A huge thank you to everyone who's reviewed. For a while now I've been surviving on one review per chapter from a loyal reader (and I'm very grateful to that person) but suddenly the number of guest reviews seems to have exploded. This is the last chapter, hope it doesn't disappoint.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: New Beginnings

Harry checked his watch for the umpteenth time, fidgeting at how long it was taking Hermione to arrive home. She wasn't too late but his concerns had heightened somewhat in recent months. The fact that she'd been attending Lockhart's sentencing that afternoon hadn't helped.

"What happened?" were his first words of greeting when she finally came in the door.

"Three months in Azkaban,"Hermione replied.

Harry let out a deep sigh. "Doesn't really seem like enough after what he put you through."

"Actually, I argued for it."

Harry was surprised. "Why?"

"Because of what I went through. He had that for thirty years. Worse, he didn't have you and the children and his friends to help him through it. Even if it was his own fault, I can't help feeling sorry for him. He's already served his sentence. Besides, it's not like there's much waiting for him when he comes out."

Harry smiled. "It's times like this that remind me of why I love you."

"I should hope there's more to it than that."

Harry gave her a brief kiss. "Don't take your coat off, we need to get going."

Harry and Hermione hurried onto the platform as the Hogwarts Express was drawing up, hoping they didn't lose too much of their decorum with their haste. "Have we missed anything?"Harry asked Luna, who was standing with Ron, Seamus and Hannah.

"The train made a very interesting noise,"Luna replied. "It sounded just like the mating call of a hyenda." She gave Harry a suddenly perceptive look of the kind that made him wonder if she'd known what he meant all along. "The children haven't come off yet though."

Harry smiled at her. "Thanks, Luna."

The doors to the carriages opened and a throng of Hogwarts students came spilling out. Sean and Abby went running to their parents, eagerly chattering about their year. Neville emerged from the staff coach and greeted Luna with a kiss.

James was shaking hands with Martin and kissing Emily. "I'll call you both at the weekend,"he promised. "See if we can meet up during the holidays."

"Can we meet up separately?"Martin asked. "That way I don't get to see you and my sister slobbering over each other."

"I think that would be best,"Emily agreed.

Scorpius and Rose were exchanging a long hug before Rose wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'm going to miss you,"she said quietly.

"Well, we'll see each other next year,"Scorpius pointed out. "And I'll talk to Mum, see if you can come and visit us at Grandma and Grandad's."

Finally, Martin and Emily went to their parents while Rose and Hugo hurried over to Ron. "Bye, Mum! See you in a few weeks!"Rose called at Hermione as Ron bustled them away.

"Come on, you two, Grandma Weasley's cooking her famous apple turnover."

"Ah, I remember that,"Hermione remarked to Harry quietly. "Do you think the apples are really meant to turn over?"

"Can we go home now, Mum?"Lily asked.

"Are you going to call her that every time we see them?"Albus enquired.

Lily shrugged. "Just practising."

Hermione put an arm round her stepdaughter's shoulder. "I think that sounds like a very good idea."

All reviews welcome! And I do mean that.