Disclaimer I don't own Harry Potter. All rights to the characters and universe the story belongs in belong to JK Rowling

Reviews and constructive criticism welcome. This is my first fanfic so any advice to help me improve would be welcome. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Chapter 1 - Reunion

Harry Potter slowly began to stir, as he woke up, he realised that he was more comfortable than he had been in months. He was lying on a warm soft mattress, something else was different too, he couldn't hear the rustling of the tent in the wind or rain striking the canvas. That's when it hit him.

It was over, he had defeated the single most dangerous wizard in history and now Tom Riddle was nothing more than a memory. He smiled slightly, then the weight of what it had cost came down on him. What if he had given himself up sooner? Or found out the last locations of the horcruxes a little bit quicker? Maybe some of those lost would still be here.

Tears leaked down his cheeks as he remembered those he knew and was closest too. Fred, Tonks, Lupin – Oh no what about Teddy! A fresh wave of agony rolled through Harry as he realised his godson had become an orphan during the battle much like himself. No, not like me. I'll be there for Teddy when no-one was for me and he'll have Andromeda and the Weasley's. There's no way in hell am I going to let him suffer like I did, and he will know his parents, I'll make sure to tell him all about them and how happy he made them. He thought fiercely.

Brushing away his tears Harry reached for the nightstand next to his fourposter bed to grab his glasses. As he moved to get up he gasped in pain, his body ached all over, particularly his chest. Feeling like he'd been trampled by a stampeding Hippogriff he pushed himself off the bed.

Wincing, he opened the curtains and managed to stand shakily, steadying himself he looked around the room. He was standing in his old Gryffindor dormitory surrounded by five familiar four poster beds. The other beds were all empty accept one, which was occupied by his two best friends curled up next to each other. About time. He thought smiling to himself.

Harry quickly summoned Hermione's small beaded bag, dived in for some fresh clothes then made his way into the bathroom. He stripped, or more accurately peeled, off the clothes he was wearing wincing as the air hit his fresh wounds. The shower's warm water felt good, relaxing his tense muscles as he worked the dried blood, dirt and grime off his skin.

After soaking himself for twenty minutes, and feeling a bit better, he went to look out the window. Automatically his eyes found his favourite place in the grounds. Bathed in light from the moon's reflection in the lake, the tree he used to sit under with Ginny during his sixth year still stood tall. Merlin what will she think of me now after Fred's death, will she even be able to look at me?

Trying to jump himself out of the guilt-stricken grief he was falling back into, Harry took the marauders map out of the moleskin pouch around his neck to leave on the table beside Ron and Hermione. I'm not going far but they'll have a panic attack if they can't find me. Feeling the need for some time to think Harry left the dormitory.

When he entered the common room the site made him smile, the room had been magically enlarged to encompass eight four poster beds around the room, one for each member of the Weasley family. Harry had always thought of the Weasleys as the family he never had, they had always been there for him, he was sure he wouldn't be where he was without them. He just hoped he had the courage to face them after the battle.

A murmur, the sound of someone tossing and turning caught his ear, finding the source of the noise his heart stopped. Ginny was thrashing around as if she was being tortured, pain was etched across her face, her red hair strewn around her wildly. She was muttering something under her breathe which made Harry's breathe catch, 'No please, not Harry he can't be dead, no please' tears fell freely from her closed eyes.

Needing to instantly comfort her, Harry started gently stroking her arm, whispering in her ear 'It's OK Gin, I'm not dead I'm right here. The wars over and we won. It's going to be OK' As he spoke, she started to settle down and he almost left it there but before he could stop himself three more words tumbled out of his mouth 'I love you.'

As soon as he said it her breathing steadied as she fell back into a peaceful sleep. Harry lightly kissed her on the forehead whilst covering her with the duvet before heading out of the portrait hole.

Harry wondered through the castle aimlessly as he took in the true extent of the damage that had been done. He noticed that some repair work had already been made to the stairs. However, they remained still and lifeless.

What hit home the most though were the corridors, some of which had been completely blown apart. Rubble was strewn across the floors and there were scorch marks adorning the walls. Despite the bodies having already been gathered, Harry could still see the remnants of dried blood where the defendants of Hogwarts had fought for their future.

The remaining picture frames that hadn't been blasted off the walls were empty, leaving the school eerily quiet. It feels as if the castle has died. The place has never been so quiet, it's not natural, this is how it must feel to be a bloody ghost.

Despite the many blockages in the corridors Harry's knowledge of the castles secret passageways soon brought him to the first-floor corridor. This was when the sound of someone quietly crying cut through his broodings.

With a feeling of foreboding at what he was going to find, Harry opened the door to the classroom the crying was coming from. He paled at the sight of those who had paid the ultimate price for fighting against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Fuck, so many gave their lives so that we could have ours. I don't even know half of them.

His eyes scanned the room until they settled on a red-haired man with a missing ear kneeling amongst the dead quietly sobbing as he held the head of a man who looked like his reflection. Tears welling in his eyes, Harry moved towards George as he cradled his twin brother, he kneeled next to the man placing a tentative hand on his shoulder.

'George?'

George slowly turned his head slightly and Harry saw the torment that was painted over the face that usually held so much joy. His eyes, usually twinkling with some unbeknownst mischief, were dull, lifeless. Dried tears stained his cheeks as fresh ones fell freely from his sunken red raw eyes. He doesn't look like he's slept in days why is life so cruel to the ones who give so much.

'I'm so sorry, if I could have saved him, I would have.' Harry choked as tears started to fall unchecked from his own eyes. 'I should have given myself up sooner I could have saved him and…'

'This isn't your fault Harry' George interrupted quietly 'Even if you had given yourself up earlier, we wouldn't have stopped fighting and even more people might have died. We don't blame you, no one does. This is Voldemort's fault and I'm glad you put the bastard six feet under.'

'I'm glad he's dead to, I just wish I'd done more to finish it quicker.'

'There's nothing more you could have done mate, I'm glad you're OK, I don't think I could have lost two brothers in one night.' The meaning of George's words hit Harry in full force as George pulled him into a bear hug.

'Although I am a bit miffed you've managed to get the best part of two days sleep, what woke you up sleeping beauty? A true love's kiss?' The humour forced a short laugh out of Harry as they pulled apart.

'I don't think so, I was quite alone when I woke up unless they had a disillusion charm on.' Harry said shakily. 'Two days huh? Have you been here the whole time?'

George's face fell and he felt sombre again 'Yeah I can't leave him, for the first time in twenty years I'm alone. Me and Fred do everything together, whenever someone says my name Fred's is always with it, now the prats gone where I can't follow him. I don't know what I'm going to do without him being there to deliver the p-punchline.' A fresh wave of emotion spread across Georges face and he started to sob harder.

'Come on George, let's go back to the common room. Everyone else is there and you need them as well as some sleep.'

'I won't leave him, until his buried it's the least I can do to make sure he's not alone.'

'You won't be leaving him George, you'll be taking him with you.' George looked at Harry in confusion. 'Those who love us never truly leave us and you can always find them in here.' At this Harry placed the palm of his hand on George's chest. 'He'll always be with you and he lives on in you, and the rest of your family, now that he's left his body behind.'

'Do you honestly believe that?' George looked almost hopeful.

'Yeah, I do.' Harry responded strongly.

George looked at him thoughtfully, Harry didn't think he was going to budge 'OK, just give me a couple more minutes then we'll go.'

Surprised, Harry nodded getting up to give George some extra time with Fred on his own. This was when he spotted the forms of Lupin and Tonks. Steeling himself he walked over to them to kneel by their side, despite himself he felt a small smile tug at his lips despite the grief he felt. Their features were relaxed as if they were sleeping with their hands clasped together.

'I can't thank you two enough for what you have done for me. You were both people I could turn to when I needed you and you helped me to face my fears. Remus I'm not sure how many other teachers would have persevered with teaching me the Patronus charm after I kept fainting. But you gave me the courage to keep going and without your amazing teaching, I would never have been able to save Sirius and have the small amount of time I got with him.' Harry was close to tears as he spoke.

'I promise I'll be there for Teddy and tell him about what amazingly brave and brilliant people you were. It was the proudest moment of my life you when you asked me to be his godfather and I'll support him and Andromeda in any way I can.' Harry looked around at George who nodded at him.

'I know I'll never be able to fill the void that you two have left behind but if I have half the impact you and Sirius had on me, I'll be quite proud of that. Goodbye you two, if you see Sirius and my mum and dad, give them my best yeah?' A single tear dropped down his cheek as he said goodbye to two people who had meant so much to him. Tonks had always found a way to light up a room as soon as she walked through the door and Remus had always been a confidant, one of (if not the) best teachers he had ever had.

Harry got up slinging his arm around George's shoulder in support. They made their way to Gryffindor tower, as they went George's exhaustion started to get the better of him so Harry had to half carry, half drag him through the portrait hole before unceremoniously dumping him onto a bed where George instantly fell asleep.

Harry walked over to the window and looked to the stars, becoming so engrossed in the view he didn't notice a certain redhead stand next to him. 'Hey.' She said gently.

Harry's head snapped round to her, his emerald green eyes meeting her brown chocolate ones. For the first time since he woke up Harry felt light. The sight of Ginny was breath-taking, immense relief washed through him. She had survived and although there was pain in her eyes there was also hope. All he wanted to do was take you her in his arms, but he was unsure where the two stood with each other. He knew what he wanted, did she still feel the same? Harry honestly couldn't blame her if she didn't.

'Hi Ginny.' Harry smiled as he spoke.

'Thanks for bringing George back, no-ones been able to get through to him that he needs to eat and sleep, I don't know how he's not collapsed before now.' Ginny said gratefully, the small smile she was wearing becoming warmer as she spoke. 'Bill and Charlie tried to drag him away but George tried to hex them. We're really worried about him.'

'He just needs time, he feels like he's alone for the first time since he was born. Give him some space and just be there for him when he needs you like I already know you will be.' Ginny nodded at this. 'How are you holding up?'

'I'm OK I guess I'm just really going to miss him.' Ginny suddenly looked a little uncomfortable 'Look can we go and talk somewhere? I just really need to speak to you and I don't want to get interrupted when everyone wakes up and mum starts rounding everyone up.'

'Yeah OK how about we go up to the astronomy tower?' Harry suggested.

'OK.'

They both turned away from the window to head towards their destination. Harry secretly hoped that Hermione would find the map first. She was more likely to give them privacy than anyone else. While they climbed the stairs to the tower Harry noticed Ginny throwing glances at him as if checking that he was really there, not just a figment of her imagination.

When they reached the top Harry turned towards her …

SMACK! Harry's face stung from the slap Ginny landed on him. In an instant her wand was out pointing upwards directly under his chin. 'HARRY JAMES POTTER' Ginny shouted as she backed him into the wall, 'DON'T EVER PULL A STUNT LIKE THAT AGAIN, I THOUGHT I LOST YOU WHEN I SAW YOU DEAD AT RIDDLES FEET!'

Harry stood stock still against the wall in shock.

'DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT DID TO ME TO SEE YOU DEAD? I THOUGHT I HAD DIED WITH YOU, IT FELT AS THOUGH A DEMENTOR WAS LIVING INSIDE MY CHEST. I DIDN'T THINK, I didn't think that I, that I could ever be happy a-a-again' she started to sob burying her head into his chest, she lowered her wand so she could grab hold of his shirt as if holding on for dear life.

Harry winced as her head hit the bruise on his chest. Instinctively he wrapped his arms around her 'Hey, hey it's Ok I'm here. We're both here. We're going to be OK.' He held her close and after a while Ginny started to calm down again, she wrapped her arms around his waist looking up at him.

'I was so worried about you when you wouldn't wake up, I tried to see you, but everyone just said that I would disturb you and I should leave you alone. I was beside myself and had a full-on row with mom. She wouldn't budge, it killed me not being able to see you. I started to think that you might have actually died, that I had imagined you killing Riddle. I had to make sure you were OK. So, I managed to sneak up when everyone else had gone to bed. I had to make do with holding your hand hoping that you would wake up.'

Now that she had started talking again she didn't seem to be able to stop herself. 'All I really wanted to do was crawl in next to you and cuddle up, but I knew I would get crucified if they found me asleep next to you, so I had to leave.'

'I wish you could have stayed, I really missed you over the last few months. You were the only thing that kept me going. I'm so sorry for hurting and leaving you here the past year. I spoke to Neville it sounds as if it was tough. I'm sorry I wasn't around when you needed me.'

'Well it's not as if you were skiving off and sitting on your lazy arse now was it?' She smiled weakly at him. 'It didn't matter to me that you weren't here in person. I knew that you were out there fighting and that thought gave me all I needed to get through it.'

They stared into each other's eyes and time seemed to be forgotten. Ginny lifted herself up onto her tip toes moving her hand from the small of Harry's back, into his hair. Their foreheads met and she whispered, 'So did you meet any Veela's on your trip?'

'No and it wouldn't have mattered if I did.' He answered just as quietly

'Why not?'

'None of them are you.' Harry replied simply.

'There's the silver-lining I've been looking for' and she kissed him. Harry instantly responded, it was the most amazing feeling he had ever felt. This kiss was full of passion, it wasn't like the goodbye kiss they shared on his seventeenth birthday, this one was full of longing as they both tried to convey how much the other meant to them.

They stood their locked at the lips for what seemed like an eternity before they came back up for air. 'Wow.' They both said in unison and giggled.

'Harry, as much as I want this between us can we keep it quiet for now and not tell anyone?' Ginny asked shyly.

'Course we can I'm just glad you'll take me back.'

'What worried I'd moved on with someone?' She teased. At his pained expression she continued. 'Of course I feel the same, I waited too long for you, you're not getting rid of me that easily.'

'I didn't want to leave you at all.'

'I know' She said gently stroking his cheek 'I just want you to myself for a while without anyone else interfering and I don't want anyone to think that I've forgotten about F-Fred because I'm with you.'

'I know, it's weird to be happy for what we've got as well as sad over what we've lost. I know your trying to be strong for your family, but you know you don't have to be strong with me don't you? I'm here for you, you don't have to pretend.'

Ginny nodded solemnly, 'I know and trust me there will be tears and I'll need you, especially at the funeral, I think. Right now I'm happy you're here, I've spent the last year fearing that I'll see your death plastered in the daily profit. I'm relieved that I get to be in your arms again.'

'Me too, the thought of having a future with you and having no Voldemort in it is...'

Ginny raised her eyebrows as he trailed off. 'Is what?' her eyes twinkling.

'The happiest I've ever felt. I feel guilty over the lives that have been taken for fighting for what they believe in, but I don't plan on letting their sacrifice go to waste. I don't think my parents or anyone else would want me to wallow in self-pity and waste the opportunity they've given me.'

'None of it's your fault Harry and don't let me catch you blaming yourself or I'll slap you again.' Ginny responded only half-joking.

Harry rubbed his cheek 'Yeah I don't think I fancy that.'

'You're bloody right you don't, and you're right, your parents, Fred, Sirius, Remus and everyone else we've lost would want us to be happy.'

'I know.' They stood there holding each other as the sun started to rise and cast a warm orange glow over the grounds and into the castle. After watching the sun rise for over an hour they decided to go back to the common room and see if anyone else was awake.

Before they left Harry said 'Look Gin, I don't want to talk about it right now, it's all a little to fresh. Over the next couple of days though I want to tell you what we've been up to over the last year. But only if you want to know.'

'I won't push you Harry, but I must admit I would like to know what you were up to. I need to share with you what happened here last year too. It might take me a little longer to open up about it though.' Ginny looked at the floor as she spoke. I wonder what she's really been through. Neville looked awful when we got here, she's so strong she doesn't want to burden anyone else, now I know how frustrating I can be to Ron and Hermione. I'll just have to be there for her when she's ready.

'That's fine tell me whenever you're ready. Just don't bottle it up to the point it becomes unbearable. One thing I've learnt is that talking about something, begrudgingly, really does help.'

'I won't, I just need time.' She said looking back up at him sadly.

When they returned to the common room, they walked in to see the room almost empty. George was still sleeping and the only other occupants were Bill and Charlie talking in the corner.

'Ah there you are, we were getting worried about you Harry, we thought Ginny had kidnapped you.' Bill said as the two approached.

Harry, Ginny and Charlie all broke into chuckles at this though Ginny did blush a little bit. 'I didn't kidnap him, we were just up earlier than you lazy arses so we went for a walk.'

'I don't think Harry can call us lazy after the kip he had' Charlie chipped in, 'A dragon could have gone through there and he wouldn't have woken up'. They all laughed good naturedly at this before Harry grew sombre.

'I'm sorry about Fred.' He said not quite meeting the eyes of the elder Weasley brothers.

They all sobered up immediately, Bill put his hand on Harry's shoulder 'Thanks Harry, I want you to know that we're all here for you though as well. This wasn't your fault you're just as much a part of this family as any of us.'

'Despite your dark hair' Charlie added, 'Although when George wakes up, I bet he's got a trick to solve that' he said with an evil grin.

Snickering, Harry, lightened up again 'As long as it's not permanent, I could live with it for a while.'

'Anyways, you two had best get down to the great hall. Breakfast is just being served and Mum will go spare if you two are missing for much longer.' Bill stepped in.

Ginny's tummy grumbled in true Weasley style at the sound of breakfast causing another round of chuckling. 'Yeah breakfast sounds good, are you two coming?'

'Nah we promised we'd watch over George. Dad said he would bring us some later.'

'OK then see you two later.' With that Harry and Ginny left the common room. When they reached the doors to the great hall they could hear people talking, although it wasn't the usual wall of noise that they expected from the hall. They pushed open the doors heading immediately towards the group of red heads that were sitting on the far side.

As they walked Harry looked around at the other people in the room, some still bore injuries and scars from the battle, although they all seemed a little down hearted the ones who turned to look at him all offered slight smiles and nods of the head. Even though he knew eyes followed him, it was different from before, it wasn't mindless ogling. Their eyes were filled with respect, a respect that Harry had for them as well.

When they were a few feet away from the rest of the Weasley's, Mrs Weasley noticed them and made straight towards them. 'Ginny, Harry there you are we were about to send out a search party.'

'Sorry mom we lost track of time.'

'That's OK Ginny, and Harry it's great to see your finally up' at this Mrs Weasley reached them pulling Ginny, then Harry into one of her bone crushing hugs.

'Thanks Mrs Weasley' he said returning the hug, wincing slightly.

'Harry dear are you OK? Do you need to go the hospital wing?' She asked worriedly.

'Nah I'm OK thanks, it's nothing time won't heal as long as I stay out of trouble.'

Ginny snorted 'Yeah cause you're great at keeping your nose clean aren't you.'

They went over to the table and before he sat down, Harry spoke. 'I'm sorry about Fred everyone' he said frowning.

'It's alright Harry, he died fighting for what he believed in and we couldn't be prouder. It will be hard for the next few weeks and months but it'll get easier.' Answered Mr Weasley who had tears glistening in his eyes, Mrs Weasley, Percy and Ron all nodded at this and Harry finally sat down opposite his two best friends and began to eat.

'How are you two feeling this morning?' he asked smirking at them. 'Did you sleep well?'

'Not as well as you by the looks of it. You've got off easy we've been fixing the stairs the last two days while you've been out.' Ron shot back, he was smiling, though heat was rising in his face.

'Come on you can't say it's been all work and no play' Harry teased 'The two of you looked awfully cosy this morning.'

'Nothing happened Harry.' Hermione exasperated 'We were just talking when you know'

'I'm not sure I want to know to be honest' he interrupted quickly. Ginny was doing her best to hide her laughter but her shaking shoulders were giving her away.

Ron flung a piece of Sausage at him from the end of his fork 'Shut up Harry.'

'Yeah anyway what were you and Ginny getting up to while you were gone?' Hermione asked trying to gain the upper hand. The rest of the group were smiling whilst watching the exchange silently. It was good to see some old-fashioned banter after being at war for so long.

'We were talking, we've had a lot to catch up on after not seeing each other in about a year.' Harry responded straight faced.

'Yeah it was all rather innocent really' Ginny said with mock resignation 'Why? Would you rather us have gotten up to something else?' she asked sweetly eyes sparkling.

'Yeah I'm sure we could have found a broom…'

'No Harry stop there I don't want to hear!' Ron jumped in.

'What you didn't want to hear how we could have gone flying and practised some Quidditch? Honestly Ron get your mind out of the gutter.' Ginny did well to almost look offended.

'What so there's nothing going on between you then?' Ron blurted out, looking between them like he both wanted and didn't want the answer. It was quite amusing to see him struggling with which scenario he would have preferred.

'No Ron, we're just friends.' Harry said straight faced, which seemed mollify his friends, although Hermione looked rather sadly at them. Ginny gave Harry's knee a squeeze under the table in thanks.

'Harry, Hermione?' Both of them looked around to Mrs Weasley. 'We are going back to the Burrow later today now that you're awake Harry and we want you two to come and stay with us.'

'Are you sure Mrs Weasley? We don't want to intrude.' Harry responded quickly.

'Of course, Harry dear, where else would you go? Anyway you two are family how could you possibly be intruding? I won't hear another word against it, you're coming.' She told them decisively. Harry and Hermione both smiled answering in unison.

'Thanks Mrs Weasley.'

'That's Ok dears, we'll be off in a couple of hours.'

They nodded and resumed eating their breakfast. Once they were done Professor McGonagall approached them 'Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger could the three of you come with me please?' They all looked at each other and then nodded. Harry felt bad for leaving Ginny there, but he could tell her about it later. She gave Harry an understanding smile and carried on talking with the rest of her family.

The trio followed Professor McGonagall back through the school, it took them a while to realise they weren't going to her office. It seemed as though she had become headmistress, this was confirmed when they reached the stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance to Dumbledore's old quarters.

They followed her up the spiral staircase and through the door into the oval room. Harry looked around instantly seeing the portrait of Albus Dumbledore behind the large desk which the head mistress proceeded to sit behind. The office was bare compared to what it had been in Dumbledore's era, Snape had brought the dullness of the Dungeons with him.

Harry averted his gaze to the comfy sofa's next to the fireplace where a broad, bald, black skinned man was smiling at him. Harry grinned immediately 'Morning Kingsley, how have you been?' He asked as the three of them sat down.

Kingsley continued smiling jovially at the three of them. 'Good morning you three, I'm very well thank you. Although I have been busy now that the Death Eaters have scarpered. To be honest it's enough trouble trying to get the paperwork of the previous minister in order.' Harry looked befuddled at him, 'Ah of course, you probably haven't been told that I'm the temporary Minister for Magic.'

Harry's grin only broadened. It's about time there was a decent Minister for Magic. 'Congratulations Minister, I can't think of any one better for the job.'

'Please Harry it's still Kingsley, especially among friends' the man chuckled gently. 'Now I'm sure you would like to know why we have brought you here?' Harry, Ron and Hermione all nodded in unison.

'Well we were wondering if you could tell us everything you have done over the last year? You mentioned some pretty dark stuff whilst you were duelling with Voldemort Harry.'

'Yeah we can tell you, but there are others that need to be told as well. Would you mind if we got together over the next couple of weeks with everyone? Maybe after the funerals?' Harry asked. 'It's alright it's just a story that's going to take a lot of effort to tell, and to be honest, I'm not quite ready to tell it yet. It's going to be difficult'

'Sure thing Harry I might have to bring it forward to next week rather than in a couple of weeks' time though. Who was it that you would like to invite?'

'All of the Weasley's, Hagrid, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, the remainder of the order, any of the teachers here you would like to invite as well as any Ministry officials. I must stress though, no press and only people you trust with your lives.' He looked at both Kingsley and McGonagall at this as if to emphasise his point before continuing 'The secrets and experiences we divulge are not only very personal to us but very dangerous. This information could allow someone to follow in Voldemort's footsteps.'

'We understand Harry and don't worry their will only be a couple more than the people you have already mentioned' Kingsley said softly and McGonagall nodded her head.

'There's something else you need to know now though, has anyone retrieved Professor Snape's body from the Shrieking Shack?' asked Harry. McGonagall jerked at the respect in Harry's voice, she had never heard him willingly call the traitorous bastard professor.

'No we've left the traitor there for the time being, we've had more important people to attend to' she said tartly.

'I'm sorry professor, Professor Snape was no traitor, and I have evidence to support the claim. It's hard to explain without the rest of the story so I'll explain it with everything else, but Snape killed Dumbledore on Dumbledore's own orders. Dumbledore was already dying after he got cursed by an object he was searching for.' Both McGonagall and Kingsley looked at each other in shock.

Kingsley recovered first 'If you're sure about this Harry we will go and get him right away. I will need to see the evidence though.'

'I'll hand it over once we've explained everything.'

'Ok the next thing to discuss is your future's' McGonagall continued, 'As you have not completed your education you will all be welcome to come back and sit your seventh year if you choose.'

Before Hermione could jump in Kingsley chirped up 'There is also a job for you all at the Ministry, Harry, Ron I heard it's your ambition to become Auror's, if this is the case we would like you to join the training programme At the start of September. Hermione, I'm not sure on what you would like to do with your future. However, if you're interested, there is a job for you in any department of the Ministry you see fit.'

'Sorry Kingsley, we'll be coming back for our seventh year.' Replied Hermione looking around expectantly at the other two. Ron looked queasy and Harry shook his head. 'Don't tell me you're not going to complete your education' She sounded genuinely wounded at the thought.

'I don't know Hermione' said Ron stressfully as he rubbed the back of his neck, 'is it OK if take some time to think about it?'

'Yes Ron, that's fine. Just owl us both with your decision by 1st of August, what about you Harry?' Asked McGonagall.

'I can't come back professor, this place isn't my home anymore' Harry said sadly. 'Besides I need to be out there helping, I think I would just get frustrated sitting here when there is so much I could be doing out there. I'll take you up on your offer Kingsley.'

Kingsley beamed at him 'I'll arrange for you to meet with Gawain Robards, the head of the department over the summer. Ron, I implore you to make the best decision for you. If you would like to return then return. If you would like to work with the Auror's then we'll be happy to have you. Please take into consideration though that there might be something else you want and if you do let us know if there is anything we can do to support you.'

'Thank you' Ron said quietly.

'Now then if there is nothing else the three of you may go. Before you do though I would like to say thank you for all you have done. I have never been prouder of my students than I am of the three of you.' McGonagall said, with tears of pride gathering in her eyes. 'We'll arrange a meeting to hear your story over owl, now I think it's time to get back to your family and friends.'

They exited the office thanking the professor and the minister for their time. When they got to the entrance hall, Ron and Hermione went to go into the Great Hall when Harry called them back.

'What's wrong Harry?' Hermione asked concerned.

'We've got one more thing to do before we go.' He pulled out the Elder wand and twiddled it in his fingers 'We need to put this back where it belongs.' With that Harry led them into the grounds to complete Dumbledore's final mission.