations on Friday as anyone could see they really weren't even paying attention. Harry rose with the rest to leave when she called him back. "Mr. Potter! A moment of your time."

As the door closed behind the last student he reached her desk. "Yes Professor?" She pulled out a small stack of envelopes bound with twine and handed them over. "What are these?"

"Job offers. From professional Quiddich teams. Nearly every one had sent at least one." Harry's eyes popped wide as he stared down at the stack. Professional teams wanted him? "Apparently the scouts saw something they liked. And having Harry Potter on any team is likely to boost attendance. Oh…and these," she pulled out another group, only three this time, "are for Mr. Weasley." Harry took the pack and stuck in his pocket, still staring at the bundle in his hand. "I know you were planning on becoming an Auror, but I'd seriously consider this if I was you. You are an excellent player and it may add a touch of excitement you need to the daily grind." Harry let the idea bounce around his head for several moments.

"Thank you Professor."

"Of course. Now…go on. I'll see you Monday."

"Yes Ma'am." Sliding the packet of letters into his robes he turned and raced out the classroom to find Ron. He managed to track down the red head just a couple corridors away with Hermione. They both turned and waited as he caught up. Once he had walked between them as they strode the corridors, for years in fact if only to keep them from fighting, but now he was pushed off to one side, not wanting to risk breaking the clasped hands that were about as public as the couple made their relationship. Hermione, naturally, noticed his wide eyes first.

"Harry? What is it?" Harry pulled out the three envelopes.

"Here Ron, these are yours."

"Thanks. Who they…from…" His eyes had reached the seals and return addresses and went wide. Color disappeared from his face a moment later, causing Hermione's gaze to dart back and forth between him and the letters, fear at the edge of her eyes.

"Ron? Ron…what is it?" Her evident concern managed to bring him back. His mouth worked silently though and Harry was forced to answer for him.

"Job offers from professional Quiddich teams. There's one from the Cannons in there I think." Hermione's eyes also went wide and she stared down at the envelopes. After a moment she managed to speak.

"But…you're going to be an Auror…right? That's what we talked about." Ron managed to squeeze out a few words.

"Uh…yeah…but…Quiddich! The Cannons!" Any decision was news to Harry. Ron had been bouncing back and forth about what to do to the point he had seriously considered asking his brothers for a job. Though he had started the year with the goal of being an Auror, the opportunities open to him now made him seriously question if that was still what he wanted and how comfortable he would be working for his father. Realizing he would get nothing intelligible from Ron for a few minutes, he instead turned to Hermione.

"So…figured out what you're going to do? You could always join me in Auror training." She glanced up to him.

"So…you are going?"

"I think so. I mean…it's what I've always wanted."

"True." She looked back at the still shell shocked Ron and then back up at him. "Well…I've been offered quite a few positions in fact. The Prophet would like me as a fact checker." Harry gaped in mock surprise.

"They have those?"

"Oddly enough they do. Just what I always wanted: reading other peoples' papers as a career." Harry couldn't help but grin. With the knowledge she had basically spent seven years doing it for them; he didn't need her dripping sarcasm to reveal her thoughts on that idea.

"So that's a 'no' then?"

"Definitely. Actually, the one it looks like I'll take is as a…well…sort of a researcher/problem solver in the ministry. Fudge thinks someone with my mind and knowledge could be useful in the new position he's just created. I must admit, he laid out a very tempting offer."

"Well…as long as you're happy."

"Yeah…" She looked up at Ron and grabbed his arm. "Come on…let's get him up to our room. At least then he won't have people staring at him."

"You got it." Taking Ron's other arm, they managed to get him moving and up the stairs. After he sat down he began going through his trio of letters. Harry stood off to the side with Hermione.

"Like a kid on Christmas morning isn't he?"

"Like Ronald on Christmas morning."

"Fair enough. Say…I was thinking…this is pretty much the last free weekend the four of us are going to have before we finish school and start our careers. Except Ginny of course. I was thinking we could spend it at my place. It's practically deserted now and we could really get some peace and quiet. Besides, I haven't been back there since March, what with Quiddich and all, and I'd kind of like to get used to it as my home."

"Sounds like a good idea to me…" The way she trailed off caught his attention.

"What?"

"Oh…I was…just thinking. When Ron and I get married…we'll need a place to live. I mean, the Burrow's great but…"

"Living with your husband's parents, not so much?"

"Yeah…"

"You're always welcome at my place. Got plenty of room. Just use a good silencing charm." She blushed a little at that and gestured to her room while mumbling.

"I'll…just go pack." She shuffled off while Harry headed out to find Ginny and pack himself. The problem of where his friends would go after their wedding bounced around in his head along with a hundred other thoughts. Finding her just getting out of class he greeted her with a light kiss and offered to walk her to the dorm, which she readily accepted.

"What's up?"

"I was talking to Hermione and we thought it would be a great idea to spend the weekend at my house. It's the last true waste however we want time the three of us will have…probably for quite a while. I wanted to find you so you'd have time to pack before dinner. We'll leave right after." She grinned broadly at the idea.

"Okay! I'll be ready." They walked on for a while in silence before she slowed and turned to him. "So…figured out what you're going to do? After school I mean."

"Well…I was thinking I could just be popular. You, go around, sign autographs, make appearances. Gilderoy seemed to enjoy it." Her look probably could have melted steel had any been between them.

"Ha ha, Professor Lockhart. Seriously though? You still wan to be an Auror?"

"Yeah…I do. And I probably will be but…you see," he pulled out the bundle of letters, "I got these today from professional Quiddich teams so my choice just got a little harder." She stared at the letters for a moment before he put them away.

"Well…I'm sure your make the right choice. Now…I'm going to go pack. Later."

"Bye." They parted with a kiss and Harry headed for his own room to pack his own things.

Appearing as one in the entryway to Harry's house, they looked around. Surprisingly the rooms were still clean and dust free despite Mrs. Weasley's absence. Harry might have asked Dumbledore about it, but his portrait as still absent at the moment. Apparently he was off visiting somewhere else. Likely one of his frog cards considering how much he liked them. Moments later a clanking of pots drug there attention to the kitchen door. Hermione glanced back at him.

"Harry…were you expecting company?" He shook his head as his wand appeared in his hand.

"Not that I know of. Come on." Taking the lead he began down the steps, his weekend pack over one shoulder and the other holding his wand. He momentarily wished he had grabbed his sword before leaving the school, but it would have been rather impractical to carry. Taking one last breath he kicked open the door and burst through, ready to cast whatever might be needed. Instead of intruders or even Death Eaters, he found a pair of very surprised house elves frozen in mid step as they cleaned a few dishes they must have found somewhere in the attic. Dobby looked up at Harry from beneath a pot.

"Master Harry! Dobby didn't expect you home so soon! School is not over until next week!" Harry stared stupidly for a moment before putting his wand away.

"Uh…yeah. We decided to spend the weekend here Dobby. To relax a bit. But speaking of school…what are you doing here? I thought you two were at Hogwarts until the end of the year." Dobby nodded vigorously, nearly dropping the pot.

"Yes sir! But when Headmistress McGonagall heard we were to come here when the year was over, she let us go early. Isn't that wonderful!" Harry's grin became just slightly fixed.

"Yeah…great."

"Dobby and Winky just finished cleaning the other floors sir and were cleaning these dishes."

"Oh…well…carry on." At the command Dobby continued with the pot over to the sink to rinse. After staring for a moment, Harry shook his head and started back up the stairs. It was weird how he could almost feel the look radiating from Hermione's eyes as she followed him back up. Reaching the entryway once more, he turned to face her. Yep, there was the look.

"You…own a pair of house elves?" He quickly raised his hands defensively.

"No! Well…yes, but no!" Her eyebrow was rising higher and higher as he fumbled for an answer. "They work for me! I hired them to be house elves here! They're employees!" Hermione considered him for another moment before letting the eyebrow slip back down.

"Well…good. Now…I have to go unpack." With a nod she turned and headed up the stairs. With a shrug, Ron followed her, tripping a couple times since it wasn't the stairs he was staring at. Harry watched them go and let out a breath at his escape from her gaze.

"You hired Dobby…and Winky? Are you insane?" He turned to find Ginny staring at him from his side.

"Uh…no? Come on, this place is huge and slightly crazy or not, they are good house elves. Dobby's even become a decent cook." She stared at him for a moment before shrugging.

"I guess so. Well…I'm going to go unpack."

"Good idea." Harry followed her up and tripped a couple times himself.

(A/N): If you feel it is warranted feel free to review. I welcome any and all opinions.