Chapter 5

Tuesday, 27 August, 1996

Potter House, Pottershire

"Thank you, Harry," Millie said. It was late. The last partygoers were leaving. The only ones left were Daphne and Millie. Katie was busy thanking Daphne for coming.

"It was my pleasure," Harry replied with a soft smile. He'd ended up fingering her to three orgasms, and gotten two in return, one from Katie and the other from Millie.

"You were my first, you know," Millie told him.

"First…" Harry teased out.

"First kiss, first orgasm from another person…" Millie replied. "I'll remember it forever."

"You're a good person, Millie. Someday someone great is gonna realise how incredible you are, and make you a very happy girl," Harry predicted. "I just hope it's soon."

"Thanks," Millie smiled. She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

When they were gone, Harry turned to Katie.

"Bed?" he asked.

"Bed," she agreed, grinning.

"Wild party, huh?" Harry asked, taking her hand as they went upstairs.

"Yeah," Katie replied. They walked for a bit in silence.

"D'you seriously want me to shag Hermione?" he asked. They hadn't discussed it since the shenanigans with Millie had started.

"You know? I kinda do," Katie told him.

"But…" Harry protested.

"Look, Hermione's not some trollop who wants to steal you away," Katie reasoned. "You love her, but not the same way you love me, and I don't think sex'll change that. Think of it as comforting her, or teaching her. I'm actually far more comfortable with you shagging Hermione than I would've been with you shagging Ginny last September."

"Before she got over her crush?" Harry asked knowingly.

"Exactly," Katie nodded. "Hermione's not crushing on you."

"So, what would this sex look like?" Harry wondered. "Like, would it be two on one, you watching from the bed, you watching from across the room?"

"That's something we'd have to talk about with Hermione," Katie said. "I'm not aroused by Hermione, so I don't think it'd turn into a true orgy, but I could definitely see any of the scenarios you mentioned playing out. I'd prefer either of the first two, but…" she trailed off.

"Which girls arouse you?" Harry wondered.

"Millie, for one," Katie grinned. "Those tits… Ginny's a firecracker… Hmm, Susan, I suppose."

"Except for Ginny, they've all got big breasts," Harry pointed out.

"What can I say? I have a type," Katie replied. "I like big boobs."

"Any guys arouse you?" Harry asked.

"I'd not kick Fred, George, or Lee out of bed," Katie admitted. "I've not seen Dean nude yet, but there's potential there. Neville, too, come to think of it."

"Neville?" Harry asked, astounded. The rest of her picks were athletic, but Neville was still a little doughy.

"Sure," Katie agreed. "But with him, it's more about his personality. He's like a lost little puppy I just wanna to help out."

"Kinda like me and Millie," Harry nodded, knowingly. "She's fit, but she's got no self-esteem, and I just want to grab her and say, 'You're fucking hot! Show it off!'"

"I think she's finally got the message on that front," Katie smiled and grabbed him around the waist.

"So, are you here for the night, then?" Harry asked as they reached his door.

"That really depends on you," Katie replied.

"Oh?" Harry asked. "You know you're always welcome here." He opened the door.

"In that case, how would you feel if I moved in full-time?" Katie asked as they entered his sitting room.

"Wouldn't that cause problems with your dad and Brenda?" Harry suggested as they entered the dressing room.

"I'm legally an adult as of today," Katie pointed out. "Brenda already gave her blessing, and said she'd talk with Dad if you're on board."

"I'd be a fool not to be," Harry reasoned, passing through to the bedroom. "When d'you want to move in?"

"I'll bring my stuff by tomorrow," Katie said.

"Excellent," Harry said happily. "I've missed sleeping with you."

"Me too," Katie agreed. She pulled her t-shirt over her head. Harry also started undressing. "When are you gonna talk to Hermione?"

"You really want me to shag her, don't you?" Harry asked as he slipped off his trousers.

"Don't you?" Katie pressed, shucking her own.

"Katie, I love you," Harry said. "I want to be with you. Sex with you is enough. I… I feel bad when I do stuff like with Millie and Ginny, like I'm cheating." He hurried, not wanting her to interrupt. "I mean, I know I'm not, but it seems like it. Plus, I'm the one getting to do stuff, and you're not… I'm not explaining this very well. I guess, it makes me feel guilty, but I don't really know why."

"Relax," Katie said, unhooking her bra. "I understand. Our exploration into swinging's been a little one sided. D'you wanna change that? I know for a fact that Lee and Leanne have asked if you're ready to… do something."

"I don't know," Harry said truthfully. "I'd need to think about it." He sighed as he dropped his boxers. "That still doesn't answer the question about Hermione, though."

"That's not really swinging," Katie shrugged, shimmying out of her knickers. "That's teaching a friend that loving couples can trust each other enough to have sex with others, and still be in love. If she's gonna hang around topless or nude beaches, her partner's gonna look, and she needs to get over it. But to prove that a loving relationship like ours is possible she's gonna need to see it from the inside."

"That's not what you told her," Harry pointed out, eyeing her as she bent over nude.

"She'd just been betrayed by an arsehole!" Katie countered, sliding into bed. "I'm not gonna kick a girl when she's down." She scooted over to get closer to Harry as he did the same. She kissed him deeply. "Now, d'you have it in you for another go?"

"I think I can last," Harry replied with a grin, reaching out to caress her breast as he returned her kiss.

"Watching you with Millie got me so fucking hot," Katie revealed a few moments later as she grabbed his cock and started rubbing.

"Oh, yeah?" Harry asked, moving his head down to suckle her breast.

"Yeah," Katie moaned. "Seeing how hard she made you… Watching her face as she came…" She groaned as his fingers slipped inside her.

"So, you like to watch," Harry whispered. "That turns you on?"

"I had to frig myself off while you were busy with Millie," Katie sighed. "Twice. You didn't even notice."

"I'll make it up to you," Harry promised as he kissed his way down her stomach, finally settling between her legs.

"Fuck yeah," Katie sighed, rolling her head back as Harry's tongue made contact with her clit. The noise in the room dissolved into sighs, gasps, moans, squeaks, and the steady sound of Harry's tongue. Eventually, it all became too much for her. "Stop playing with me, and fuck me," she growled, pulling on his shoulders to reinforce her desires.

Harry pushed up so he could line up his cock with her entrance, and slid in. He'd fucked her dozens of times, but it still felt amazing. Katie never failed to excite him. Between her body and playing with Millie earlier, he was all worked up. Despite that, he'd already come twice, so he didn't feel the urgency of an impending orgasm.

He thrust into her for several minutes in missionary, before grabbing her and rolling onto his back, pulling her with him. He liked cowgirl, because he could watch her breasts ride up and down, and he got a front row seat as his cock entered her. She grinned down at him as she started rolling her hips, then threw her head back wantonly and moaned. Harry snuck a finger between her legs and resumed rubbing her clit and she started bucking.

"Oh, fuck, that feels good," she sighed. She was close, he could tell. He started meeting her with thrusts and rubbed her nipple with his free hand. She let out a guttural moan and shuddered atop him. He could feel her clenching his cock, and that little extra set him off as well. With a final thrust he came. Feeling that, she collapsed on top to him, sighing with contentment.

"You're bloody amazing," Harry told her as she rolled off and cuddled up next to him.

"I know," she grinned at him. "So're you."

-oooo-

The next day Katie was off supervising the transfer of her things to Potter House. Harry found himself at Hermione's house just after ten o'clock. Hermione's place was large and empty. At Potter House there were always elves making noise in just the other room, or someone stopping by for a visit. At Hermione's, Harry's footsteps echoed through the entry hall.

"Hermione!" Harry called out, looking around.

"I'm in the library!" came her muffled voice from behind the double doors in front of him. Harry walked over and pulled one open. Hermione's library was different from his, and reflected how books and learning were central to who Hermione was as a person. The library itself was circular, and capped with a massive glass dome. Bookshelves projected from the outer wall like the spokes of a wheel. In the centre was a column, rising from the floor with a circular staircase inside. More rows of books emanated from the column, though not as many as from the outer wall. Between the two rings of bookshelves was a wide aisle running around the room.

Soaring above were iron catwalks and more bookshelves, going up three storeys. Above them all was a secluded platform atop the column, outfitted with a comfy chair and side table, sitting right under the dome.

"You're going to make me walk all the way up there?" Harry complained, when he saw her leaning over the side. He saw her nod and smile.

"Don't worry, it's worth it," she called down. Harry sighed and went to the steps. Nearly a minute later, Harry emerged onto the platform. It was set a few feet above the base of the glass dome, and gave the impression that they were on top of the world. Harry could see over the rest of her house and off into the vast wilderness beyond.

"Wow," Harry said, unable to articulate it better.

"I told you it was worth it," Hermione smirked, putting her book aside.

"I can see why you're up here," Harry observed.

"Yes, but why are you?" Hermione asked, wondering about the purpose of his visit.

"Katie suggested I come over to see if you'd though about things," Harry said vaguely, sitting on the ottoman in front of Hermione's chair.

"You're serious?" Hermione asked, aghast.

"Katie made some valid points," Harry admitted. "It's really up to you, but she sold me on it."

"How?" Hermione wanted to know.

"The way she explained it, it benefits all of us," Harry began. "You would get to see that two people can love each other and be comfortable seeing others nude, seeing others shag, and doing sexual things with others. I'd get to have my first real swinging experience with someone I'm comfortable with, love, and care about, so I can gain confidence with swinging. Katie gets turned on seeing me with other girls. It's win-win-win."

"I find it hard to believe that Katie's on board with this," Hermione restated.

"If you'll recall, it was her idea," Harry pointed out. "She wants this more than we do, which, coincidentally, is why I think it'll work. She's clearly not jealous of us. We clearly love each other, even if we're not in love with each other. I care about you, Hermione, and I want to see you happy. Despite trying so bloody hard, you weren't happy with Justin."

"And I can be happy being your mistress?" Hermione asked.

"I didn't say that," Harry countered. "I said you'd learn how to be more accepting of open sexuality in a partner." It was odd for him to be on the other side of this argument, having just gone through this with Katie from the other side. "Look, I'm offering this to you, in whatever form you want that Katie and I are comfortable with. There's no obligation here. You can quit anytime. That said, is it really that off-putting for you? You've been nude with me plenty of times. You watched me get a hand job at least twice…"

"Underwater," Hermione pointed out. "It doesn't really count, because I couldn't see anything but some arm movement."

"Regardless," Harry said. "Katie wants it, I'm more than fine with it. The offer's on the table if you're interested. I'd actually be relieved if you were my first real swinging partner. Katie mentioned last night that Lee and Leanne have asked if we're ready to start swinging yet. I don't know if I'm quite there yet."

"Is it because of Lee?" Hermione asked, curious.

"Partly," Harry admitted. "I've seen that group shagging a lot, and I know it's just sex, but I still don't know if Katie and I'll be the same afterwards. I suppose if I shag you first, and see she's OK with it, it'll make me feel more confident for when she ends up shagging some other bloke, you know?"

"You'll not fall for me if we do?" Hermione asked, a small smile on her face. She was teasing him now.

"I fell for you long ago," Harry admitted. "You know I love you, but I don't think we'll ever be man and wife. It's not that kind of love."

"I know," Hermione nodded. "Can I think about it for a bit?"

"Take all the time you need," Harry smiled.

-oooo-

Katie got moved in in record time, thanks to the elves. Sam hadn't been thrilled, but Brenda had managed to talk to Katie's father, and when Harry ran into him at Platform 9¾ the next Sunday, he was polite, if a little disgruntled.

"It's not you," Sam told Harry on the platform. "I just have to come to terms with the fact that my little girl's all grown up."

"I understand," Harry nodded, though he really couldn't say he knew how Sam felt. "If it's any comfort, she asked me, not the other way around."

"The end result's the same," Sam pointed out. He sighed, defeated. "Look, so long as you don't flaunt it in my face, I can at least pretend it's not happening." Harry nodded. He understood that. Sam didn't need to know that just that morning he'd woken up to a blowjob, and reciprocated later.

"I'll endeavour to be the very soul of discretion," Harry promised.

"Now that that's out of the way, maybe you can explain to me why you feel the need to ride this fool thing when you're living out of your trunk," Sam commanded.

"I dunno," Harry shrugged. "Tradition mostly. I mean, sure, I could have my elf pop the trunk to my room, and just step out, but most of the rest of my friends don't have elves or don't have trunks. Riding this train with them's about as normal as I'll ever be."

"Fair point," Sam grumped. Harry didn't begrudge him his surliness. He was sure the man would grow out of it in time. Maybe after they married.

"Ready to go?" Katie asked, bouncing over to him. She'd been saying hello to Leanne, but had quickly returned to rescue him from Sam's clutches.

"Yep," Harry agreed. "Bye Sam, Brenda," he waved. "I'm sure we'll see you soon."

"Thanks for coming, Dad," Katie said, kissing him on the cheek. "Bye Brenda. Are you still coming over for dinner tomorrow?"

"Yes, yes," Brenda said, shooing them away. "See you then, dear." If she said anything else, Harry didn't hear it, as Katie pulled him away towards the train. Boarding it, he was reminded of how small the compartments were compared to his train. He also realised he was older and bigger, and that, of course these compartments wouldn't seem as spacious as they had when he was eleven.

They eventually found a compartment, where they were soon joined by Leanne, Hermione, and Fay Dunbar. Fay had grown fairly close to Hermione the year before, and given her recent breakup, it wasn't surprising to see Hermione in the company of another single friend.

"It's a pity the Express isn't as nice as your trains, Harry," Leanne commented as they settled in. Harry shrugged. Lee and Leanne had ridden on his trains often, being frequent guests of Pottershire over the summer, mostly at the Resort, and Leanne sported a deep tan.

"I can't say I blame them," Harry replied. "I don't have three hundred unruly teenagers and children crowding onto my trains. Makes sense not to make them too nice."

"Sucks for the rest of us, though," Katie noted.

"It's not that bad," Hermione joined the conversation. "Plus, it's fun to hang out with friends."

"D'you have a prefects' meeting this year?" Harry asked Hermione.

"In an hour," she replied.

"Who're the new Gryffindor prefects?" Harry wanted to know.

"I'll find out in an hour," Hermione replied. The train started to move.

"Hey, you lot, look what I got!" Ginny crowed as she burst into the compartment. She flashed a shiny silver badge.

"Congratulations, Ginny," Katie said, seeing the Quidditch Captain badge. "You deserve it."

"Thanks!" Ginny beamed. "Ron's quite put out about it, which is a nice bonus. I'm sure you both had something to do with it."

"We might've advised McGonagall last year that you had certain qualities she might find appealing," Harry allowed. Ginny, giddy with excitement, hugged them both. "Try-outs are Saturday!" she said as she turned to leave. "I'll need your help picking our new teammates." Without another word she was gone.

"She seemed… more excited than usual," Fay said quietly, looking at the shut door.

"I can't believe it took McGonagall this long to get her the badge," Katie said to Harry. "She didn't know about it at the party."

"Who can say how McGonagall's mind works," Harry shrugged. "I'm just glad she took our advice."

"Yeah," Katie agreed.

"I suppose that means she'll be a chaser this year?" Fay asked. Harry was surprised. Usually, Fay was quiet. Outside of class, he couldn't recall speaking more than a dozen words to her, and he couldn't recall her ever speaking in a group as large as six before.

"Her and Katie," Harry confirmed. "Jimmy'll be moving up to starting beater, but we'll need another chaser and beater, plus probably a couple reserves. Why? You thinking about going out for the team?"

"Maybe," Fay shrugged. "It looks like fun." Harry was shocked. He'd assumed that since she was quiet and withdrawn, she was bookish like Hermione.

"I didn't realise you were into quidditch," Katie commented. Fay shrugged.

"I don't know if I'm into it," she replied. "I've never played, but I follow the league casually. I'm fair on a broom, though."

"What are you into?" Harry asked, curious.

"Lots of things," Fay answered. "I like crosswords and other puzzles."

"Anything else?" Harry pressed.

"I find duelling interesting," she shrugged. "Motorsport as well. I follow Formula One."

"Really?" Hermione asked, astounded. Fay smiled and nodded.

"I was in Belgium last weekend for the Belgian Grand Prix," Fay informed her.

"Who's your team?" Katie asked, interested.

"Personally, I like Rothmans, particularly their driver Damon Hill, but everyone knows Michael Schumacher will win," she offered. "It's hard not to like Ferrari, and Eddie Irvin's a Brit, so I can follow them and be patriotic, as well."

"I had no idea," Hermione said. "I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Fay shrugged with a smile. "Most girls don't like duelling or Formula One, so I didn't bring it up before. I do actually like reading as well, like I told you."

"You should definitely try out," Katie told Fay.

"Beware of the showers, though," Leanne advised. "Or don't. I don't know how much of a puritan you are."

"Why?" Fay asked, frowning. "Do the girls lez out in the showers?" She looked at Katie.

"I don't think I ever saw Angelina or Alicia doing anything to each other," Katie said, after thinking for a moment. "And I know Ginny and Demelza haven't."

"So then why the warning?" Fay wondered.

"It's because the team showers co-ed," Hermione told her. "If you'd ever gone down to the pool in Harry's basement during a party, you'd've seen the Weasley twins, their girlfriends, and this libertine and her boyfriend all shagging each other on the pool deck." She nodded to Leanne.

"Really?" Fay asked, surprised. "I'd no idea." She considered it for a moment. "Does the whole team have sex together?" she asked Katie and Harry.

"Nah," Katie shook her head. "The twins and their girlfriends did, but they're off the team. Harry and I aren't quite up to doing it in public yet, and neither are Jimmy and Demelza. If Ginny convinces Dean to try out, I've no idea what she'll try in the shower. With the team as it stands now, you'll definitely see plenty of male and female nudity, and a few shenanigans, but nothing hard core. Depending on who's on the team, though, who knows?"

"That certainly puts a fresh spin on things," Fay said. "I'll have to think about whether I still want to try out or not."

Just then there was a knock at the door. A second year Hufflepuff popped in.

"I've a note for Harry Potter," she said, practically shaking with nerves.

"Thanks," Harry said, taking it. Without another word, the Hufflepuff girl bolted from the room.

"What is it, Harry?" Katie asked.

"I've been invited to lunch with a Professor Slughorn," Harry read. "Never heard of him."

-oooo-

The Hogwarts Express arrived in Hogsmeade without incident. The five compartment-mates squeezed into a carriage by the simple expedient of Katie sitting on Harry's lap.

"That's not really appropriate," Hermione said, glancing down at her prefect's badge.

"Oh, come on," Katie pleaded. "We're alone. No one in here cares."

"Fine," Hermione sighed.

"You're the best," Katie grinned. The rest of the ride proceeded in silence. It wasn't until the carriage arrived at the castle doors that Harry got a sense of foreboding. When he dismounted the carriage, he spied Dumbledore standing there at the top of the steps.

"Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said. "I'd like to have a word."

"Can it wait until after the feast?" Harry asked. He was hungry.

"Very well," Dumbledore allowed with a frown. "I shall be in my office after the feast. Please join me then." Harry nodded and lead Katie past and in to dinner.

-oooo-

"You wanted to speak with me?" Harry asked as he entered the Headmaster's office an hour later. Katie followed behind, unwilling to let him go anywhere by himself, especially after what they'd learnt about Professor Dumbledore earlier that summer.

"Yes," Dumbledore nodded. "Please sit." Harry and Katie did so. "I hadn't realised you would be bringing a guest." It was a slight Harry chose to ignore. He shrugged, staring intently at Dumbledore, but waiting for him to continue. Dumbledore chose to stretch the moment out. Harry refused to become uncomfortable. At last, the Headmaster spoke.

"Vernon and Petunia Dursley are dead," Dumbledore told him flatly. Harry didn't react. After a few beats, Dumbledore continued. "They were killed by Voldemort on Saturday, the 24th."

"What about Dudley?" Harry asked, breaking his silence.

"The young Mr. Dursley was out with friends and survived," Dumbledore answered, pleased that some good had come from the incident. "He's currently at his boarding school, where he is processing his grief." Harry nodded.

"How did it happen?" Katie wanted to know.

"I'm not entirely certain what happened, or when," Dumbledore explained. "Hestia Jones arrived for her shift guarding 4 Privet Drive on Sunday morning. Mundungus Fletcher had been on duty the night before, but had… departed early. Ms. Jones arrived and found the door open and the house dark. Understandably worried, she investigated and found Vernon dead in the parlour and Petunia dead in the kitchen. They both appeared to have been murdered by the killing curse. She contacted me immediately, and I arrived to investigate."

"So, you don't really know anything," Harry declared.

"On the contrary," Dumbledore rebutted. "We know quite a bit. Upon my arrival, I began my investigation. The wards I had erected all those years ago were still standing, if barely. They were very weak. Inside the house, there was only one magical signature, that of Tom Riddle. From this, I was able to infer that Voldemort had entered the home alone, and killed them."

"At least I was vindicated in my choices," Harry observed neutrally.

"Mr. Potter, your relatives are dead," Dumbledore said sadly. "I don't believe this is the time…"

"Professor," Harry interrupted, getting angry. "I have told you that my relatives were abusive and cruel. I speculated that your blood wards would be ineffective against Voldemort, and I was proven right. Even if I'd kept my trunk there, my relatives would still be dead. The only difference would be that I would've been closer to the danger. Instead, I was perfectly safe with my trunk stored at Grimmauld Place. That said, I didn't kill them. Voldemort did. Nothing that happened with regards to them is my fault. I sent them a letter warning them they should move."

"It pains me that you cannot feel grief for your aunt and uncle," Dumbledore said.

"I suppose I'm not as decent a person as you, Professor," Harry snapped. "Are we done?"

"Not yet," Dumbledore told him. "There is one other thing. This year I would like to spend some time with you in more personal lessons."

"Lessons for what?" Harry asked, sure he didn't want to spend any more time around Dumbledore than necessary. Now that he knew Dumbledore's secrets, he could practically see the man concealing things from him.

"I want to teach you about Voldemort," Dumbledore revealed.

"I doubt you know much more about Tom Riddle that's useful than I do," Harry shot back. "Did you get the horcrux from the shack?" he asked, shocking Dumbledore. "Amelia Bones said you promised her."

"I… yes," Dumbledore said, dumbfounded. He reached into his desk and pulled a broken ring with an ugly dark stone set into the top onto the table. "This…"

"… was the last of Tom Riddle's horcruxes," Harry finished firmly. Dumbledore's eyes narrowed.

"You cannot be sure of that," Dumbledore said.

"Well, except me," Harry commented off-handedly. "But the Unspeakables are working on that problem."

"Again, I'm baffled as to how you can know for certain that you are the last remaining horcrux, or that you even know what a horcrux is," Dumbledore said. "Perhaps you would care to share?"

"The diary my second year was the first," Harry related. "The snake, Nagini, which Marcus Flint took to the Ministry was the second. Hufflepuff's cup was the third. I was actually identified fourth, but, for obvious reasons haven't yet been cleansed. The Unspeakables suggested I ask Dobby to track down the rest, and he was able to tell me that there were four more soul pieces out there: Salazar Slytherin's locket, which Dobby found at Grimmauld Place; Ravenclaw's Diadem, which he found here at Hogwarts; that ring, which he located in a shack in the north of England, but couldn't retrieve; and Tom Riddle himself, who I asked Dobby to leave where he was. Dobby brought me the locket and the diadem, which I destroyed with the Sword of Gryffindor earlier this summer along with Hufflepuff's cup which Sirius had got from reclaiming Bellatrix' dowery. Since Dobby couldn't get through the enchantments around the ring, we fobbed that job off on Amelia, who let you do it for some reason."

"To clarify, except for the horcrux behind your scar, Voldemort is mortal?" Dumbledore asked. Harry nodded. "That is a relief," the old man sighed.

"See? Nothing relevant about Riddle I don't already know," Harry commented lightly.

"On the contrary, there are a great many things you do not know which are of import," Dumbledore said grimly. "There is a prophecy…"

"I heard that over the summer too," Harry said roughly. "The orb's been destroyed, in case you were worried about an unmarked Death Eater, or some unfortunate under the imperious curse trying to nab it. I'm also aware that Professor Snape's the one who overheard it and passed it to Riddle, or at least, a part of it."

"It would seem you have impeccable intelligence," Dumbledore allowed, smiling at last. The statement hung there for a moment. The silence stretched on, Harry unwilling to give Dumbledore anymore.

Harry thought back to the memories Snape had given Amelia. Dumbledore had known the prophecy from the beginning. He knew Snape knew, which could only mean that Voldemort would know, though Harry was a little fuzzy on whether Dumbledore knew Snape was already a Death Eater at that point. He certainly did prior to his parents' deaths.

"You've hidden things from me," Harry accused angrily.

"There was no point in burdening you," Dumbledore reasoned. "I wanted to allow you to enjoy your childhood."

"Then you failed," Harry scoffed. "I've only enjoyed life since I came to Hogwarts, and I've only been truly carefree since last fall. Although, I found at the beginning of the summer that I had cares I was completely unaware of. So, so much for carefree, I suppose."

"You are referring to your impending death," Dumbledore nodded sadly. "In that, we have a common dilemma: how to make the most of our remaining days?"

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked, confused.

"The protections surrounding the ring were… impressive," Dumbledore said, waving his wand over his right hand, dispelling a notice-me-not charm and revealing a blackened ring finger. The rest of the hand was pallid and grey. Katie gasped. Harry stared at the damage. "The ring bore both a compulsion charm and a withering curse. Alas, it shall eventually prove fatal."

"I'm sorry to hear you're dying," Harry said sincerely. Though he had grown to dislike the man over the last year, he didn't wish him dead. At most, he wanted Dumbledore out of his life and national politics.

"Thanks to Mr. Snape I shall have many months before I pass on to the next great adventure," Dumbledore consoled him. Harry was confused.

"But, Snape…" Harry trailed off. It had been announced at dinner that Professor Horace Slughorn had been brought on board as the new potions professor, replacing the temporary placeholder, Auror Hammer. Snape had resigned long before the end of the last year.

"I still visit with Mr. Snape, even though he chooses not to grace the school with his presence," Dumbledore revealed. Harry snorted. Snape couldn't set foot in the school and remain conscious, thanks to the Dark Mark wards which had been installed following the Death Eater attack at the Gryffindor-Hufflepuff quidditch match. "He provides me with a potion which impedes the spread of the curse. So long as I take it daily, Mr. Snape predicts I shall have at least ten months remaining. More than enough to set my affairs in order."

"At least you know," Harry said, unsure what else he could say.

"As do you," Dumbledore nodded. "Have you given any thought to preparing your estate?"

"I don't plan on dying," Harry countered, frowning.

"Neither did I," Dumbledore chuckled. "And yet, here we are." Silence fell on the office as each person present was lost in thought. "You shall have to face the truth eventually."

"You assume I need to die," Harry pointed out. "I refuse to accept that. I'm placing my faith in the Unspeakables."

"And they may eventually lead you to a scenario where your death is not necessary," Dumbledore admitted. "However, you cannot know when destiny shall come calling, and you may need to meet it. You should be prepared for that."

"How can you be so certain?" Harry snapped, growing angry.

"Experience," Dumbledore said with a smile.

"Someday you'll have to explain your crazy morals to me," Harry fumed. "I can't figure them out. You expect me to die, and don't seem to interested in finding a solution where I don't, yet you're extremely eager to prevent the deaths of any of Voldemort's followers. You might as well get yourself one of their neat tattoos. I would seem to fit your morals better than anything light I can think of."

"On the contrary," Dumbledore said calmly, "it fits very well, when you take into account two important factors: first, it is impossible to fight against destiny. The prophecy lays out something which will happen. Your death is inevitable. Nothing I, or anyone else could do can change that. I am resigned to it. Second, I view death not as the end, but as the next great adventure. The more people who die in the light, the more can enjoy a good adventure, rather than a bad one."

"You mean heaven?" Katie asked, for clarification.

"In the Christian mythology, yes," Dumbledore allowed. "This life is fleeting. Muggles rarely live longer than a century. Magicals can last longer, but not more than twice as long under usual conditions. In the grand scheme of the journey of the soul, it is but a drop in the bucket. I believe that our actions in this world impact our destination in the next. I consider it a victory if I can ensure that more souls can enjoy a good adventure, regardless of how long they spend here."

"That's… insane," Harry practically cried. "I've heard that prophecy! It doesn't say I have to die, it says that I can't live while Voldemort survives, and that I have the power to defeat him!"

"C'mon, Harry," Katie said firmly, standing and grabbing his hand. "We're done here. Good evening, Headmaster." Without another word, she pulled Harry from the room, not even sparing Dumbledore another glance.

"Can you believe him!?" Harry asked as they descended the stairs from his office.

"No," Katie agreed stonily. "He doesn't give people agency to make their own decisions. He also doesn't take into account differing interpretations of the afterlife."

"What an arse," Harry swore.

"Can we not talk about Dumbledore right now?" Katie asked, growing visibly disturbed. "I don't think I can take it. He just told my boyfriend he had to die for no fucking reason."

"Sure," Harry said, suddenly in the position of comforting Katie, instead of the other way around. "Wanna go home?"

"Yeah," Katie nodded, smiling despite moist eyes. "I need a cuddle."