Harry opened his eyes and nearly yelled when he saw Sirius kneeling over him.
"You said you couldn't come back," said Harry confusedly, sitting up and taking in Sirius, who looked whole and healthy beside him.
"I can't. I haven't," replied Sirius, eying Harry alarmingly.
"Then where are we?" asked Harry.
"Where I have been for the last two years," said Sirius. "I was just about to leave here; but you shouldn't be here at all. I just watched you send that bastard to Hades. I don't understand. Why are you here? Why have you given up?"
"Given up what?" asked Harry, bewildered. "What are you talking about?"
"Look down there," said Sirius, and Harry saw that they were somehow suspended in mid air, on a hard, clear surface. He felt like he was a million miles away; but as he peered down, he seemed to be hovering only a few feet above the others.
He saw several of the surviving Order and Aurors working to secure the remaining Death Eaters. However, Harry lurched when he saw his friends bent over his form. Their distress was palpable. Andre and Jillian looked like they were trying to pump life back into Harry's body. Bill and Kingsley were undoing the Six-Point spell. And Hermione, Ron, Neville and Lupin all looked shell shocked.
Harry had not felt this disembodied since his experience with Hermione and the Time-Turner. And then he remembered. He pulled at his shirt and showed Sirius a gaping wound in his back that ended in a large and bloodied bruise inches from his navel. He'd nearly been skewered when Voldemort slammed him against the broken ground. He did not know how many bones and ribs had been broken and at least one lung had to have been punctured, perhaps both. Harry had literally been slowly drowning in his own blood as he got to his feet and faced Voldemort. But here with Sirius, he felt no pain, even though the wounds were still vividly apparent.
Sirius's eyes filled as he looked at Harry and reached out to grasp his hand firmly.
"No, it's not your time," he said. "You need to go back while you can, before the veil re-closes. You need to keep fighting."
"Sirius," said Harry, his voice trembling as he recalled the indescribable pain that racked his broken body. "I'm so unbelievably tired. I don't know that I can do this anymore."
Sirius pulled Harry to him and held him tightly.
"Yes, you can. Try," he said, "for your parents and for me and for Dumbledore; and for everyone else who loves you. Try for the ones down there who are fighting to save you. Try so that you can have the life we so desperately want for you. You shouldn't miss another moment of it. You've lost and given so much. You deserve something real and true. Please, Harry, you have to keep going."
They peered down again just as Jillian raised her face skyward. It was tear stained and her brown eyes were clouded with trepidation and dolor.
"Jillian," whispered Sirius and he reached out a hand, as if he could actually caress her.
She touched her cheek and closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, they were sharp and glinting like two Knuts in the sunlight. She threw back her head and screamed at the top of her lungs.
"SIRIUS—YOU SON OF A BITCH—DON'T YOU DARE LET THIS HAPPEN! DON'T YOU DARE TAKE HIM, DAMN YOU! OR I SWEAR ON ALL THAT IS HOLY, I WILL MAKE SURE YOU NEVER REST IN PEACE!"
Everyone on the ground was looking at Jillian's as if she'd surely just lost her mind, including Kingsley. Harry's jaw dropped in shock and so did Sirius's, at least for a few seconds. Then he threw back his own head and let out the deep, rough laughter that Harry loved so much.
"And if for no other reason, try and take pity on your godfather and save me from having that amazing woman haunting me throughout eternity," said Sirius, his eyes alight with emotion as he realized Jillian had felt his touch. "You know she'd probably find a way to do it."
"Okay," said Harry, sad to leave when he knew going on with Sirius would reunite him with the family he'd lost; but also truly knowing it was not what they wanted for him.
"Good," said Sirius. "Now, don't ever forget…"
"I know," interrupted Harry, placing a hand over his own heart. "Each of you is always with me. And I'll give Jillian your love."
"Right," replied Sirius, putting his hand over Harry's. "I'm so very pleased you have each other in your lives. Now do me one more favor and make sure she ends up with a decent bloke, all right?"
Harry smiled and nodded, and Sirius winked at his godson before pushing him firmly over the abyss.
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Voices and lights and odd noises kept interrupting the deepest sleep Harry had ever known. He knew he'd been trying to open his eyes, but it seemed to take the greatest amounts of effort.
When Harry was finally able to open them fully and focus, he found himself tucked tightly beneath soft and warm bedding. He looked around and through his naturally blurred vision, saw he was in the hospital wing at Hogwarts.
He tried to shift himself up, but gasped when pain shot through him like hot pin pricks.
"Take it easy, Harry," said a voice, which Harry recognized as Bill Weasley's. "Let me get Madam Pomfrey and the Healers."
Twenty minutes later, Harry had been poked and prodded, and helped into a sitting position, his back propped against countless pillows.
Bill returned and handed Harry his glasses, and even putting those on caused Harry some minor aches. Bill sat in the chair next to Harry's bed and regarded him closely.
"How do you feel?" he asked.
"Like I've been run through by a bolt of lightening," said Harry, his voice coarse and gruff.
"Well, that's pretty much what happened," said Bill, pouring a glass of water from the bedside table and holding it for Harry to sip from. "Although that apparently had nothing to do with what almost did you in. We had no idea you'd been hurt that badly. We nearly passed out when Andre cut off your shirt. You were a right mess, Harry."
Harry closed his eyes and tried to take his mind back there. Everything seemed so fuzzy and so long ago.
"What happened – after, you know?" asked Harry.
"We thought we were going to lose you out there, but Andre and Jillian refused to give up on you. Kingsley and I undid the Six-Point Spell and we all Apparated to the gates of the school, with Kingsley carrying you. Everyone who'd been stationed on the grounds came running towards us; but we didn't have time to undo the protection around the school. Hermione yelled for Dobby and he showed up in an instant. The second he saw you, he grabbed Kingsley's robes and got you both inside."
Harry had no memory of any of it.
"Jillian and Lupin worked to break through the protective barriers; and no one cared whether or not they went back up," continued Bill. "We got inside less than ten minutes behind you and McGonagall was already pacing the hospital corridor. Luckily, one of the witches who'd shown up to help the night before was a Healer from St. Mungo's. I won't lie to you; it was touch and go there for quite a while. But she and Madam Pomfrey were eventually able to stabilize you. She was one of the two others checking you over just now. We've been waiting for you to wake up, ever since."
"How long have I been out?" asked Harry.
"Well, there were moments where it looked like you were coming around, but they never lasted more than a few seconds. This really is the first you've been awake in almost three weeks. We've been taking turns sitting with you so that you wouldn't wake up alone."
"Three weeks?" repeated Harry and Bill nodded.
Harry closed his eyes and let his head sink against the pillows. He thought he'd only been out a few days or so. Three weeks was a long time. The Easter break had come and gone and everyone he'd cared about and lost during those last days would have already been buried. He'd not had a chance to pay his respects or say goodbye to any of them: Mrs. Weasley, Percy, Hagrid, Seamus, Moody and Tonks. And who knew how many others.
Harry opened his eyes and asked, "Was everyone here still okay?"
"Yes, there were some additional injuries, but everyone's pulled through fine," said Bill. "As I understand it, Greyback's friends showed up, along with a surprising number of low-level Death Eaters. It looks like they were part of the team that overtook Hogsmeade. But they were no match for Grawp, the centaurs and Aurors, or Fred and George. The twins showed the visiting Aurors how to get through the tunnel to Hogsmeade and they pretty much overwhelmed the attackers from the front and back. I think you might find your D.A. a wee bit corrupted by my brothers."
Harry was relieved that no one else had been killed and he tried to smile, but couldn't.
Bill seemed to understand why.
"Madam Pomfrey's going to strangle me if I don't let her tell the others you are awake," he said and Harry looked a bit confused.
"I asked her to hold off so that I could speak to you alone, first," he explained, extracting Harry's letter and the two other unopened envelopes from his bag.
He picked up the heavier of the two and pulled his wand. With a quick wave, the envelope and its contents went up in flames and disappeared.
"I can't tell you how glad I am to be able to do that," said Bill. "I never wanted to have to open that one."
Harry looked at Bill and said, "But I knew you would if you had to. That's why I chose you."
Bill nodded. "I'm going to let you get some rest," he said, standing up and gripping Harry's shoulder gently. "We can talk about this other one later, whenever you are ready."
"Okay," said Harry. "Thanks."
"And Harry," said Bill as he turned to leave, "if I'm ever in a jam, you're the first one I'm calling."
This time Harry did manage a very small grin.
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He kept trying to go over everything that happened; but the more he did, the more exhausted he became. It felt like someone else's life, like those things couldn't possibly have happened because they were too awful to have been real.
And after learning he'd been unconscious for weeks, Harry thought more sleep would be the last thing he'd need; but his body and mind thought otherwise and he gave in and fell into slumber.
This time, it was soft whispers that pulled him awake. He'd drifted off with his glasses on and when he opened his eyes, he saw two people in the chair beside his bed. Ron's long legs were stretched out lazily in front of him and Hermione was sitting in his lap, one hand on Ron's shoulder, while he slowly and absentmindedly stroked her hair.
Ron was the one to notice Harry was awake and he sat up so quickly, Harry was surprised he didn't unseat Hermione. They both looked as worn as Harry felt. They were watching him apprehensively and Harry was trying to steady the overwhelming tidal wave of emotions that suddenly bubbled up from absolutely nowhere. Hours ago he'd felt disconnected from everything; but now, it was as if every last bit of it had all just happened.
It had all been real and they'd been there with him; just as they'd sworn they would be, just as they always had been. And they'd helped him every step of the way, fighting alongside him, encouraging him and believing in him when he didn't really believe in himself. He'd been so afraid for them; but he'd forgotten they'd been just as terrified for him.
Ron's eyes were wet and he was making faces in an attempt to maintain control. It was Hermione however, who proved to be Harry's undoing. Her eyes had been the last things he'd seen when both she and Harry believed he was dying. That look still haunted her face as she watched him now, tears already pouring down her cheeks. Harry bit his lower lip, but even that did not stop his own eyes from reddening.
Hermione got from the chair and half crawled around blankets and pillows until she could very carefully and very gently get her arms around him and she held him as though she would never let him go. He did not want her to. The dam finally broke and it was impossible to tell where Hermione's tears ended and Harry's began. Ron finally gave up his own battle and slid in on her other side, embracing both Hermione and Harry.
They were a strange sight – three friends contorted in a hospital bed – with sniffs and sobs nearly indistinguishable among them. But Ginny thought it was the most wonderful thing she'd ever seen when she walked in on them.
She'd run all the way to the hospital wing when she received word that Harry had awakened; but when she saw the three of them together, she did not make a sound. She watched them for a moment longer and slipped quietly back out the door, closing it behind her. She would come back later. The trio needed to start to heal and they needed to do it as they'd done almost everything else, together.
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Ron had brought down Lily's letters and journals and Harry was absorbed in re-reading them when Lupin took him completely unawares.
"Hello, Harry," said Lupin, his voice calm and sad.
"Lupin," said Harry, relieved to see him because he'd been worried about his father's only surviving friend.
Harry moved the journal and letters to the bedside table and Lupin sat on the edge of the bed and encircled him. Harry had never been hugged so much in his life, but he wasn't complaining.
"You gave me quite the fright, young man," said Lupin, his eyes glistening as he watched Harry.
"I'm sorry," said Harry, his eyes beginning to sting. "And I am so sorry we lost Tonks, especially because you lost her. I wish I'd been able to do something."
"Nymphadora died doing her job and trying to help someone else," said Lupin, his voice cracking. "There was nothing else you or any of us could have done."
"But you loved her," said Harry, tentatively.
He'd never actually asked Lupin or Tonks about their growing relationship. He'd always believed they'd find a life together after all this turmoil was over.
"And I always will," said Lupin quietly. "She knew it and that's what mattered."
"I know," he said. "I just wanted to see you happy. I don't think I ever have – not really."
"I'm happy, now," said Lupin.
"How can you be?" asked Harry.
"Because I'm sitting here talking with you and that always brings me joy; but never more than right now. Do you have any idea how proud I am of you? How proud we all are of you?"
"I didn't do any of it by myself," said Harry.
"Oh, yes you did," said Lupin, "the hardest part of all. And it was the most amazing display of courage and selflessness I have ever witnessed. We've lost a lot of dear friends and family, but not a single one of them died in vain; and that Harry, is because of you."
Harry colored and Lupin gave a small laugh.
"What?" asked Harry.
"You are definitely your mother's child," said Lupin. "Your modesty reminds me a great deal of her. Well, I guess you won't be running for Minster of Magic, then?"
"What are you talking about?" asked Harry, trying to figure out why Lupin was suddenly in a mood to tease him.
"We had to put the protective barriers back up around the castle grounds," explained Lupin. "You have a legion of admirers clamoring to get at you, and a great many of them have signs expounding their support of you as Minster of Magic. Fortunately, the centaurs make excellent sentries, so I don't think anyone will be getting too near the gates."
Harry must have looked aghast, because Lupin nearly lost his purchase on the side of the bed as he laughed heartedly.
"I'm sorry," said Lupin, sincerely. "I should not have sprung that on you; but there really are hoards of people who wish to thank you – and a few more ardent ones who think you should run for Minster. The Healers originally wanted to move you to St. Mungo's, but it didn't take long to realize that would not have been a good idea. It was easier for us to guard you from here."
"Why would we need a new Minister?" asked Harry. "What happened to Scrimgeour and to Regulus? And oh, God – Voldemort had a different wand. I think they had Mr. Ollivander all along."
He couldn't believe he'd not talked to Ron and Hermione about any of them.
"Slow down, Harry," advised Lupin. "It was fairly easy to break down a few of the injured and surviving Death Eaters. Ministry Aurors did find Mr. Ollivander. He'd been tortured and ill cared for; but with time, he will eventually recover, at least physically. Apparently, Voldemort didn't want to risk a repeat performance of what happened with your wands in the graveyard. Ollivander was found in an a room with Davis, in whom they apparently did not see any further value in keeping alive."
Harry's stomach turned at the news.
"Minister Scrimgeour is alive and recovering at St. Mungo's," continued Lupin. "But it will be quite a while before he resumes his duties, though."
"And Regulus?" asked Harry, remembering the snakebite and Hermione's efforts to help him.
"Nagini's venom did some damage, but thanks to Hermione, they were able to save his leg. He will however, likely require the aid of a cane for the rest of his life."
There were so many people he needed to see and thank and he was beginning to feel overwhelmed.
"All in due time, Harry," said Lupin, always able to read everything in Harry's eyes. "And lest I forget, your aunt, uncle and cousin are back in Little Whinging."
"Oh, okay," said Harry.
"We told them of your injuries and have sent them regular updates," added Lupin. "Kingsley delivered the latest one a little while ago."
Harry nodded.
"Would you like to see them?" asked Lupin gently. "We could arrange to bring them here."
Harry already felt rubbed raw emotionally. He didn't want to have to deal with any drama from the Dursleys - maybe in the future, but not now. Harry looked at Lupin and shook his head slowly
"No," he said simply.
"I understand," replied Lupin empathetically.
A whole lot of unexpected things had come to light, and his aunt's odd behavior had only been one of them.
"Did Ron and Hermione tell you I needed to talk to you and the others about Snape?" asked Harry.
"Yes," he answered. "They found me just after they left you earlier today. But you needn't worry. I already know."
"How?" asked Harry.
"You've forgotten part of our chat at the Burrow, have you?"
Harry frowned as he tried to recall that morning under the tree.
"I was to be alerted when the last person tasked with assisting you had fulfilled his or her duties. A letter from Dumbledore arrived hours after we returned to Hogwarts. Actually, two letters arrived, one for me and one for McGonagall. I guess Dumbledore did not want to risk the truth not coming out in the event I met my demise."
Harry shook his head at Lupin's matter-of-fact manner, but did not interrupt him.
"In short, the letter explained that everything Severus did was under direct order from Dumbledore, including ending his life. It seems Severus had been working to protect you since you first arrived here at Hogwarts."
"Did it tell you why Dumbledore never doubted Snape?" asked Harry.
"No, it did not," said Lupin. "I guess that secret rests with both of them."
"No, it doesn't," said Harry. "I know why, and I think you should, as well."
Lupin listened intently as Harry described every memory that Snape revealed to him that terrified morning.
"Lily?" said Lupin, incredulously. "He turned to Dumbledore and the Order because of Lily?"
"Yes," said Harry. "My mother saved me twice. One was that night in Godric's Hollow; but also long before that, when she tried to befriend a boy who was pretty much friendless."
"Unbelievable," said Lupin.
"So, you never knew?" asked Harry.
"No," said Lupin. "I knew Severus and Lily were Slughorn's favorite Potions students; but that was the beginning and end of it. James never said anything. Honestly, by the time he and Lily really got involved, he'd probably forgotten all about it. I'm sure Sirius would have. I doubt any of them, including your mother, knew the extent of Severus's feelings for her."
Lupin ran his hands through his ever-graying hair and looked at Harry.
"How do you feel about all of it?" asked Lupin.
"I don't really know," said Harry. "Snape hated Sirius and Dad, and he hated me from day one simply for looking like him. He went out of his way to make me miserable at every opportunity and I pretty much despised him for it. But because of Mum, he still did whatever he had to do to protect me. I mean – could you have killed Dumbledore if he'd asked you?"
"No," said Lupin, "I could not have."
"Me, neither," said Harry. "Whatever else happened or was said no longer seems important. I'm grateful to Snape and I always will be. I'm just glad I got a chance to say thank you before he died."
"Who else knows about Lily?" asked Lupin.
"Ron and Hermione, of course, and now you. I'll confide in Ginny and then Jillian – because of Sirius – but that's it. And well, I sort of told Voldemort, but that was so I could torture him with the truth," said Harry, not realizing his eyes had darkened simply from the memory of it.
"And had I not been so afraid that you were dying before my very eyes," said Lupin, interrupting Harry's thoughts, "I would have fallen backwards when Jillian started yelling for Sirius like she did."
"Yeah, I heard about that," said Harry, knowing that everyone else thought she'd been acting irrationally out of a combination of grief and fear.
"It wasn't until we knew you were out of danger that we learned from Kingsley how she knew Sirius. I was floored to hear she'd been his fiancée."
"I had a similar reaction when I found out," said Harry.
"How long have you known?" asked Lupin.
"I found out a couple of months ago," said Harry. "Jillian hadn't planned on telling anyone; but I stumbled upon a picture of Sirius in her quarters and everything followed from there. It was all pretty incredible."
"So that is the reason you dropped your Cloak and revealed yourself in the Hog's Head, then?" asked Lupin.
"Yeah," said Harry. "I just reacted. You and Tonks were stunned by Regulus's reappearance, but at least you knew what he looked like. Seeing bits of Sirius in his face was difficult. I felt out of sorts watching him; but I knew Jillian was probably ready to scream."
"Well, that explains some things, like why no one seemed to know very much about her or why Kingsley had never mentioned her very much. McGonagall had only said she was exceptionally talented, but that seems a gross understatement. She was remarkable out there, none more so than when we realized how injured you were. She and Andre could have probably had careers as Healers. And I think Andre is smitten with her."
"Really?" said Harry, believing Sirius would have approved of Andre and wondering if Jillian would finally be ready to let someone else into her life.
"Yes, but don't tell him I said anything," remarked Lupin. "I've since seen his weapons collection and some of what he's taught you to do. At this age, I've grown quite attached to my appendages, thank you very much."
Harry laughed and coughed slightly.
"That's enough for now," said Lupin concernedly as he stood from the bed. "I want you to promise to get some rest and I'll make sure Poppy lets you have one more visitor later this evening – say a certain red headed witch who's been patiently letting everyone else monopolize your time."
"It's a deal," said Harry, "And Lupin, thank you for everything. Mum, Dad and Sirius couldn't have asked for a better friend. Nor could I."
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Harry knew she was in the room before he ever opened his eyes. He could hear her light footfalls on the stone floor and her fragrance slowly pulled him to full consciousness. If this was a dream, then he was going to be really annoyed.
But it wasn't. Ginny's soft lips brushed his forehead and her small hand sought out one of his atop the blankets. When she made to step back from the bed, Harry squeezed her hand and opened his eyes.
"Hi, Beautiful," he said.
"Hi there yourself, Handsome," she said smiling, and like everyone else who'd visited him today, sat beside him on the bed. "What's new?"
Harry looked at her and said, "Not much, just the usual."
"Really?" she asked. "Like leading an army of fighters and magical creatures; like ridding our world of the most evil wizard in history; and oh yeah, like nearly getting yourself killed and leaving me forever."
She wasn't smiling now and Harry didn't know quite what to say to her.
She'd already lost her mother, her brother, and several friends. They'd had a very difficult year, and just when it looked like their mutual grief was helping them find their way back to each other, Harry had left from the Great Hall and she'd really had no idea if he and the others would come back alive.
"Ginny," started Harry, but she cut him off.
"It's a good thing you are hurt, Harry James Potter," she said, "Otherwise, I'd throttle you right about now."
He knew she was trying to be brave and strong for him, but she didn't have to be. He loved her for trying, but it was unnecessary.
"No, you wouldn't," he said calmly, watching her closely.
"Yes, I would," she said unconvincingly, twisting a strand of her long red hair around her finger.
"No, you would not," he repeated softly, squeezing the hand he still held and reaching for the other one that was entwined in her hair.
She stopped fidgeting, but her eyes were downcast.
"Ginny, look at me, please," said Harry.
She did and Harry took a deep breath.
"I would never leave you forever," he said. "You are in my heart and I hope I am in yours."
She nodded, with one lone tear trailing slowly down her cheek.
"So, even if the worst had happened, I'd still be near you," he said. "Someone else once told me that and although I wanted to believe it, I didn't really understand it until very recently. But it is so very true. Trust me."
"I always have," she said and a second tear joined the first. "But we'd just lost Mum and Percy and it hurt so much. It still does. I was so afraid for you all. I was prouder of you than I'd ever been, but I was terrified. I kept telling myself that you'd be fine, that you'd all be fine."
He hated having put her through any of it.
"I ran downstairs when I heard you were back and I saw Kingsley covered in blood and I knew it was yours. Don't ask me how. I just knew, even before I saw Ron and Hermione. And then I finally saw them and Bill and the others – and Harry, I don't ever want to see them like that again," she said, her voice faltering.
"Sshh," he said and pulled her towards him.
It was worth a little physical pain to feel her nestled in his arms, her head just under his chin. She'd not shed any other tears. It was just the two of them, talking when they felt like it, comfortably silent when they did not.
"There are all sorts of stories and rumors about what happened out there," she said quietly.
"I'm not surprised," he answered. "But you've had the inside track with your brothers, Hermione and Neville."
"I didn't really ask and they weren't volunteering many details," she said. "Neville's nearly as protective of you as Ron and Hermione are. I don't think he's talked to anyone other than Luna and Dean."
Harry swallowed back the lump in his throat. Dean had lost his best friend and Seamus's parents would have buried their only child.
"Well, I can tell you that all of them, including Seamus, were incredibly brave and I don't know what would have happened without them."
"And are you ready to tell me what did happen?" she asked without pressure.
"No," said Harry. "One day, but not now."
Ginny tilted her head back to look steadily into his breathtaking eyes.
Harry was different. It took a little longer for him to smile and a little longer for the light to reach his eyes. The boy she'd had a crush on since she was ten years old was in there somewhere; but it was the man who looked back at her now. He'd been through so much, more than seemed possibly fair. He'd weathered it all, but not without penalty. There was pain and sorrow in his face, and something else she could not name. She could scarcely imagine everything that must be going through his mind, everything he must be feeling.
"I wish I could take some of it away for you," she said, reaching out to trace his jaw line.
"You are," he replied, "just by being here with me."
"Is there anything else I can do?" she asked sincerely.
"Maybe this," he whispered and he tilted his head down to hers, their lips meeting in a much overdue kiss that was long and tender and unhurried. It felt new.
"Better?" she asked.
"Much," he answered. "You've got a far better bedside manner than Madam Pomfrey."
And she watched the shadows leave his eyes as he laughed with her.
"Just for that, I'll join you in here for breakfast tomorrow," she said, reluctantly pulling from his arms and standing to leave. "Good night, Harry Potter."
"Good night, Ginny Weasley," he said, a very small smile at the corners of his mouth as he watched her go.
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Harry woke up in the middle of the night, disoriented and drenched in sweat with his heart beating rapidly. Fading images of red eyes and dancing flames still held his attention.
"Harry, it's all right," came a voice in the darkness. "You're fine. You're just dreaming."
It was Jillian and she lit the space around his bed with soft light and stood beside it.
"Relax," she said, a soft and comforting hand on his shoulder. "Breathe slowly."
He did and he finally focused on her fuzzy image.
"Do you want your glasses?" she asked.
He shook his head and she pulled a chair close to the bed and sat beside him.
The door to Madam Pomfrey's quarters must have opened because Jillian looked up and said, "It's fine, Poppy. Really, I've got him," and this time Harry heard it close.
"What time is it?" asked Harry.
"It's close to three," she said.
"Three," repeated Harry, trying to mask his anxiety. "Forever the insomniac, aren't you?"
"You've got a nerve," she replied. "But yes, I volunteered for the night shift. Lupin and I have been alternating since we brought you back. He and I agreed the first few nights after you woke up might be a little rough, so I took tonight. I hope you don't mind."
"How could I?" replied Harry. "I've been wanting to see you. Of course, I didn't think it would be because I woke up from a nightmare looking like I've been swimming."
"Considering everything you've been through, the dreams aren't really a surprise. But believe me when I tell you they will start to fade. As for the rest of it - well, I can fix that," she said and with a few waves of her hand, Harry and the bed were clean and dry, with fresh pajamas and linens.
"Thanks," he said and propped himself up, finally retrieving his glasses for himself.
"I did stop by yesterday, but you were asleep and I didn't want to wake you."
"I don't know why I can't seem to stay awake. You'd think I'd have had enough sleep by now."
"Your body sustained a lot of trauma," she said. "Fortunately, it isn't nearly as stubborn as you are. If I weren't so happy to know you are okay, I'd be shaking you right now."
Harry raised a brow at her. She was the second person who'd threatened him with physical harm in the last six hours.
"When you fell to your knees, your dropped into a puddle of blood and Andre was the one to realize it was your own. You were bleeding out and you wouldn't lower that bloody shield," she said, her voice thickening.
"I had to finish it, Jillian," he replied simply. "No matter what."
Her eyes glistened, but she fought back her tears and let out a slow breath.
"Well, you definitely did that. I've seen a lot of things in my work. I've done a lot of things. But what happened out there was unbelievable."
"Jillian," he started hesitantly. "Where'd the silver and gold light come from? You've been teaching me all year and I'd never…"
Jillian raised a hand to stop him. She knew he'd have this question.
"I think I told you that those who share our ability possess it in different degrees and strength," she said.
Harry nodded, "Yeah, you did."
"Well, my ability is fairly strong. Again, it's the main reason my father wouldn't let anyone but Dumbledore mentor me when I was younger. When I can harness it at its fullest, it manifests in silver light."
"So, that's how you were able to charge the sword?"
"Yes. I believed your ability would eventually be as strong as mine, maybe more so. And it is, Harry. I knew it when I saw that first shield go up around us. But as for the orb, I can't explain where it came from and I lost my breath when I realized you could control it. You've done them all proud, Harry," she said.
Harry knew of whom she spoke and he already knew that orb had been from them, of them, of their combined power and love for him, and their faith in what he was doing. A little of Harry's blood had been Voldemort's downfall. It was what allowed that power to flow through Harry into him. But he'd had none of Harry's love and thus, no protection from the immense power radiating from that sphere that hung above them.
"So, do you always go around threatening the souls of the departed?" he asked lightly.
"Oh, you heard about that?" she asked, looking slightly embarrassed.
"No, we heard you," he replied.
"You barely had a pulse. How could you possibly…wait, who's we?" she asked.
Harry had been debating on how to tell her what he believed she had to hear, what she deserved to understand.
"I know this is going to sound crazy, but I was with Sirius. We heard you."
Her brown eyes were watching him apprehensively. He knew everyone had been trying to convince her she'd imagined that she could reach out to him.
"No," she said quietly. "You must have heard it in your subconscious."
Harry took her hand and said very slowly, "I was as close to death as anyone could come and Sirius was there. He was begging me to fight for my life and we were watching all of you when you looked up. He saw you and he reached out. You did not imagine anything."
Jillian looked at him intently and he could see she was struggling with what her heart was telling her and what her head and everyone else was saying.
"Trust me, Jillian. Here," he said quietly and opened his mind to her and the memory he knew she needed to see.
Harry felt her slip gently into his thoughts and he replayed everything that happened after he awoke and saw Sirius. Silent tears ran beneath her now lowered lids. The memory ended and neither of them moved or spoke for a while.
Her free hand went to a chain beneath her blouse and when she pulled it out, Harry saw the diamond and ruby ring he'd seen in her memory all those months ago. She fingered it and brought it to her lips. When she finally opened her eyes, they were a whirl of colors and emotions.
"He's at peace, Jillian," said Harry quietly. "I promise you that. They all are."
She nodded and clasped his hand, unable to speak. Finally, she let go and wiped her eyes.
"Thank you," she said in a throaty voice. "You are the only one who could possibly know how much that means to me."
She leaned forward and gave him a dimpled smile, touched his jaw lightly and pulled his glasses off, yet again.
"Now, back to sleep, please," she said. "You and I have got to stop having these night owl conversations."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Harry had a lot of visitors over the next week. He spent a great deal of time with Mr. Weasley, answering countless questions about Muggles. He didn't mind one bit. He knew Mr. Weasley loved discovering new things about Muggles, and if anyone deserved some joy, he certainly did.
Charlie came with Fred and George, who made Harry laugh so much, Madam Pomfrey threatened to ban them from future visits.
McGonagall had dropped her usually stern manner and hugged Harry so tightly he thought she was going to crack one of his just mended ribs. And the other teachers were incredibly kind. Professor Slughorn gifted Harry with a large box of his beloved crystallized pineapples. Professor Sprout turned the hospital wing into a mini greenhouse filled with bright and beautiful floral arrangements. His favorite though, had to be a small harp from Professor Flitwick, which sat on the bedside table and played softly during the night. Harry's bad dreams had indeed begun to fade.
From Kingsley and Andre he heard about the efforts to flush out any remaining Death Eaters. It would be hard to know exactly how many more there were, but they were making headway and most of the Wizarding community was cooperating. Harry knew there would always be those who turned to the Dark Arts; but he also knew there would always be those who would stand up to fight against it.
He and Lupin had a lengthy conversation about the friends and loved ones they'd lost. Harry was touched to learn that Hagrid had been buried on the school grounds. And McGonagall had convinced the school governors to allow Snape to be entombed next to the place where Professor Dumbledore rested. It seemed a fitting final resting place for him, alongside the man who'd trusted him and in the only place he'd ever really called home.
Mrs. Weasley and Percy were buried on the closest hilltop overlooking the Burrow. And Seamus's parents had also laid their son to rest near their own home.
The Ministry had opted to bury many of its lost Aurors, with their families' permission, near where they'd fallen. So Moody and Tonks rested in Godric's Hollow, not very far from Harry's parents' graves.
It had all come full circle. Everything had ended where it began.
Hermione, Ron and Ginny visited numerous times a day. He told them they were going to end up in detention if they didn't stop skiving off classes, which had indeed resumed. Even Hermione had missed a few. But apparently, no one was really worried. Hermione had taken to reviewing N.E.W.T. material when she visited, figuring Harry should make an effort to catch up on his studies. Ron had laughed and said he'd love to see the Ministry official who would dare fail Harry.
All the seventh-years were busy making plans for what they would do once they left Hogwarts. It was such a normal thing to do, but Harry hadn't given it another thought. He knew he would have to, though.
On the morning of what would turn out to be his last day in the hospital wing Harry glanced around to find Neville walking towards him. In only the last few years had Harry learned their lives had been running on a very unusual set of parallel tracks. It was Harry who reached out to embrace his friend, first and Neville seemed surprised and moved. Harry was more proud of Neville than he'd ever be able to tell him.
"How are you feeling, Neville?" asked Harry.
"I'm good," said Neville. "I mean I'm sad about Seamus and the others. But in a weird way, I'm better than I've been in a long time, actually."
"I know what you mean," said Harry, and he did.
"How about you?" asked Neville. "You look tons better than the last time I saw you."
"I was lucky," said Harry. "I'm actually getting out of here later today."
"That wasn't just luck," said Neville, turning serious. "But whatever it was, I'm glad you're still here."
"You had a lot to do with that," said Harry. "You all did."
"I guess you'll be needing this, then," added Neville, pulling Harry's wand from his pocket.
Harry was mildly shocked. He knew he didn't have it, but he just assumed Ron or Hermione did.
"What good is a wizard without his wand?" asked Neville, slowly grinning at Harry while he said it.
Ginny had been right. Neville hadn't told a soul about all he'd witnessed Harry do, and he probably never would.
"What good, indeed," said Harry. "Thanks for retrieving it."
Harry was gathering his things later that morning, when someone knocked at the doorframe to the hospital wing. He turned and saw Regulus Black.
"Might I come in?" he asked.
Harry nodded and watched him move forward slowly while leaning slightly on a very handsomely carved cane. He took a seat in one of the bedside chairs and gestured at Harry, who took the seat beside him.
"If this is too uncomfortable for you," said Regulus, "I can transfigure back to Baldwin."
Harry thought it a kind gesture, but he shook his head.
"There's no need," he said. "I know you're not Sirius and besides, you should be able to be yourself, now."
"I know you've heard this a million times," said Regulus, "but you look exactly like James, with one obvious exception."
"Yeah, I know," said Harry.
"My brother and your father were as thick as thieves," he said. "I am ashamed to admit, I envied them both for it."
"Really?"
"Sirius and I were never particularly close as boys," explained Regulus. "He was always the one who stood out: in looks, in talent and in the mere fact that he was always somehow different from the rest of us. Just that alone made him the talk of the family and I always felt slighted by it. It was stupid I know, given that I was our parents' favorite. But I was even jealous of the time they spent berating him."
Harry saw a small glimpse of the childhood Sirius rebelled against.
"I was so happy to get to Hogwarts and especially into Slytherin House, away from his shadow, finally able to escape being his little brother. But I found out it didn't matter. Sirius's allure had only grown during his years here. He was still the one everyone wanted to know, wanted to talk to, wanted to be in with. And his special circle was a small one. And even though Remus and Peter were part of it, there was something transcending about the bond he shared with your father. He'd finally found the brother he always wanted, always needed."
"Yes, they were like brothers," said Harry. "But I don't think Sirius stopped caring about you. He was disappointed when you joined the Death Eaters, but he talked about how you tried to break away and about how he believed you died. He thought you'd gotten in over your head."
"I had," he said. "If not for the Dumbledores, I would have been killed. Then about a year or so after I'd been hidden, I heard about your parents' murders and Sirius's incarceration. I knew they were wrong, but I didn't do anything to try and help him. I was a coward."
"I don't know everything that happened back then," said Harry, "but I know you came back this time. And you helped us; you helped me. I don't think any of that makes you a coward."
"Thank you for saying that, Harry," replied Regulus. "But I didn't come here to dredge through my issues. I merely wanted the chance to speak to you properly before I go."
"You're leaving?" asked Harry. "Why?"
"Because nothing here has been home in a very long time. I have a whole other life away from here, one that I'm actually proud of."
"But what about Grimmauld Place?" asked Harry.
"What about it?" asked Regulus. "Sirius left it all to you."
"Yes, but you're his brother. Surely you want…"
"No, Harry," interrupted Regulus. "Sirius was the eldest son and he was within his rights to leave his assets to you. I am more than comfortable. I'd already received a generous inheritance when our father died. And besides, Grimmauld Place only reminds me of my old life, my old mistakes. It deserves new memories, happy ones. I'll leave it to you to make them."
"Okay," said Harry. "But I'd like to do something, if you'll let me."
Regulus eyed him curiously.
"Kreacher," called Harry and the house-elf appeared in an instant.
"Yes, Master," said Kreacher and he shrieked and dropped into hysterics when he took in Regulus sitting beside Harry.
"Kreacher, please stop," said Harry and the house-elf stopped his loud crying, but tears continued streaming from his huge eyes.
Harry looked at Regulus questioningly and Regulus understood what he meant to do. He smiled and nodded discreetly at Harry.
"Kreacher," continued Harry, "I have something to ask you. How would you like to go live with Regulus?"
The elf's already saucer size eyes grew wider with shock as he watched Harry.
"Kreacher's young master is very clever indeed to have defeated the Dark Lord," said the house elf. "Young Master is not trying to trick Kreacher, is he?"
"It is not a trick, Kreacher," said Harry. "If you'd like to go with Regulus and work for him, you have my permission to do so."
The house-elf bowed deeply at Harry, without rancor or malice and then stood and threw his arms about Regulus's uninjured leg.
Regulus bent forward and said something in one of Kreacher's bat like ears.
"Thank you, Harry," said Regulus. "It has truly been a pleasure."
"Bye, Regulus," said Harry and he watched as he and the Black's long serving elf disappeared with a crack.
It was mid afternoon when Harry convinced Madam Pomfrey to let him go outdoors before he was to be officially released at dinnertime. She'd been resistant at first, but when he told her he wanted to visit Hagrid's grave, she relented.
It was Friday and most everyone else was still in class, so Harry was able to slip out without being spotted. He walked a little stiffly across the grounds and around the back of the cabin. It was weird not to hear Fang's bark greeting him; but he knew the large dog was in good hands. He'd been staying at the Burrow with Charlie and Harry had no doubt Hagrid would have been pleased with the arrangement.
Buckbeak was tethered in the large vegetable patch. Lupin and the Order had seen to his return and the other hippogriffs.
"You really do like it here, don't you?" asked Harry, as he rubbed Buckbeak's neck following their customary greeting. "I'll have to talk to Professor McGonagall about letting you stay on. But don't worry, I'll visit you lots."
Harry saw a raised mound beneath the expanse of trees off in the distance. His legs felt much heavier as he made his way towards it. He raised his eyes as he approached it and slowed. They had buried Hagrid beneath the very tree at which Harry had been aiming his bow and arrows last fall.
A small shape passed overheard and Harry saw a well-recognized, small white form coming towards him. It was Hedwig, who was usually asleep at this time of day. Ron and Hermione had been looking after her while Harry was in the hospital. The owl landed gently on his shoulder and nipped lightly and playfully at his right ear and fingers.
"I've missed you too, Hedwig," he said, stroking her soft feathers. "Hagrid got you for me, remember? Thanks for coming to help me say goodbye."
Something about being outdoors had reawakened his heightened senses, which had begun to feel unused of late. Just as on another day, he heard the familiar sound of hooves and looked up in time to see Firenze approaching from the forest entrance.
"It is good to see you so well, Harry Potter," said Firenze.
Harry had not seen the centaur since the night the school was attacked.
"Hi, Firenze. Thanks. Are you back with the others, then?" asked Harry when he heard and saw the direction from which Firenze appeared.
"Nearly," said the centaur. "Magorian has welcomed me back, but I was just visiting today. I will return for good after term ends. The school has already lost two teachers this year. I did not wish to make things more difficult for Professor McGonagall."
"That's great, Firenze," said Harry, sincerely happy for the centaur.
"I am told you and Hagrid had quite a bit to do with it," said the centaur, watching Harry unblinkingly "Thank you."
"All we did was stand up for a friend," said Harry.
"Well, the heavens are calm once more," evoked Firenze. "And the herd has agreed to look after the giant, Grawp. I believe our friend should rest peacefully now."
Harry looked towards Hagrid's grave.
"It was I who suggested this as his resting place. They would have allowed him to be buried alongside Professor Dumbledore, as well; but I thought Hagrid would have preferred this. It's always been an unusual tree- the last to lose its leaves and the first to bloom again. Hagrid was a kind and unusual man. I thought it appropriate. I hope you are not disappointed."
"Not in the least," said Harry. "It's perfect. Thank you."
"I shall leave you alone, then, Harry Potter. Good afternoon," called Firenze as he moved back into the depths of the forest.
Harry knelt down at Hagrid's grave and finally let himself grieve for the friend he'd lost.
The late afternoon crept by and then Ron, Hermione and Ginny showed up to collect him for dinner. It would be the first time he faced the whole school and he was relieved he wouldn't have to do it alone. But when he walked through the double doors of the Great Hall, he couldn't help but be moved by what he saw.
The four house tables were there as always, but they were filled with random groupings of students from each house. Some of the Slytherins were still clustered, but there were others around them. The D.A. members were among those seated at the Gryffindor table and Harry could see the places that had been saved for them.
There were two spots draped in black at the staff table, along with one seat next to Dean at the Gryffindor table. But what most took Harry's breath away were the paintings suspended behind the staff table.
Harry saw beautifully rendered images of those they'd lost, both recently and long ago. They floated in two rows, those lost in the first war suspended behind and a little higher than those they'd lost since Voldemort's return. Among them were Dumbledore, Sirius, Moody, Tonks, Snape, Seamus, Cedric, Hagrid, Mrs. Weasley, Percy, Harry's parents, the Prewett brothers and countless others. These pictures were inanimate and there was no doubt they'd been done by hand. He was so mesmerized that he didn't realize Luna had joined him until he felt her slide her hand into his.
She kissed him gently on the cheek and said in her most effervescent voice, "I don't think things will ever be the same around here again. Or for you, either."
No truer words had ever been spoken, but Harry couldn't respond. He held her hand tighter, but couldn't take his eyes from the paintings.
"Aren't they wonderful?" she asked. "Dean did them. He painted Seamus's the day he died and he's done about one every couple of days since. We thought they should hang in here, so no one will ever forget. Professor Flitwick charmed them for us."
Harry finally pulled his eyes away and turned to seek out his housemate. Dean met his gaze for an extended moment, gave a nod and small smile, and then stood and raised a glass to Harry. The room erupted in applause and scraping benches as nearly everyone else joined him, Zabini among them.
Luna pulled him along with the others and they took their seats with their friends and peers. And it was probably the finest feast the school had ever known.