I enjoyed a good night's sleep, snuggled close to Harry, and mostly at peace. I woke up slowly, enjoying the warm morning's breeze on my bare skin and the rhythmic breathing of Harry next to me. It was only when my stomach began to growl that I opened my eyes and sat up.

"Whas'goin?" Harry asked, suddenly alert, a remnant of our time in the tent. The speed in which he had his hand on his wand impressive.

"Nothing's wrong," I murmured. "I'm just waking up, love."

He nodded, and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. We'd probably stayed up too late. After the press conference, we'd spent some time with the family members of the people that had died. Adam's remains had gone unclaimed by his family, so I would pay the fee to bury him on Hogwarts grounds and hold a small ceremony with some of his Quidditch mates. I was certainly neglecting to process the emotions surrounding that unexpected news.

Once we'd returned to out room, we had each taken a sip of Calming Draught and laid in bed, chatting about all our happy Hogwarts memories instead. It was the perfect way to end the day.

The duality of everything was starting to wear me down. On one hand, I felt so much freedom. With Voldemort gone, life was going to be so much easier. I could do simple things, like go shopping for clothing, or out to the pub with my friends. I could get a job. We could look at apartments, maybe even rent a cottage. There were so many opportunities from here.

But it had come at such a cost. Spending time around people who were hurting so fiercely was draining. I had yet to even begin to process the loss of Adam, because everything was so fresh and hectic and she didn't want to lay any additional emotions on Harry, since I knew that despite his strong exterior, he was having a hard time. His breakdown was coming, and I wasn't quite sure yet how to handle it. While we were at Hogwarts, it felt like being kind of in a bubble. But upon leaving, to where, I wasn't quite sure yet, I knew the reality of it all would begin to set in, and I dreaded it fiercely.

"You alright?" he asked, since I'd stilled in an odd position as I pondered it all. It was obvious I was deep in thought.

I nodded. "Yeah, sorry. I think… I think I just need some coffee."

"I'm sure we can get you some downstairs," he said, kissing me and throwing on his dressing gown. I took a small swig of Calming Draught before heading downstairs with him.

The Common Room had become a home base of sorts, for all the Weasleys and some friends, so I wasn't surprised to see that the elves had brought in a huge breakfast spread. I said good morning to my brother and helped myself to a piece of quiche.

"How are you doing?" Rob asked, sitting with me at a bench by the window.

I looked at him, my head tilted. "I'm honestly not sure."

"You've got to let it out, Kat," he sighed. "If you keep all your feelings inside you're going to explode, and he-" he gestured to Harry, who was speaking with someone he didn't recognize, "is most definitely going to have a breakdown, and you need to make sure those two things don't coincide, or your relationship is going to collapse."

I rolled my eyes, and took a sip of coffee. "Rob, it's day two. I haven't even had my coffee yet. Last night was so hard for me. I can't take the therapy session right now. I appreciate it, but..."

He nodded, understandingly. "I know, Kat. Please just promise you'll stay ahead of this?"

"I promise," I said.

"You did wonderfully last night," he said, allowing the conversation to flow in a more positive and welcome direction. "You're on the front page of the Prophet. Do you want me to grab a copy?"

I pursed my lips and hesitated. "Oh gosh, what'd they say about me? Was it awful?"

He looked confused. "No, Kat. They spoke very highly of you. They printed the full text of your speech. That's going to be in history books or something."

Harry noticed she was in the window seat and joined them by taking a seat in the armchair just to the left of where she sat. He held two newspapers in his hand, and offered one to her. I took it, apprehensively.

"I've been told it's worth reading," Harry said, putting his hand on my knee. I unfolded it, to see a large moving picture. I could tell immediately it was taken when I stumbled over Adam's name and Harry put his hand on my back to comfort me. As I watched it over and over again, I noticed more things. The way my elbow trembled, ever so slightly. Hermione leaning in when I stammered. The look in Harry's eyes once his attention was pulled away from others and back to me.

"This is bizarre," I said, seeing myself on the cover of the newspaper. And not just the cover, the only story. Above us, in bold type was the title THE FANTASTIC FOURSOME. Life, as I knew it, was pretty much over.

Memorable Speech from Potter's Girlfriend Stuns Crowd

By Miranda Covy, Soren Bennitt, and Cierra Thetnick

On Saturday evening, Hogwart's Great Hall was devoid of all signs of the battle that took place less than a day earlier. Instead, it was set up for a press conference with the four most in-demand people associated with the Battle: Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Katherine Hammond. Potter, Weasley, Granger, and Hammond are credited with leading the operation that removed Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters from power in the early hours of the morning on May 2.

Speaking on behalf of all of them, Hammond opened on a particularly memorable note: by listing off the names of the fifty people killed in the skirmish. She began "Colin Creevey. Remus Lupin. Nymphadora Lupin. Adam Goldman. Fred Weasley. Lavender Brown…" [Full text of Hammond's speech may be found on Page 2.] Upon faltering during this powerful and emotional display of solidarity, she can be seen being comforted by Potter, above. Although the foursome did not take questions from the crowd of reporters and community members, it is presumed Hammond and Potter are romantically involved.

In her speech, Hammond focused on the sacrifices made by those who showed up for the Battle on the evening of May 1 and into the early hours of May 2, promising those affected that their loved ones have not died in vain. She spent minimal time acknowledging the large sacrifices made by Potter, Weasley, Granger, and herself in their efforts for justice. Per sources close to them, they have been on the run and living out of a tent as they evaded Voldemort.

Hammond announced that in the coming months, the foursome plans to spend time with their friends and family, and navigate reentry into their normal lives. They declined to take questions at this time, wanting to keep the focus on those who made the ultimate sacrifice, while promising to release more information "when deemed appropriate", Hammond said. They have requested privacy from the public as they process their experiences and discern their own next steps. The speech was followed by raucous applause and a standing ovation.

More photos of the Potter, Weasley, Granger, and Hammond can be seen on page 2, including information on their fashion choices for the event, personal profiles of each, and our predictions for where they end up!

"Oh," I said, as I looked up from reading them. "But… they only talked about me. That's not… it wasn't supposed to just be about me."

"You didn't see yesterday's paper, did you?" Rob asked. "Four page spread on Harry's defeat of Voldemort and a special insert. No offense, Harry, you're yesterday's news now."

"A position I will accept gladly," he countered. "You did wonderfully last night, I think the write up was rather tasteful, I'm glad Skeeter didn't so much as touch the story, and I think you look beautiful in the photo."

"I like the way your face changes when you look at me," I admitted to him, quietly.

We locked eyes, while he squeezed my hand and I squeezed back.

"Alright, lovebirds," Rob said, pretending to roll his eyes. "Let's go for a walk."

"Huh?" I asked, confused, though Harry stood up behind me and helped me up. "I'm in my pajamas."

"Doesn't matter where we're going, I promise," Rob said. "Now, come on!"

I followed them, partly because Harry had his arm in mine, and partly because it was obvious they were in on it together. "If you two are ambushing me to get that other dose of the blood replenishing potion, I promise I was going to get it after I finished my breakfast."

"No, although thanks for reminding us to nag you about it later," Rob said. I followed him down the stairs, looking to Harry, who smiled and shrugged, though I narrowed my eyes. We got to the ground floor, and stepped out into a courtyard. It was bright, but my eyes adjusted quickly, and I saw the shimmery sort of look that happened before someone used a portkey.

As I turned to Rob to interrogate him, my father landed, more gracefully than I ever did, and strode towards me. "Dad!"

He wrapped his arms around me like I was a child. "Oh, my dear, I'm so happy to see you."

We pulled back, to investigate the other. He looked like he had aged a lot in the past five months, though that was to be expected. He was clean shaven and well groomed, as always, so whatever he'd been up to, the accommodations had been fine. I didn't want to know what he thought about what I looked like.

"What a fabulous surprise," I said, wiping at my eyes. "How…?"

"I have connections at the Ministry," Rob explained. "Portkeys are a bit hard to get at the moment, but I pulled a few strings to get Dad here."

Harry stepped forward to shake my father's hand. For a moment, I tensed, knowing we hadn't left on good terms the last time we met. Instead of a handshake, my father embraced Harry in a hug. "I knew you wouldn't let anything happen to her."

"You knew about this?" I asked him, my voice incredulous.

"Rob might've gotten word to me last night," he said. "I just may have conveniently forgotten to pass the word on to you. And it was worth it, if just to see the smile on your face."

I scowled playfully at him, then turned back to my father. "Dad, come inside. We've got a huge spread of breakfast food in the Gryffindor Common Room."

"Of course," he said, following us on the same trail we took out. Though, he was a Gryffindor himself, and knew the way.

"I have to apologize," I said, as we passed through the portrait.

"About what, dear?" he asked, seeming a bit confused. He had helped himself to a danish and a cup of tea, before Rob, my father, and I took seats in a secluded corner of the Common Room. Harry had given us some privacy.

"Christmas, of course," I said, like it was the most obvious thing. "The way we departed… it's left a sour feeling in my stomach for months. I've been so worried about you. I would have never forgiven myself if that was the last time I'd seen you."

"Nonsense," he said. "You were right to do what you did. I didn't see it at the time, and there was no way you could have talked me into it."

"What did you do, Kat?" Rob asked, in the most sibling-like tone, looking like he was ready for a good bit of gossip.

"It doesn't matter," our father assured us both.

"You didn't run into trouble after?"

He shook his head. "I stayed a few more days at the cottage then moved on, and I've been fine. I managed to stay off most radars. Vera and the girls are fine, they've been set up with a Portkey to return to London this evening, and we'll start to get our lives back."

"I'm glad to hear that," I said. "I really am."

"That was, partially, why I felt it so urgent to see you, Katherine," he said. "Among others… Rob has his flat to return to, we have the house… I had always planned on entrusting the seaside dwelling to you when you graduated."

"Oh, Dad," I said, tears springing to my eyes.

"And I think you may have gotten just a bit more experience this year than you would've at Hogwarts," he said, chuckling.

"Her spellwork's come so far," Rob vouched. "You should see her, Dad. I think you'd be impressed."

He smiled. "That house was always your mother's project, really. It needs some furnishing, but it's in solid shape, and I'm certain she would want you to have it."

I nodded, eagerly. "I would love that. Oh, this is such a gift."

"Have you given much thought whether you'll return to finish your education?" he asked. I had yet to even think that far ahead, and I think he saw that on my face. "Well, I suppose it doesn't matter today. But, when you're ready to leave here, you have somewhere to go. Somewhere that's yours."

He handed her the set of keys, attached to a seashell lanyard. Her mother's set to the place. She clutched them to her heart. "Thank you, Dad."

"Now, I heard there's an excellent article in the Daily Prophet I may want to read. Have you got a spare copy lying around here anywhere?"

I was on her way back from the Hospital Wing, after taking my last dose of replenishing potion, when I was intercepted by Rob. "McGonagall wants to see the four of you."

"What's wrong?" I asked, bounding down the stairs in the direction of her office.

"I didn't get the impression anything was wrong," he said. "Just that she had information to share. The three of them headed down.

"Ah, shit," I swore, not feeling great about that. I was nervous, and I was holding them up, or missing out on whatever it was she had to share with us. I entered the office without knocking, to see them all sitting in front of her desk, making small talk.

"Katherine, thank you for coming," McGonagall said, gesturing to the open seat next to Harry. I took the spot in the chair, then turned to look at my friends, who looked just as clueless as I felt.

"I'm sorry I'm late," I said, quietly, the student in me waiting for her to dock Ravenclaw house ten points.

"Nonsense," she said. "I think the four of you did an excellent job last night."

We all nodded, appreciatively, though really we just wanted to know why we were called to her office.

"I've consulted with a… number of sources," she said. "Mainly Kingsley Shacklebolt, but a few others for good measure, and we all have come to a conclusion."

I wondered if she was trying to make this as suspenseful as possible, and pursed my lips in opposition.

"That it's time for you to think about leaving the Castle."

"But, Professor! There's so much that needs to be done, so many repairs-"

"Potter," she said, holding up a hand to silence him. "I'm aware. We've assembled a task force, which will be headed by Robert Hammond who comes well recommended to me by the Aurors. That group is well equipped to repair the castle, and assure it's in fine condition to reopen for the fall term."

I felt a surge of pride for my brother, knowing the opportunity was great for his career… and I didn't feel as strongly as the others did about this matter. I wanted to plan Adam's funeral, and then plan the trip Harry and I dreamed of.

"We've come this far-" Hermione said, talking over Ron's protest, only for Professor McGonagall to hold her hand up, sterner this time.

"You've come very far," she said. "But look at the lot of you. You have worked so hard and your bodies reflect that. You need to rest. You need to mourn your loved ones. You need to process everything that's happened and decide what is best for you to pursue next. And you cannot start that process while you are in the walls of Hogwarts Castle."

"Hogwarts feels safe to us, Professor," I said, quietly, speaking up for the first time. "And we haven't felt safe in a very long time."

She looked at me, nodding, empathetic to my ration. I was unsure if it was because the others knew her better, or if we were wearing our Houses on our sleeves at the moment, but she appreciated my reason beside their loud bravery. "I understand."

I could tell she was thinking, choosing her words carefully. "I want you to please let me finish what I have to say." She swallowed a sip of water while waiting for a nod of agreement from them all. "The fact of the matter is that we have not yet been able to make a full assessment of the extent of the damage to the wards placed on the grounds and the castle. And we do not know who else remains out there, sympathetic to the work of Voldemort. Allowing you to remain here indefinitely is putting you at risk. And while I think Katherine did an excellent job of satiating the press for the time being, they have questions. Lots of questions. And if they know where you are, they're going to be relentless, and doing such public work, here, at this time will leave you very vulnerable on many sides. And I think we can all agree you are due a reprieve from vulnerability, at least, in this one, particularly preventable fashion."

I nodded, impressed with her well-constructed argument, and how it seemed to abate my friends, who had sat back in their seats, and were mulling it over. They would not openly admit she was right just yet.

"That makes sense," I spoke up. "I hadn't considered their may be other dark wizards out there."

"At this time, we have no proof of any, though we haven't yet been able to do a thorough investigation," she admitted. "We will make certain that whatever dwellings you choose to take up are fitted with the highest caliber wards possible, so you may go about this next part of your lives in peace. You are owed that peace, and I will do my bit to see you get it. You are all so young, with so much life ahead of you. It would do you well to remember enjoy it."

"I've got a cottage," I spoke up, hoping to pivot the conversation to an angle my friends could not try to argue their way out of. "On the coast. Would… someone be able to set up the wards for me there?"

"Absolutely, Ms. Hammond," she said. "I'll have Professor Flitwick prepare it for you straight away. Shall I assume the rest of you will be spending your time either there, or at the Burrow?"

"It seems likely," Hermione said, after clearing her throat. "A-after the funerals, Ronald and I are going to Australia, to bring my parents home."

McGonagall nodded, writing that down. "Very good. The wards will be tightened on both locations."

We all sat there, a moment of silence between us all. I was exhausted, a side effect of the draught I'd taken an hour before, and I was hoping we could segue the conversation to a place I could excuse myself.

"This need not be your forever goodbye to Hogwarts," she said. "We are indebted to you, always. We'll make information available in due course about resuming your studies, should you choose to pursue that. Though I've a feeling you'll have a host of other opportunities worth considering. All things you can contemplate with a bit of distance, yes?"

"Certainly," I said. "Is there anything else you need from us, Professor?"

She shook her head. "I just want to say I'm very proud of the way you have all conducted yourself. Your maturity and grace has far exceeded your years, and I look forward to seeing what you do with your exceptional talents."

Back in the Gryffindor dorm, I laid in bed, resting, after a positive, but exhausting morning. I felt a lot of quelled anxiety in having a plan on where I was going from here, from seeing my father. I had written to Adam's friends, asking if they would be there Thursday morning, to lay him to rest in a plot not far from the Quidditch pitch, and to pass along the invitation to anyone they thought would come. With that off my back, I was at ease. Harry had come up, under the guise of possibly catching a nap himself, though he kept fussing with his belongings instead.

"What's on your mind?" I asked, softly. He shrugged, though I knew otherwise. I leaned over and rested my hand on his back. "Love?"

He got in bed, pulling the covers over us. "It feels weird to think about leaving."

"I know," I sighed, raking my hands through his dark hair. I knew not to bright-side him, tempting as it might be, but to let him feel whatever it was that he had going on in his head.

"It's for the best," he said, in a tone she knew he used when he was trying to convince himself of something. She nodded along.

"You'll stay at the cottage with me?" she asked him.

His face went from tense to a small smile. "If I'm wanted."

"If you're wanted?" she repeated back, imitating his tone. "Harry bloody Potter, of course. I want nothing else."

"I liked that house," he said. "I bet it's nice in the summer."

"We can take our coffee- real stuff, not that instant shite," she smiled, as she parroted his words back to him. "Each morning, and sit on the bluff overlooking the sea, and read the newspaper, which will eventually forget we exist, and complete the crossword together…"

He laced his hand in mine, and I thought he might finally be at ease. He sunk into the bed, getting comfortable, adjusting to rest his head on my chest. I played with his hair lazily, as he drifted off to sleep, and I knew I wasn't far behind.

Author's Note: Aaaaaaand *trumpets blare* *drum roll* DONE. Good golly, my friends, what a ride. I can't believe a story I started in 2011 is just now done. Again, I apologize sincerely for the extensive and extended delays in completing this story. It was certainly not my intent. I've got a little epilogue I think you'll enjoy, look for that later this week. Many thanks to all who have read and reviewed and DMed me about this story over the years. Without your encouragement, this never would have happened.