"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"He's got to fight one more." Ginny heaved a sigh of relief as gravity pulled the snake in the rest of the way.
"But I thought that was the last one?" Hermione shrieked.
"One more." Ginny said, "I'll tell you more after we read that fifth story."
Hermione pulled out the book and opened it to the fifth story. Ginny encouraged her to read it aloud so they would all have the accurate details. Ginny was crying when Hermione finished reading the story of the three brothers and their objects.
"But this isn't real." Hermione stated, "It's just a children's story book."
"Go back to the first page of this story." Ginny said as she picked up Hermione's bag. She summoned the ring Harry had given her the day before. She turned it so Hermione could see the mark, "Identical marks. We already know he has the cloak."
"But…" Hermione protested weakly.
"When he was dropping off the first two he told me more about the battle at Hogwarts." Ginny said, "Draco Malfoy disarmed Dumbledore before he was killed. Then before he left the gates Harry had caught up enough to disarm Malfoy. His wand was flung farther towards the gate and before they left Malfoy was able to retrieve it."
"So." Ron said confused.
"Dumbledore had the Elder wand. He won it from Grindlewald." Ginny said.
"But Harry didn't kill…" Ron yelled.
"You don't have to kill to get it. Draco didn't kill Dumbledore and Dumbledore didn't kill Grindlewald." Ginny pointed out, "Most people found it easier to kill the person in their sleep than to disarm them. That's why it has a bloody history."
"So he can run around outside his body because he the master of death?" Hermione questioned.
"Yes."
"But…"
"Come on Hermione." Ron said, "Which is easier to believe, this supernatural power is helping him float around and defeat Tom or that he's doing it all on his own."
"Fine." Hermione conceded.
"You know you all sound crazy." George stated from his corner.
The three pointedly ignored him and Hermione asked the next question, "Where is the last piece?"
Ginny walked over to Harry's body and pulled the hair from his forehead.
"His scar?"
"AK doesn't leave a mark." she point out then looked around startled, "It's starting."
"Now?"
"Yes. He had gone after reinforcements and a bit more training." Ginny said.
Five bright white lights descended from the ceiling. Four stopped half way down the fifth continued down until it reached Harry's body.
"That one's Harry." Ginny said.
"Who are the others?" Remus asked quietly.
"Lily, James and Sirius but I don't know the other one." Ginny said, one of the lights dipped down and touched Ginny then returned to its place, "It's Dumbledore. They had to wait for him to be ready to join the fight."
"You understand what they say?" Molly asked the group was still watching the lights intensely.
"Yes, I'll explain later. Things are about to get crazy.
Harry's light began to pulse. After several moments a black cloud started to billow out of Harry's skull. Harry's light pulled up as the cloud gathered above his body's head. After it was pulled free one of the other lights flew down and stayed between the black cloud and Harry's body it was bombarded as the black cloud tried to go back into Harry's body.
"That one's Sirius. He's Harry's protector." Ginny said watching intently.
The black cloud turned and raced towards Ginny but Harry's light stopped him. The cloud and light raced around the room. Harry would wrestle it away from one body only for it to get free and try for another. Finally he cornered the cloud and the other three lights began to buzz.
"They're casting a spell to help Harry send it on." Ginny whispered. As they buzzed Harry's light began to engulf the dark cloud. Everywhere the two touched the black cloud would sizzle and dissipate. More and more of the cloud disappeared until with a bright flash it was gone. The three lights flew down to join Harry's light which seemed to be drooping. They pulled him over to his body. Sirius' light moved and Harry's light was lowered into his body. When his light had disappeared from view the other lights surrounded Ginny and she slumped to the ground.
Molly yelled and started for her daughter. Ron stopped her, "Don't worry they're just talking to her. It's easiest for her to understand when she's not conscious."
Poppy was the next to move forward, Hermione stopped her, "We can't touch him until she says we can. It could hurt him if we try to early."
One by one the lights left Ginny and floated away. When she opened her eyes she saw Ron and Hermione holding everyone back.
"He won. He's fine. He'll wake up tomorrow sometime. He'll need to eat light soups and plenty of fluids for a few days before he can move to solids." Ginny yawned, "I'm going to bed. Oh and don't use You Know Who's name anymore it's taboo. Call him Moldyshorts."
She sat in the chair by Harry and promptly fell asleep. Poppy stepped over and checked both of them. After declaring that they were both fine just asleep she left.
"I thought she was mad at him?" Fred asked.
"Not anymore. She wants you to call off the prank." Ron yawned.
"But he made her cry." George said.
"She understands why now." Hermione stretched, "He was just protecting her."
"Ok now you two explain." Remus demanded.
"Let's move to the living room." Ron suggested.
"And that's everything we know." Hermione finished the story, "If you have any questions you'll have to wait for Harry and Ginny."
"Wait what about the Master of Death thing?" Fred asked.
"You know everything I know about it." Ron said, "You were right there. You know about his cloak."
Dudley yawned as he sat listening to the conversation. Most of the information was well beyond his scope of understanding but he still wanted to hear what was said.
"So You Know Who is dead?" Remus asked.
"Moldyshorts? I don't think so." Ron said, "Just the Horcruxes. He still has to face the body. That was the last piece to be defeated. If Harry wins it's over. If not anyone should be able to kill him now."
"But we don't know what all Harry's been learning." Hermione said, "They may have something special they want him to do so let's not go attack him right away. Wait for Harry; he knows best what's going on."
"Why is all this on Harry?" Dudley asked, "Why don't some of you adults handle this?"
"Dumbledore's last words to me were that Harry was our best hope." Arthur said, "Harry is the only wizard to ever survive the Killing curse. He's the only one who has faced You Know Who and live to tell about it."
"No I don't know who." Dudley stated.
"His name is Tom Riddle." Hermione said, "But he fashioned another name for himself. He used that name when he formed an army and started attacking. Everyone is now so afraid of him that they refuse to use the name. But now, as Ginny said earlier, it's been made a taboo."
"And that means?" Dudley felt stupid not knowing.
"Just like in your world a taboo is something not talked about." Hermione was patiently explaining, "It our world they go a step further and add magic to it. Anyone who says it is hexed somehow. We won't know how until someone says it. No one is anxious to find out because it may just cause you to die."
"Ok, so you just call him You Know Who and everyone knows who you mean." Dudley pieced it together.
"Yes exactly." Hermione grinned at him.
"You know Hermione you should get a job in the muggle liaison office." Tonks said from Remus' side.
"It's getting late." Molly declared, "Everyone off to bed. We'll talk more when Harry and Ginny wake up."
Harry was awake first thing in the morning. He woke Ginny and they were able to talk for nearly an hour before anyone checked on them. Hermione quietly opened the door and peeked in. Grinning she pushed the door open and she was followed by Ron, Dudley and the twins. They shut the door and silenced it before anyone dared to speak.
"Glad you're awake mate." Ron started.
"Me too." Harry said, "Been an interesting time for me."
"So we heard." Fred sat in the chair Ginny had been using. She had moved to the foot of Harry's bed.
"Ginny says we don't get to prank you now." George looked dejected.
"I'm sure you'll find another reason to do it soon enough." Harry replied.
"Can we hear the whole story now?" Hermione asked.
"Later." Harry replied, "I just want to tell it once. "
"Thanks for saving us Harry." Dudley said from near the door.
"You're welcome." Harry waved him over, "How are your parents taking their brush with magic?"
"Just as you would expect them too." Dudley shook his head in disgust, "They always yelled at you for being ungrateful but they are the most ungrateful … people I've ever seen."
"All's normal then." Harry shrugged, "Where are we? Doesn't look like number 12 way too clean for that."
"Actually this is your house." Remus said from the door, "It's another Black property but it belongs to you now. Sirius told me to stay here. You'll find out about all your places when you turn seventeen."
"Fabulous." Harry said sarcastically, "Are any of them in as good of shape as this one?"
"Most are better." Remus said, "I just moved in and started to clean it up. Sixty years of no use tends to leave a few dust bunnies around."
"Sixty?" Harry asked.
"Sirius' Mum hated this place. Way too much air and sunlight I think." Remus grinned, "How are you feeling? Would you like some breakfast?"
"I'm starving." Harry said, "What's for breakfast?"
"Chicken broth for you." Remus grinned, "The rest of you have a solid breakfast ready down stairs."
"Bye Harry." All the boys raced out of the room each trying to get to breakfast first.
"Go on Hermione." Ginny said, "I'll stay and visit with Harry. I'm not hungry anyway."
Remus and Hermione left but Remus returned within a few minutes with a tray for Harry, "Go on down Ginny. I'll stay and chat with him until you're done. Your Mum said if you're not down in two seconds she'll come up and drag you down herself."
"Go on and get breakfast." Harry hugged her, "You'll need to keep you strength up for giving hugs and stuff."
Ginny smacked him lightly on the arm and kissed him before she left the room.
"So, you and Ginny huh." Remus grinned.
"Yes, Dad was proud." Harry grinned, "By the way all three said hi and keep up the good work. Sirius said he gives you all live Godfather things to do. He's taking care of the spiritual side of things now."
"How are they?' Remus asked.
"Happy for the most part." Harry said, "They can't wait to see you again but then they don't want to see you too soon. Dad thinks Tonks is perfect for you."
"He would." Remus said sheepishly.
"I think she's good for you too." Harry grinned.
"Thanks she'll be glad to know you all approve." Remus chuckled softly, "I assume you're going to wait until we're all together to tell us about your time… out there."
"Yes. It's far too long to tell many times." Harry nodded.
"But you were only unconscious for a few days." Remus was confused.
"In our time yes." Harry explained, "But there it was a different story. It was almost a year for me. I had to find and destroy a bunch of things. And then Albus had to finish his… transfer."
"Transfer?"
"Not sure what word to use to describe it." Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "He had to finish moving from here to there. It's not quite the instant process I thought it was. At least not for him. I guess he had some things to deal with before he could finish."
"I'm really curious about all this spirit stuff." Remus said, "I've always wondered where I'll end up, being a dark creature and all. I never thought I'd end up with a happily ever after."
"You will." Harry said, "You aren't held accountable for things that happened to you but how you deal with those things. Dad knew you would wonder about that. I think Sirius may have been his brother but you're his best friend. He said Peter was his least favorite but he tried not to let him know that."
"Honestly Pete was least favored by all of us." Remus shook his head, "If he hadn't have been in Gryffindor we wouldn't have been his close friends like we were. It's sad but I wonder if we would have treated him better if he would have been a better person."
"Remus. How badly have people treated you? How many of them did you get killed?" Harry pointed out, "He was dealt a hard life but it was much less difficult than yours. You've always chosen the light side. He always chose the stronger side. He was a rat through and through. Since crossing over they found out he started supplying the death eater kids information just a few weeks after he got his rat animagus form. At first they had asked about information he could gather from other houses. By seventh year he was giving them information he got from Gryffindor and even the Headmaster's office. Albus said the hat wanted to put him in Slytherin because he was sneaky from the very beginning but he wanted to be with James who he perceived was stronger than Snape."
"You've matured. I guess a year away will do that to you." Remus smiled softly and then went back to the subject of Peter, "You're right about Peter. I guess I just have a guilt complex about not liking him very much."
"Don't, Sirius went on and on about how Dad was noble like his animagus, he was loyal like his and Peter was sneaky and dirty just like his." Harry said, "But Dad said I did right in the Shrieking Shack, he didn't want the two of you to become murderers. You would have been killed right off and Sirius would have probably been sent back to Azkaban. It wouldn't have mattered why you killed him just that a werewolf had."
Ginny returned and both men turned to lighter conversation. They didn't talk of anything of importance the rest of the morning. Even after Hermione, Ron, Dudley and the twins returned. Harry had a mid morning snack of more chicken broth and then beef broth for lunch.
"Come on Mum." Harry complained to Molly, "I know you've got more substantial stuff than this, I'm starving."
"Sorry dear I have orders from Poppy." Molly patted his head, "Come on eat up."
"Mum he isn't three." Ron chuckled.
"Hush Ron." Molly scolded, "Everyone gets to be babied when they're sick or injured. Goodness knows how you are when you're sick."
"Don't tell that story, I was only five." Ron hid his face in his hands. Harry could tell it was turning a deep red color.
Molly chuckled and said, "I wasn't even thinking of that time. It was very cute though. He was so miserable. He couldn't talk so I gave him a bell to ring when he wanted something. After twenty minutes of that I took it away and made the twins take turns sitting with him."
"Moody and Kingsley have arrived." Remus stuck his head in Harry's door and informed Molly.
"Right, well I have to go to an Oder meeting." Molly said, "All of you please stay in this room and be quiet so Harry can rest."
"Remind them to say Moldyshorts and not the other name." Harry said, "The taboo will break all protective enchantments and I'm too weak right now to face him. Of course if you gave me some real food I might be able to survive."
"No sorry broth is all you get today, maybe tomorrow." Molly said, "We'll just keep to You Know Who or your new name for him."
It was getting close to dinner time when Moody stomped into the room, "We need the story now Potter."
"What part do you need to know?" Harry asked.
"Was it really Horcruxes and are they all gone?" he growled.
"Yes they were and yes they are." Harry said, "I'm also serious about the name. If you want to test it do it someplace far away from me."
"I believe you on that." he said, "I need to know how you destroyed them. I only know of a few ways and I don't know how you would have been able to do any of them."
"I didn't use any of the normal methods." Harry said, "I can give you the short version tonight but for the full story you'll have to wait until tomorrow. I don't have the energy to go into it tonight."
"Fine tell me." Moody said.
"I fought him soul to soul. I found the horcrux then called him out and fought him." Harry said, "How I did it is too long of a story for tonight."
"Are you sure they're gone?" Moody asked.
"Do you know the spell to check?" Harry asked.
"Of course."
"Hermione." Harry said.
She pulled out her bag, "How about the diadem?"
"Fine." Harry nodded.
The next morning Harry was moved to the living room after a breakfast of soft scrambled eggs. He started by telling them about his extra lessons with Albus the previous year. Then he covered the break in at his relatives house.
"Something woke me at 2:30 in the morning. It took me a few moments to realize we were being attacked. I yelled for my relatives to come to me that we were under attack and I wrote a note to Ron and sent Hedwig off with it. After she was out of the window the roof collapsed on me. The Dursleys came in and I told them to get the tennis ball and when they were ready I sent them off. I passed out. The next thing I know…"