In A New Light

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny were in the Hospital Wing sitting around Harry's bed, watching him lie there, asleep. It's been a day since he defeated Voldemort and he hasn't woken up since. Hermione and Ginny held on to each other silently sobbing, while Ron just sat with his face in his hands.

Tomorrow was graduation. Everyone at school hoped Harry would wake up by then, but there was a big possibility that he wouldn't.

Ginny let go of Hermione and picked up Harry's right hand. She cupped it with her own and kissed it. "Please wake up," Ginny pleaded.

Harry's eyes fluttered, and opened a few seconds later.

"I'm right here Gin," Harry responded softly.

Ginny shrieked with joy and hugged him. His whole body ached, and he didn't return the hug.

"Sorry Gin, I'm really sore. Hey, why am I in the hospital wing? Shouldn't I still be in the moors? And what about Voldemort? What happened?" Harry sat up in excitement, then groaned in discomfort and laid back down again. "Ow."

All three of them were about to open their mouths to answer him, when Dumbledore entered the room.

"I think Harry should rest up. Tomorrow is a big day. And don't you three worry, I'll let him know what happened." Dumbledore winked at them and they took this as their cue to leave.

"We'll see you later," Hermione assured Harry.

"Get well mate," Ron told him.

Ginny just smiled and nodded, and followed Ron and Hermione out the door. She obviously didn't want to leave.

Dumbledore walked up to Harry's bedside.

"Well Harry, it seems that last night, you snuck off to meet Voldemort."

"Yes sir," Harry said, feeling ashamed.

"That was a very dangerous thing you did, bringing your three friends with you. But also," Dumbledore continued with a smile, "One of the bravest things anyone has ever done. Defeating Voldemort, that is."

"What? You mean, he's gone? I won? It worked?" Harry asked in disbelief.

"Yes. Your friends told me about it, after they dragged you all the way back. They told me about the Marauder's Map as well. There was just one thing that confused them. Voldemort told you he wanted to talk with you, and then you two started to fight, right away."

"That's because he stopped time. That's when we talked, alone. It wasn't really that important, just a bunch of crap, is all."

"And how exactly did he do this?"

"He invented a spell." Harry answered.

"Ah," Dumbledore said in understanding. "Well I guess you are the only one who knows it."

"Yeah. Would you like me to tell you it?"

"No Harry, that's quite alright. You can tell me some other time, if you wish to do so. Now, rest up, because tomorrow, you graduate. I'll come back for you in the morning. Night Harry." Dumbledore got up to leave.

"Professor, wait!"

Dumbledore paused. "What is it, Harry?"

"Why did I faint? Why am I so sore?"

"Because you used all of your strength on Voldemort."

"And what happened to his body? And the Death Eaters? Where are they?" Harry inquired.

"The body of Voldemort disintegrated. As for the Death Eaters, let's just say they are on a long vacation, on the island of Azkaban."

Harry smiled. "Okay. See you later Professor."

"Good Bye Harry. Get well," Dumbledore said while exiting the hospital wing.

Harry laid down to sleep, closed his eyes, and for once in his life, felt truly happy.

Jessica found herself looking at the map of Great Britain, and in the corner was the word "Sugarplum."

"Well, I guess I can't see a map of Hogwarts, but I think I saw something way better," She said to herself. She now saw her dad in a different way. A kind and brave soul, who's good a dueling evil and powerful wizards. Now she understood why people looked up to him so much.

She grabbed her wand, aimed it at the Marauder's Map and said the counter spell, "Mischief managed." The parchment became blank once again.

She took the Map downstairs and returned to the Living Room. She couldn't wait to see what else was inside that box.