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

Chapter 4 - Disbanded

'So, what are we going to tell them?' Asked Harry.

Himself, Ron and Hermione were sitting in Ron's room talking about the story they are going to tell the order of the Phoenix about how the war was won. The last meeting of the order was due to commence in half an hour and they were pondering what parts to tell.

'Aren't we going to tell them everything? What are you planning Harry?' Hermione asked cottoning on that Harry wanted to keep some things quiet.

'Well I thought we would keep the parts where Ron left and Lupin turning up at Grimmauld Place to ourselves.'

'I think it's a good idea to leave out the part about Remus, however, we should tell them about me leaving. They need to know how badly that thing affected us besides Bill and Fleur already know. I'm more worried about telling Ginny about the diary.'

Ahh I forgot to tell them I already spoke to Ginny. 'Don't worry about Ginny I already spoke to her. She is the only one other than us that knows everything.'

'Oh really, and when did you tell Ginny all this?' asked Hermione innocently, Harry didn't miss the glint in her eye though.

'Yeah mate we would have helped you tell her. How did she take it?'

'Not great' Harry sighed, 'She threw up everywhere and it took a while to calm her down enough to tell the rest of the story. This was something I had to tell her. I owe her that much after I left her behind.'

'You still care about her don't you.' It wasn't a question. Trust Ron to be as blunt as an axe.

'Yeah I do. That's why I thought it was a good idea to tell her so she could react in private at first.' Harry looked down uncomfortably as he spoke.

Ron clapped him on the shoulder 'I think you were right mate.'

'So, we're agreed then we tell them everything apart from Lupin?' Hermione interjected trying to pull them back on topic. The two men nodded and the trio headed downstairs.

When they got downstairs they headed outside. There were chairs set out in a semi-circle with three chairs in the middle. Not everyone was here yet but they did meet a familiar, welcome face.

'Hey Hagrid' the three of them chimed when they reached the half giant.

'Hey you three how ya bin?'

'We're as good as can be thanks Hagrid, how are you holding up?' asked Hermione.

'I'm OK I just can't believe it's over. I can't say I've eva bin prouder.' Hagrid wiped his eyes with his dotted handkerchief. 'I'm Sorry I couldn' be at Fred's Funeral Ron. I've bin helping sort the grounds out a' Hogwarts. The place has never bin in such a mess, I've had to track down a lot of creatures that had escaped.'

'That's Ok Hagrid, I know you would have been there if you could. Have you got them all back?'

'I don' think so Ron. I got enuf back that the muggles shouldn' notice the stragglers though.'

They spent a while catching up with Hagrid not noticing the seats filling around them. Then Kingsley cleared his throat, so they all settled into their places.

'May I have your attention please' the gathering went quiet 'Before we begin, I would just like to say a few words. First of all, I would like to thank everyone here for their involvement in the war. I know we have all lost too much, but what we have achieved is very significant and I would like to say I've never been prouder to fight alongside a group of Witches and Wizards. I would like us to take a minute's silence to remember our fallen comrades.'

He let off a bang of with his wand and they all bowed their heads in remembrance. Harry thought about his parents, Sirius, Remus, Fred, Tonks, Mad Eye and the others he had known who had passed away during both wizarding wars.

'Thank you.' resumed Kingsley after the minute was up. 'Now I'm sure you would like to hear the remarkable story of how the war was won. Harry, Ron, Hermione over to you.'

Harry cleared his throat from where he was seated. 'Thanks Kingsley, well as you some of you, well probably all of you know Dumbledore left me with a mission before he died.' The attendants nodded.

'Before I begin, I want to implore upon you the importance of secrecy, some of this can't get out in the press. It could lead to another Voldemort.' Harry said desperately trying to stress the importance of this.

'Don't worry Harry, once I've heard what you have to say, I will come up with a press friendly version for your approval.' soothed Kingsley.

Harry nodded in thanks 'Very well then, does anyone know what a horcrux is?' That's how he began. He explained the magic behind a horcrux, how Dumbledore figured out what he could after seeing the diary from the chamber and told them about the night Dumbledore died. Hermione took over from there explaining everything up to the escape from the ministry.

This was when the three were interrupted for the first time. 'Sorry to interrupt, I think you ought to tell them about Remus Harry. They deserve to hear one of the main reasons you're Teddy's godfather.' Harry raised his eyebrows at Andromeda while everyone else looked confused.

'Very well' said Harry uncertainly 'I hoped to keep this quiet, please don't let it cloud your judgements of the man though. He was more terrified than I've ever known.'

So, he told them about Lupin turning up at Grimmauld Place, his offer of help and how he was willing to leave his family behind because of him being a werewolf. He also described their altercation after Harry realised what was going on.

'I would like to thank you for that Harry. I've never seen Dora more distraught than when Remus left. When he returned with his tail between his legs, he told us what happened. He wrote you a letter he never got to deliver.' Andy brandished the letter from her robes and gave it to Harry. 'I haven't read it.' She added quietly.

Harry took the letter and stared at it 'Thank you' sniffed Harry as he waved for Ron to continue the story. Ron was admonished a little for leaving by his family, before Harry and Hermione defended him by describing the effects of the horcrux.

They got a few laughs when they described their less than mediocre cooking and hunter gatherer skills. Overall, though there was just a sense of awe as they told everyone about their close escapes. Charlie almost wet himself when they told him about the escape from Gringotts.

'That, in a word, is ballsy. I'm surprised he didn't eat you' he shook his head in wonder.

George chirped in 'I've gotta say that beats flying a car into the whomping willow.' Harry and Ron looked sheepishly at Mrs Weasley whilst everyone else laughed.

'Actually, I need to talk to you three about the goblins when this is over. They want to see you in particular Harry. They're not happy.' Stated Kingsley.

'I didn't think they would be' muttered Harry. 'Can we set up a meeting with them?' he asked looking between Kingsley and Bill.

Bill nodded 'Yeah we can sort something out. Just be careful though Harry Goblins can be nasty bastards when they want to be.' he said grimly.

Harry looked glumly at him then continued the story after a deep breathe.

'So that's why Dumbledore chose you for this mission then Harry?' Asked Mr Weasley gently. Harry had just told his shocked audience about Snape's memories.

'Yeah rather neat isn't. No loose ends.' Harry tried to keep the bitterness out of his voice, he wasn't quite sure he succeeded.

'So that's why you went into the forest Harry' asked Neville with awe in his voice 'To let him kill you. That's why you told me about the snake.'

'Yeah, I thought I could kill two birds with one stone. Kill the horcrux and give everyone the same protection my mum gave me.'

'So how did you survive?' blurted out Mrs Weasley, she was almost crying.

'Coz Riddle didn't understand the sacrifice my mom made. He used my blood when he resurrected himself, so my mom's protection lived on through him. When he killed me, he only killed the piece of his soul in me.'

'Are you sure it's gone?' asked Mr Weasley, despite the bluntness Harry knew how scary the possibility of Voldemort's return was.

He smiled 'Yeah he's gone. For a start after he hit me with the killing curse the link to his mind was gone. Also, I can't speak Parseltongue anymore.'

Everyone visibly relaxed apart from Mrs Weasley.

'H-He h-h-hit you with the k-killing c-curse a-a-again?'

'Yeah.' he replied nonchalantly.

'How c-can you b-be so c-c-calm about it?'

'There was no other way Mrs Weasley. Facing him was the only thing I could do to make sure we had a shot at killing him.' Mrs Weasley nodded at him and buried her nose in her hankerchief.

'Ya scared the life outta me 'Arry. How ya cud jus' stan' there bold as brass I'll neva know. Then when I had to carry ya back to the castle, I thought you were dead!' Boomed Hagrid.

'I'm sorry Hagrid If I could have let you know I was alive I would have. I couldn't risk him finding out, I think third time would have been the charm.' Humour was the wrong way to go, fortunately, Hagrid nodded his head in acceptance. Unfortunately, Harry forgot about the spitfire seated not too far away from him.

Ginny reacted in a flash and with a wave of her wand, bats were swooping out of Harry's nose. After grunt of surprise, and some flapping, he eventually located his wand to cast the counter curse.

'Don't even joke about that Potter.' she growled menacingly looking him directly in the eye with her wand still poised. Everyone looked worriedly between the two, apart from Andromeda who looked downright amused.

It was a testament to the fierceness she was piercing him with that the Minister for Magic, Hogwarts Headmistress and even her own mother didn't think of chastising her for the use of underage magic.

He winced 'I won't, sorry Ginny.' She just glared at him. Harry held her gaze until Ron cleared his throat loudly. They both jolted and looked anywhere but at each other.

'The last part you all need to know, is that without Narcissa Malfoy I wouldn't be alive.' Everyone was dumbfounded at that. 'Don't get me wrong, she was only doing it to get to her son, but, when Voldemort asked her to check if I was dead, she lied.'

'I'll make sure it's brought up in her trial' said Kingsley gruffly.

'I think that's about it. After that you all saw what happened, in particular Neville lopping the head off the snake.' Harry grinned 'Thanks for that Neville it was incredible.' Neville went bright red as there were murmurs of agreement and those closest to him clapped him on the shoulder.

'It was nothing.' He mumbled.

'It wasn't nothing Neville, you put the fight back into us.' Said Ginny proudly. Neville looked gratefully at her.

'Are there any questions?' asked Hermione.

Everyone shook their heads and Kingsley spoke up 'I would like to thank you three, the wizarding world owes you a great debt for getting rid of that monster.' They all broke out into raucous applause which took a while to settle down.

'Now, I believe George has a nice way of finishing off the meeting. Lead the way Mr Weasley.'

'Certainly Kingsley, if you would all like to follow me.' George led the order around into a wide space at the back of the Burrow. 'It is my pleasure to announce that the Order of the Phoenix is officially disbanded!' he announced pointing his wand at a box on the floor.

The sky was lit up with the most amazing fireworks they had ever seen, they displayed in large letters the names of each of the order members (and their families) who had died at the hands of Voldemort. Once all the names had been shown there was one last message which simply read 'MISCHIEF MANAGED'

Everyone was awed by the display and when it was over they all went back towards the Burrow where there was a party being put on. Only Ginny noticed Harry walk off on his own clasping a piece of parchment in his hand.

After giving him around an hour to himself Ginny went to find him. She was about to give up thinking he had hidden himself again when she heard someone crying quietly. She located the source of the noise down by the river.

She found Harry, glasses in hand whilst he covered his eyes. Her heart melted at the sight. Oh Harry she thought to herself.

She knelt down next to him and held him, he just melted into her embrace crying on her shoulder. When the tears ran out, she lifted his chin off her shoulder to look him in the eye and ask: 'Are you OK?'

He could only shake his head and hold out the parchment that he had been holding earlier. She took it gently from him, unfolded it and began to read.

Dear Harry

If you are reading this then I am most probably dead (otherwise I would have just talked to you in person) and hopefully you've won the war. I can't tell you what an honour it has been to watch you grow I just wish I could have been there when you were younger.

James and Lily were two of the best people I have ever had the pleasure to meet, along with Sirius, they are two of the few who never saw me as a monster. You should know that you are the perfect blend between the two of them. James' confidence mixed in with Lily's compassion.

They would have been so proud of you Harry and I can't tell you how sorry I am that you couldn't spend more time with them and Sirius. I myself am glad for the time I got to spend with you, I wish I would have been brave enough to tell you, but I love you like a son.

I have made two big mistakes in my life and you were there to tell me both times I was being an idiot. I should never have quit my post at Hogwarts, it was the second-best thing that ever happened to me. Seeing you produce a full Patronus was spectacular, I'm not sure you realize how strong you had to be to do that. I've never been prouder as a teacher and I'd never seen Dumbledore speechless when it comes to a student's abilities before.

I also owe you my sincerest thanks for being strong with me when I left Tonks and telling me to go back.

I'm so sorry for how I reacted, after I calmed down, your words hit me like a hammer blow. Without you Harry I would have left my family (the best thing that ever happened to me) behind. I class many of the members in the order and some people from Hogwarts as friends, however, only James, Lily and Sirius would have stood up to me like you did.

I was so caught up in thinking that I was a monster and I had done something disgraceful, that I had forgotten who I was. I owe whatever time I had with my family to you and I have never been happier.

I've left you a memory of your parents with this letter. It's from the day you were born. I never knew whether you would want to see this, so I thought I would give you the opportunity. You said your happiest memory was of them talking to you and you weren't sure if it was real.

Well it was very real Harry and they loved you very much.

Promise me one thing Harry. When this is over and you've beaten him, don't blame yourself. Voldemort killed your parents and it's Voldemort's fault that this war has come about. We are all fighting to stop it.

I'm sorry the burden of beating him fell on your shoulders. We all fully support you and there is nothing else you can do or (hopefully) could have done to beat him sooner. I wish we could, but we can't save everyone. All those you have lost fought for their freedom and the freedom of their loved ones and there is no greater reason than that.

So, when this is over mourn those you have lost, just remember, not one of them blames you. Without you there was no hope. Without you Voldemort would have destroyed everything we fought for.

Thankyou Harry.

Love

Remus

When she had finished reading Ginny folded the parchment back up and handed it to Harry who pocketed it. 'I wish I could bring them all back Ginny. I wish he didn't have to tell me all that in a letter. How can he expect me not to blame myself? If I'd been more careful the final battle may not have happened at Hogwarts. So many people didn't have to die.'

Ginny took Harry's head in both hands and looked into his pained eyes 'Listen Harry, no one blames you and no one ever will' He started to interrupt 'No listen Harry. You can't torture yourself like this. I miss them all too, we all do, any of us could have died Harry. I'm just glad there weren't more.'

'Remus is right without you Voldemort would have killed all of us. If you hadn't stopped him he would have killed the rest of our friends and family. He would have killed you and me. Concentrate on those you saved and remember those you lost as they should be remembered, heroes who helped you eradicate the evil that would have destroyed everything.' She gently wiped the tears from his cheeks.

'Can you do that Harry?' He looked at her with a pained expression that made her realise the mask he had built around himself had cracked. Harry had been beating himself up all this time. 'I love you Harry and I'm glad we both survived so we get a shot at a future. We can't have that if you're going to torture yourself about the past.'

Harry closed his eyes for a moment, he knew she was right, it was just hard to take. He opened his eyes again and looked directly into hers 'I suppose Lupin isn't the only one who needs some sense knocking into him.' Ginny snorted.

'Happy to help Harry.'

'I'm glad you're here Ginny, I love you too.' They looked into each other's eyes for a moment longer before they both leaned in and kissed.

When they finally broke apart and returned to the Burrow, the party had been dispersed and the Weasley's were all in bed. Apart from Mr Weasley who was watching for their return from the sitting room. When he saw them arm in arm, he couldn't suppress a smile from creeping onto his face.