Chapter 24

The Aftermath

When my eyes fluttered open, I realized I was staring up at the clear blue sky of the Enchanted Ceiling. I heard shuffling and weeping all around me, as people mourned for the dead. I all I wanted to do was die permanently, because of the ones we lost. Blaise, Lavender, the Macons, Stephen, Carling, and worst of all…Stefan. I felt numb, cold, weak, my chest hurt, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. It wasn't because I was physically hurt, but because of all the emotional pain. Stefan was dead.

Stefan Antonio Salvatore was a man who loved me no matter what. He raised me when my parents died 17 years ago in a drunk driving accident. He changed my diapers when I was a baby, told me I wasn't a freak when I thought I was, reassured me when I doubted my magical abilities, and stepped between me and Damon when we fought. He protected me, loved me, and did everything he could for me. And now he was gone.

I couldn't take it anymore and started to cry. Big fat tears were rolling down my face so badly I could barely see.

"She's awake." I heard Damon say, but I didn't want to turn my head, because I was afraid of what I would see. "Princess? Are you all right."

I didn't trust my voice, so I shook my head no.

"It's ok Princess. We won. They're all dead. Even Greyback."

I shook my head no again.

"Love, it's going to be all right." Klaus said in a horse whisper, taking my hand. "We're all here. We all made it."

I shook my head no again, but this time more vigorously. "Stefan." I said. "He's…."

"Right here Lynn."

My eyes widened and I slowly turned my head toward his voice. He was laying on his side next to me smiling, and his green eyes sparkled as he looked at me. I stared at him in amazement.

"Yes, he is alive." Elijah smiled, sitting with his arms wrapped tightly around Hermione.

"But how? I don't understand?" I asked hurriedly as I tried to sit up.

"Now, now, none of that." Madam Pomfrey said, gently shoving me back down. "You need to stay still. You were stuck on that pole for a good long while, and I want to make sure you fully heal."

What pole?

I ignored her and stared at Stefan. "I-I s-saw you get staked. You died. I saw…I saw…"

"Salazar's Blood Bonding Potion." He said with a smile. "After Pansy and her parents killed us, they thought it would be funny to stake us together. They laid you on top of me, and shoved a wooden pole through our hearts. What they didn't count on, was the healing properties the potion had given your blood. It mixed with mine, and brought me back to life too."

"When the sun came up, I spotted the two of you stuck to that pole on the edge of the dark forest." Godric said. "I immediately got you down and that's when I realized Stefan was alive, and I brought both of you in here."

"But Stephen, Carling, and the Macons! Maybe we can save…"

Damon shook his head. "No Princess. I'm afraid we can't."

"Why not?" I demanded.

"We already tried to use your blood to revive them, but we couldn't. The only thing we can think of is, Stefan's blood was in the Blood-Bonding Potion." Salazar said, shifting uncomfortably, and holding his right shoulder. "His blood helped create what you have become, and we think that's the only reason he is alive."

"What am I?" I asked, as I laid my head back down. "What am I?"

"We don't know, but I want to study your blood further. Maybe I can figure out what's causing all these abnormal things." Salazar said. "Not that they are bad things."

I looked at Mrs. Weasley, who was sitting next to Carling and Stephen's bodies, crying. "I'm so sorry. If I had put Stephen and Carlings blood into that blood necklace, they'd be alive." I said with fresh tears welling up in my eyes. "I'm so sorry."

"It's ok dear." She said reaching for my hand. "None of us knew any of this could be possible. It's not your fault."

"Is everyone else ok?" I asked looking around. "I know Blaise and Lavender are gone, but is there anyone else?"

"We are all here and alive." Remus said. "Well, except Sirius."

"WHAT!?" I cried, sitting bolt upright.

Remus held up his hands and laughed. "It's all right. It's all right. We are just waiting for him to wake up."

"Huh?"

"He drank my blood." Damon said. "He told me he didn't want to die, so he asked me if he could drink my blood, so I let him."

"He was killed by a killing curse to the back." Harry said. "I saw it from the air, and headed toward the ground. Jacob, the air force guy riding with me, grabbed him and we flew in here. I couldn't fly after that, because all I could think about was Sirius, but when Damon came back in to check on Klaus, he told me not to worry."

"Did you go back out?" I asked.

Harry nodded. "With a vengeance." He grinned.

I bet he did!

I couldn't sit still anymore, so I got up and started to walk around, despite Madam Pomfrey's protest. Everyone in the great hall was covered with dirt and blood. The hospital wing was full of the more serious wounded, and the great hall was for those that were dead or not as badly injured. There was a lot of them.

I saw the Malfoy's sitting with Blaise's parents, and his body. Draco looked like he had been crying. Seamus, Dean, Ron and Ginny were sitting next to Lavender's body and the body of a girl with long blond hair, and I realized it was Ginny's friend, Luna Lovegood.

Neville's Grandmother had come to join the fight too, but now she lay beside Lavender and Luna. Neville himself looked like he was in another world, as he sat beside his Grandmother and held her hand.

Several of the Military werewolves had been killed, and the ones that had survived, sat with the bodies of their combat buddies. Tyler and Caroline sat with them, and I was very happy to see that most of them were alive. These werewolves risked a lot, and we owed them a great deal of thanks. There was even talk about burying them in proper Military fashion, and I thought it was a wonderful idea. Even if they were wolves.

The twins, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and another Weasley I didn't recognize, but who looked just like Stephen, were sitting next to the bodies of Stephen and Carling. That must be Bill.

Several residents of Hogsmeade were sitting with the bodies of the Macons, including Aberforth. It turns out that Aberforth was good friends with them. Mr. and Mrs. Flume, the owners of Honeydukes, were sitting next to the body of the owner of Zonko's. Madam Rosmerta was walking around offering everyone firewhiskey and butterbeer. She told me that it took her mind off of everything, because it gave her something to do.

Crabbe, Goyle, and their parents, were sitting with the Nott's. Theo had been killed by Greyback himself.

Tonks and Kingsley were sitting next to a few Aurors that had been killed, but Tonks kept getting up to check on her cousin Sirius, and to talk to Remus.

Several more people that I didn't know had been killed. There was about 70 total that were dead, but that number could rise, because other Aurors, including Moody, Professors Dumbledore, Snape, Flitwick, Hagrid, and surprisingly, an old Professor named Minerva McGonagall, were still outside looking for more wounded and dead. Come to find out, Professor McGonagall had returned to Hogwarts to help us fight the werewolves. She had written Dumbledore when the story about Godric came out, and demanded that Dumbledore alert her when the werewolves attacked. Everyone said this sounded like something she would do.

The castle was still on lockdown. Salazar hadn't lifted the spell yet, just in case some werewolves had escaped. He didn't want to take the chance of them returning. Greyback's body had been moved to the dungeons, and the bodies of the other werewolves were being banished to who-knows-where by the elves. Dumbledore had placed Dobby in charge of this.

Blue and Crookshanks were roaming around the great hall, providing comfort to those that needed it. The crow and Fawkes were circling the grounds, keeping watch for any stray werewolves. Even Peanut, Salazar's snake, was doing her best to provide comfort, even though most people were scared of her.

I smiled as I studied my family from a corner in the room. Pinky was tending to Klaus, Salazar, Stefan, and Sirius. Klaus was awake, but still very weak. Salazar had said it would take a few days for him to fully recover, because he was hit in the chest. Salazar himself had been hit with one in the shoulder. Those white oak stakes were nothing to play with. Remus had been struck with several, including one in the heart, but since he was a hybrid it didn't do much damage. I guess none of the wolves figured out they had to decapitate him. Damon, Elijah, Godric, Tyler, and Caroline had cuts and bruises, but they had already healed. Stefan was still very weak, but was recovering at a steady pace, and Sirius had just woken up. Harry sat with him and it looked like they were quietly joking about Sirius being a vampire now. Hermione had a few cuts and bruises, but I think Elijah had given her some of his blood, so that she would heal faster.

After awhile, Godric and Salazar got up and began walking around to offer words of encouragement and condolences. I smiled as I watched them move from person to person, and Godric spent a long time talking with Neville.

I walked outside to get some fresh air, and I had to squint when the bright sunshine hit my eyes. As they adjusted, I saw that most of the werewolves were gone, but the green grass was still stained with blood. I made a mental note to ask Elijah to create a sun shower later, to wash it all away. I saw Professors Dumbledore, Snape, and Flitwick talking to the Minister for Magic. He had a reporter from The Daily Prophet tagging along behind him. An older witch in black robes with a stern looking face was scowling at him. That must be Professor McGonagall.

I made my way down to the lake, and spotted a body laying on the shore. I quickened my pace when I realized he had a rifle laying next to him. It is one of our Military werewolves.

He slowly turned his head toward me when he heard my approach.

"Shhh. Just lay still sir." I said. "Your badly hurt, and need medical attention."

"I was hoping someone would find me." He whispered in an American accent. "I think I might be paralyzed."

"I will get you some help. What's your name?"

"John. United States Marine Corp."

"Oorah! Well done Marine. Semper Fi."

He broke into a wide grin and nodded.

I quickly cast my patronus. "Professor Dumbledore, we have one of our Military werewolves seriously wounded by the Black Lake. I'm unsure of how to get him back to the castle. Can you send help?" And quickly sent the bat up the hill towards him.

"I'll never get use to this magic stuff." He said with a slight chuckle. "I just wish I could feel the lower half of my body."

"Well don't you worry, Madam Pomfrey will get you sorted out."

I glanced up the hill and saw Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall hurrying towards us.

"You will be alright John." Dumbledore said, as he quickly conjured a stretcher, and we began to walk back toward the castle.

"Do you think your magic can help me?" John asked.

"Oh yes, and you'll be back on your feet in no time." He answered with a twinkle in his eye.

"Miss Salvatore, are you ok? You look a bit…off." Snape said looking me over.

"I'm fine sir." I chuckled. "Well, that is until I get back inside. Madam Pomfrey is going to be furious with me."

"Why is that?" Professor McGonagall asked studying me with an eyebrow raised.

"Because I'm supposed to be resting." I replied with a grin. "But I couldn't be in there any longer. I had to get out."

Professor Dumbledore laughed. "Yes, I do think she might be unhappy with you."

"Sir, if I may ask, are we still going to take our O.W.L.S? Or are they going to postpone them?"

"I'm afraid you're still going to have to take them." Professor Dumbledore replied. "They can't be postponed for anything."

I groaned and looked at Professor Snape. "I don't suppose I can talk you into passing everyone with an 'outstanding' can I?"

Professor McGonagall gave me a stern look, but Snape looked slightly amused. "No you couldn't, considering we Professors aren't giving them to you."

"Huh? I thought you did."

"No Miss Salvatore, however, I'd still make you work for that 'outstanding'."

I grinned at him. "Hmm, well maybe I can talk to Salazar." I laughed.

Professor Dumbledore chuckled. "Perhaps he could compel the examiners for you all."

"Albus!" McGonagall cried. "You can't be serious!"

He looked at her with a twinkle in his eye. We had reached the front entrance, and Salazar was standing there.

"I would do no such thing." He grinned. "I want everyone to earn their O.W.L.S."

"But potions is my worst subject." I jokingly whined. "I need all the help I can get. Professor Snape never teaches us all we need to know. I think he does it on purpose, and I think he enjoys it."

I suddenly felt a hand swat the back of my head, and grinned at Professor Snape.

"That's for whining about it." He smirked.

"And I thought it was because of what she said." Salazar said, and we all laughed.

They got John into the great hall, and Madam Pomfrey immediately started looking him over. I snuck away before she had a chance to yell at me though. Salazar returned the castle back to its normal state, and I joined my family, and sat with them for the remainder of the day. But I fell asleep sometime after lunch.

The werewolves attacked on Tuesday night, and the battle lasted into the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Dumbledore canceled classes for the remainder of the week, but encouraged all fifth and seventh year students to study hard for our O.W.L.S. and N.E.W.T.S, because classes would start again first thing Monday morning. To some this seemed a little insensitive because of the tragedy, but most realized it was the right thing to do. Life goes on, or so they say.

The funerals for the dead took place over the weekend. Lavender and Blaise's were held on Saturday afternoon in Godric's Hollow. Godric himself made a special memorial for them, and placed a muggle repelling charm over both the memorial and their graves. Lavender's parents were grief stricken, but they said they were proud of their daughter. Blaise's Mother took his death really hard though, and she had to hang on to Mrs. Malfoy the entire time. Salazar spoke to her afterwards though, and she seemed a lot better after their talk. I think he may have compelled her.

The Macons, Stephen, and Carling were cremated at Hogwarts, by the sun, on Sunday morning. This event was attended by the Weasleys, Malfoys, several residents of Hogsmeade, and of course, all of us. I felt sick the entire time, because I was so full of guilt. Watching Mr. Weasley slip the daylight ring off Stephen's finger nearly made me break down. Mrs. Weasley took off Carling's ring, and fell to her knees when their bodies ignited. Stefan was crying the whole time which made it even worse, because I had never seen him cry like that before. If only I had placed their blood in that necklace. If only I hadn't been so selfish. If I had cared about everyone, not just my family and my feelings, but everyone else's too…they'd still be here.

It was Sunday evening, and no one felt like eating dinner, so we all just headed over to the common room. We sat quietly for awhile trying to process all that had happened the last few days. Even the twins didn't feel like making anyone laugh. It wasn't until Hermione spoke that we realized we had been sitting in silence for over two hours.

"Harry? Are you ok?" She asked, looking at him with worry. "You look a bit…odd."

He slowly nodded. "It's just yesterday…being in Godric's Hollow, attending the funerals, and seeing my parent's house. I've never seen it. I never imagined it would look like that. The big hole in the roof, the sign with all the writing on it….it just brought a lot of old feelings back."

"Your parents sacrificed a great deal Harry." Dumbledore said. "You should be proud."

"I am. Believe me, I am." He said. "But Professor, I've been thinking, do I have to go back to the Dursley's this summer? Can I just stay here at the castle with Sirius and Remus, or…"

"Come home with us?" Ron interjected, looking at his Mother, who nodded.

Dumbledore looked at him with a slight smile. "Yes Harry, you…."

"Please Professor! Voldemort is gone, please don't…." He pleaded.

"You didn't let me finish Harry." He said, holding up his hands. "Yes, you may choose, on your own, where you want to stay this summer. If you wish to remain here at the castle with your Godfather, you may do so. If you wish to join the Weasley's, you may do that too."

"You could stay with us too." Draco said with a smile. "If you want too."

"Or you could stay with us." Ron said, turning to Draco. "Imagine the Quidditch games we could have."

How can you think of Quidditch games at a time like this!

I frowned at Ron, and curled up in my chair. Salazar glanced at me, but didn't say anything.

"Can I Mum?" Draco asked, looking at her hopefully.

"If it's ok with Arthur and Molly , then I suppose so." She smiled.

Plans instantly began to form for summer vacation, but I didn't want to listen to them anymore. I got up quietly and slipped into my bedroom. After a while, Harry's stag showed up and asked me what was wrong, but I didn't feel like talking, so I ignored him. I just wanted to be left alone.

Monday morning came, and with it came classes, so that meant I couldn't hide in my room anymore. It also brought something else…Pansy, Millicent, and Daphne. They had come back pretending to be hurt and sad that a lot of people had died, until they saw me. Stefan had told everyone what happened the night of the attack, so nobody was buying it. The fear that filled their faces when they saw me was priceless, and it gave me some satisfaction to know that they were scared. It turns out that Pansy and her murdering friends were something that was discussed the night before, after I slipped out. Dumbledore told my friends to let the adults handle it, and we were not to retaliate in any way, shape, or form. This did not go over well with anyone, but we let it go. Dumbledore and Godric sent letters to Fudge telling him all that we knew about Pansy, her parents, and her friends, but Fudge said there was no proof, buried the truth about what happened, and nothing was done. Mr. Malfoy said it had more to do with money though, because the Parkinsons, Greengrasses, and Bulstrodes were very wealthy and were very connected in the Ministry. And the Malfoys aren't!? Sheesh, Fudge really IS a dunderhead! The Malfoys, Crabbes, Goyles, Zabinis, Notts, Weasleys, Browns, and anyone else affected by the attack, dropped their support of the Ministry immediately. Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna's father and editor of The Quibbler, published the truth in an article that became one of the most read publications in the wizarding world. The backlash that Fudge got was tremendous, and he resigned as Minister. Some guy named Rufus Scrimgeour took his place, but still nothing was done. Scrimgeour claimed that this was a school matter, not a Ministry one, and told Dumbledore to handle it, which he did. Dumbledore expelled Pansy, Millicent, and Daphne from Hogwarts, before they could take the O.W.L.S., and they were told never to return. Word has it that they ended up enrolling at some school called Durmstrang. Good riddance to bad rubbish!

It took a week or so for me to get over my, woe-is-me-life-is-pain self pitying phase. My friends told me to pull my head out of my butt, and refused to let me wallow in misery. Hermione said that I was suffering from survivors guilt, and Harry talked to me about how he felt after Cedric Diggory died. He knew what I was going through, and helped me out a lot. I was fine for a few days, until O.W.L.S. started. Then a whole new set of woes cropped up!

I don't know how we did it, but we managed to get through all our O.W.L.S without much incident. The most exciting thing that happened was Ron nearly had a nervous breakdown before our potions O.W.L. Professor Snape literally knocked some sense into him, after Madam Pomfrey gave him a calming drought, but once the O.W.L was over, he was back to his old self again. What set my nerves on edge was the fact that we weren't going to get the results until school ended and summer began. Why couldn't they just tell us if we passed or not! Waiting on pins and needles was not something I was looking forward to!

So here we sit, late in the evening, for one last time in the common room. Tomorrow the train will come to take us all home. Well, some of us.

"You guys are dropping by the house tomorrow, then you're going to floo home, right?" I asked, looking around at my friends.

"Yeah." Harry nodded stretching out on the couch. "We want to raid Honeydukes before we get there though." He grinned.

"Are you still staying here at the castle for a few weeks, before you head to The Burrow?" Ron asked, looking at Harry.

He nodded again. "Sorta. Sirius and I are planning on going to his family home. We are going to set his old house elf free, and sell the place. It's in London on a street called Grimmauld Place."

"Poor thing, he has been locked up inside that house for almost 15 years! I'm sure he will happy to be free." Hermione said happily.

"Well Sirius says Kretcher is an old cranky elf, so I don't know. We will see."

"I'm going to go home and sleep for a few weeks." Draco said. "This year has had way to much going on!"

Harry, Ron, and Hermione laughed. "It's been business as usual for us!" Ron cried, laughing loudly. "But I agree, sleep is something I'm looking forward to."

"Not for us though." The twins said with a grin. "We are going to officially open up our business."

"I'm really going to hit up you guys' place." Draco laughed. "So I can stock up on things to drive Filch crazy with for next year."

We all burst out laughing.

"I'm going to be in Greece with my parents for a few weeks." Hermione said. "But the I'm coming back to spend more time with Elijah. We haven't really gotten to know one another all that well because of what has happened, so look forward to me spending a lot of time at your place." She grinned, looking at me.

"I will make sure to cast silencing charms on the library, so we can't hear what comes out of there." I laughed, and Hermione blushed.

"But silencing charms don't work for vampires." Ron said.

"No, but they work for me!" I cried, and the guys gagged.

"Just make sure you all stay out of trouble." Salazar said, stepping out of his bedroom. "But it's really late and past curfew, so you all need to head to bed."

"Yes sir." We all said.

One by one we all said goodnight to each other, but we knew it wasn't the end. We had a whole summer ahead of us. And we couldn't wait for it to begin!

One more chapter you guys! Please stay tuned for the Epilogue!