Harry Potter and the End of It All

Chapter Two - The Bust, The Rune and The Snake

The next morning, Harry awoke with a start. Walking down the two sets of stairs of the house, he saw Hermione with a triumphant look on her beautiful features. God I could wake up to that every morning, Harry thought.

Hermione broke him from his reverie however, Harry? Are you okay, Harry?

Wha--? Yeah, Hermione, what is it? Harry said feeling a little embarassed.

You are going to love my obsession with Hogwarts: A History, sit down and look at this. Hermione said and pushed her book at him.

The only remaining relic of Hogwarts founder Godric

Gryffindor is a bust of him made by famous wizard sculptor,

Rudolf Azotti, which now sits in a museum in Milan, Italy,

the artist's birth place.

There was more to be read but Harry had read what he needed, jumping from his chair in the kitchen, kissing Hermione and running to get Ron and the others awake. After everyone had read what Harry had read earlier they all were ready to go. Apparating to Milan to find the museum that contained the bust of Godric Gryffindor. The group came across a sign hanging on top of a pole that read:

Vicolo del Cobblestone

Cobblestone Alley? Hermione said, looking at the amazement of the rest. What? I learned italian over two summers ago.

We never knew you learned italian, Hermione, chimed Ron, motioning to himself and Harry

This is not the time for one of your famous bickering matches, Mr. Weasley, Kingsley cut in.

There is a building just on the other side of the alley, who would like to wager that that is where we need to be? Kingsley asked pointedly

How can you possibly know that? asked Ron testily, looking at the structure

Ron, stop getting so upset, Kingsley is probably right because look across the front, it does say Azotti Museum, as clearly as the sky is blue. Hermione interjected.

Oh, was all Ron could say as they made toward the museum.

They walked as a group into the museum, together, but far enough apart to where it wouldn't raise suspicion. Harry signaled Ron and Moody down one corridor to search while signaling Kingsley and Lupin down the other, leaving himself and Hermione to search the main corridor. While walking along a row on sculptures, where she saw it. Hermione turned to find Harry with his wand drawn ready and pointed at the sculpture of Godric Gryffindor.

Bombarda, Harry exclaimed, a light shot from his wand and hit the sculpture.

Harry was that necessary to draw attention to yourself like that. Hermione asked as the sculpture dropped in a heap of powder.

Smiling Harry replied, Yeah, it was, I know I might have over done it though, it was only supposed to crumble.

Let's find the others, Hermione suggested and Harry nodded

When Harry and Hermione found Kingsley, Lupin, Ron and Moody they all apparated back to Grimmauld Place. Harry had a bad feelin upon entering the house but did, followed by the others. Harry sat in the sitting room in front of the fire later that night when Hermione walked down the stairs into the foyer and saw that there was still someone up. Seeing a messy tuft of hair over the top of the chair she knew it was Harry. You can do this Hermione, she thought as she walked to him. Before Hermione reached him however she saw something move in the dining area and Harry had also seen it because he was up and ran straight to the kitchen. Harry was seemingly amused by what he saw.

Hermione, stay there, this wont take long. Harry said, Hermione was curious but wasn't going to move for fear of not knowing what was on the other side of the wall.

Harry stood looking in the direction of the floor smiling.

Grown bold in your old age eh, Nagini? Harry said in parseltongue

Shut it, Potter, I can kill you with one drop of venom, the snake retorted.

I have survived the venom of far worse snakes that you Nagini, or did you forget? Harry said in amusement to the snake.

Yes, you are quite right, but you have no phoenix here to help you, with that the snake charged.

Expelliamus said Harry forcefully, throwing the snake up on the counter top, where it made to charge again.

Sectumsepra, Harry called as the snake was mere feet from him. The cutting curse did quite a good job as Nagini moved only slightly after being hit with it. Harry walked across the kitchen, grabbed the bottle of firewhiskey, took a rather long swallow of it.

Vipera evanesca, muttered Harry and the snake had been burnt to ash on the kitchen floor.

Harry walked back in the sitting room with the bottle and sipped it again, leaned down and pressed his lips against Hermione's. She hesitated a moment and to his shock kissed him back, with much passion. After only needing air Harry pulled away.

What was that? asked Hermione, looking at Harry inquisitively.

I'm sorry Hermione, but I feel it necessary to tell you that you are gorgeous. Harry said with a smile.

Harry, you need to focus on Vold--. She was cut off by a quick kiss from Harry.

You need to let me worry about what I should focus on. Harry said smugly.

Okay Harry, care to explain to me why you are kissing me then? Hermione said pointedly

Harry's smile faltered slightly, Mione, I can't help how I feel. I'm in love with you Hermione Granger.

I-I-I don't know what to say, Harry. Hermione said, looking befuddled.

Harry looked at her, Just say what you feel, Hermione.

Hermione twiddled with her thumbs and looked at him, I love you too, Harry

With that said, Harry smiled and leaned to her and kissed her, even more passionately than before.

After Harry and Hermione pulled their lips from each other, Harry had also been hit with the realization that nothing else needed to be done, he closed his eyes and thought to himself, its only you and me now Tom.