Chapter Twenty-One- Farewell

Harry sniffed and he felt Snape squeeze his hand. Harry hadn't really cried over Dumbledore's death, likely because it hadn't seemed real until now, here, at the funeral. The sight of Hagrid carrying Dumbledore's wrapped body to the front, brought tears to his eyes and then they slid down his face. He's gone. I'll never see him or speak to him again. There's much about him I don't known and never thought to ask. He thought of the locket in his pocket and knew that he needed to hunt down the real Horcrux and the remaining ones before facing Voldemort. It was a journey that meant leaving his friends, his school, and his mate. He didn't want to put anyone else he cared for in danger.

Screams rent the air as a couple of things happened in quick succession. First, white flames engulfed Dumbledore's body and then vanished to show that the body was covered by white marble. Then, a shower of arrows were fired by the centaurs; a show of respect that fell short of the crowd. The herd ran back into the forest and the merpeople who had been present to witness the funeral sank under the water.

The funeral guests were starting to get up and Harry followed suite. "Severus, I need to speak with Ron and Hermione. I'll be back." He headed toward his friends and with a tilt of his head, they walked away from the crowd. "Guys, listen. I'm not coming back to Hogwarts next year if it stays open."

Ron and Hermione exchanged looks. "We thought you would say that," said Hermione. "And we're coming with you."

"What? No, I need to do it alone. I don't want to put you in danger."

"We know that, mate, but we've been together for years and gone through a lot with you. We're not leaving you now."

Harry sighed, then smiled. "Yeah, I thought so and honestly, I'll be glad to have company."

"Well, don't start out yet. There's Bill and Fleur's wedding. Mum would kill us if we miss it."

"Okay."

"Harry, is Snape okay with this?" Hermione asked.

"I haven't told him yet. I thought I tell you and then him."

"Better do it now. The train will be leaving before long," Ron said.

Harry nodded and rushed back to Snape who hadn't moved. He sat and slowly exhaled. "Severus, I was thinking-,"

"You're not coming back next year."

"Gee, you and my friends know me too well."

"We should."

"I want to destroy the Horcruxes as soon as I can and who knows where I'll have to go to retrieve them. I'll leave Hedwig with you and most of my possessions."

"Of course and if you need to talk to me, contact me with telepathy. That has unlimited range."

"Great."

"Also, you and your friends can use our house during your search. I'll join you during the holidays."

"That would be nice." Harry nuzzled Snape's face. "I won't leave just yet. There Bill and Fleur's wedding coming up."

"Yes and naturally we'll be invited."

"Naturally."

"Will you be riding the train to King's Cross?"

"Yes. You'll be there?"

"I will." Snape stood and Harry did too. They headed inside to pack his trunk and Snape felt a lump in his throat. He knew what Harry would have to do once the other Horcruxes were destroyed, though Harry did not. When only Voldemort remains, I will reveal the last terrible secret to him. I may lose my mate at that point…or I may not. Either way, I will spend these last happy weeks with him.

The End

And that's it. I do not intend to write a trilogy.