Hi everyone! Also, expect updates to be a bit slow at first. I'm only a few chapters ahead of myself at the moment. But I am setting goals and hopefully in a few weeks I will be able to start posting quicker.

Update: I twisted this chapter around a bit. This was posted before I had such knowledge of things, thanks to Pottermore etc. Who else agrees with me about Snape (see chapter).

Harry was roughly woken by a shaft of fresh golden sunlight. He opened his eyes and squinted, reaching for his glasses and shoving them on. Bother, he'd forgotten to close the hangings. He sat up, and realised he'd also forgotten to change into pyjamas - he'd slept in his clothes.

Looking around, though, Harry could tell he wasn't the only one. All beds were filled, and Ron and Neville had both crashed out in clothes with open hangings too. Harry sighed, grabbed new robes from his rucksack and went to have a shower.

The water was very refreshing, and Harry felt better for it. As he came back into the dorm, his stomach rumbled loudly.

Harry sat on his bed again and softly called, "Kreacher!"

The attempt at quietness was lost when Kreacher Apparated loudly into the room. Crack!

The other boys woke up suddenly. Ron called, "Oi! What wassat for?"

Kreacher stared at Harry. "Does Master Harry require something?"

Harry nodded. "If it's not too much trouble, a dozen bacon sandwiches, for Ron and I..."

Seamus and Dean were staring at Harry. "Can we have some too?" Neville asked mildly.

Kreacher nodded and Disapparated.

Harry smiled, and then thought of something. "Erm, how long have we slept? The sun looks like the height it was when I went to bed."

Neville grinned. "That would be because you slept a whole 24 hours, mate."

Ron nodded. "It makes sense when you think of the fact we hadn't slept for about that long beforehand."

Dean grinned. "I know this is a little early, but what have you been up to? I could barely follow the stuff you were shouting at You-Know-Who yesterday."

Harry sighed. "You weren't supposed to," he admitted. They laughed.

"Secret business, was it?" Neville asked wryly. Harry nodded.

"And rather complicated to explain now we don't have to worry about it anymore." he glanced at Seamus and Dean; if they weren't there, he'd make an attempt at explaining it to Neville, but oh well.

Harry then noticed that Seamus hadn't said anything. Suddenly he spoke. "Do you know how many died, Harry?"

Harry sighed. "About fifty-three, I think."

Seamus nodded. "Sounds about right."

Kreacher reappeared with a plate of sandwiches and jug of pumpkin juice. The boys dug in, then Seamus and Dean walked out. Kreacher bowed low to Harry. "Would Master require anything else?"

Harry paused, then shook his head. "Thanks anyway. You were – really great yesterday, leading the elves like that."

Kreacher's ears stiffened and he looked at the ground, a bit embarrassed and sad. "Kreacher does it for Master Regulus."

Harry smiled in understanding. "I'll visit you and the other elves in the kitchen later." He said.

Kreacher nodded and Disapparated away.

Harry looked up and saw Ron and Neville were ready. They exited the dorm together as Neville said quietly to Harry, "Will you tell me eventually?"

Harry nodded. "When there are not so many people around – and maybe when I've had some time not thinking about it, since it's been on my mind for most of the year." Though as he said the words, he wondered if he'd keep silent long – after all, the House teachers already knew…

Neville grinned. "Okay, that's cool." he said with a shrug.

They reached the foot of the stairs. Neville walked off towards his gran, who was sitting in a comfy armchair. Ron looked towards the girls' dorms with a slight frown. As if on cue, Hermione descended.

Harry smiled good morning to her then turned away as Hermione was looking mainly at Ron. He looked around the common room, and then he saw her.

He took a step forward, ignoring the cries of welcome and cheers from people who noticed him; he had eyes only for the fiery young woman across from him.

Feeling his eyes on her, Ginny looked up from her chess match with her father. She stood up and faced him. Arthur said, "Bishop to D6. Your move Ginny. Ginny...?" he looked up as his wife hushed him.

Neither Ginny nor Harry noticed this, nor the fact that the common room had gone very quiet.

They were slowly stepping closer and closer to each other.

Ginny stopped, her face inches from his. They stared at each other for a long moment, then Ginny acted.

She slapped him. Many gasped and/or sniggered. Harry just looked at her and waited for her to speak. He knew he'd deserved that.

"Don't ever do that to me again, Harry Potter." Ginny spoke fiercely, "You were the whole bloody reason I was fighting – all this year and everything - and then you just disappeared and then...then you were...you looked ..." she trailed away, voice cracking with emotion.

Harry sighed. "I know." he replied softly, "I hated doing it too. If there had been any other way, I would've taken it." he stared into her deep brown eyes. "You gave me strength too." he whispered. "I will explain everything... As soon as I can."

She smiled, believing and trusting him like she nearly always had; though with a hint of wariness in her eyes. And then Harry bent his head as Ginny tilted hers and... They kissed.

The common room erupted, just as it had when they had kissed the first time, a year ago. Hermione took care of Ron's startled expression by initiating a kiss herself. After a moment, both couples broke apart, grinning at each other. Then Ginny turned to her parents. "Knight to F7. Check... and I think that's mate."

Arthur glanced at the board. "Bother. So it is." then he glanced at both couples and smiled. Molly looked ecstatic.

Ginny glanced at Harry and looked towards the portrait-hole. Harry nodded, then remembered something; a promise he'd made to a couple of people. "Come on," he pulled at her hand, a grin unfurling on his face. "I have to show you..."

Arthur and Molly looked confused, naturally. Harry glanced back at Hermione. She realised what - or who - he was talking about, and volunteered to explain as Harry pulled Ginny through the portrait hole.

Ginny smiled as they walked with arms around each other's waists. She didn't know where she was going, but didn't mind at that point. "This feels familiar," she mused softly.
Harry nodded. "Remembering our first kiss and the walk around the grounds afterward?"

Ginny smiled. Harry said affectionately, "Well, we're not walking around the grounds – no time – but we will talk." she looked at him. "Soon is now," he said, and she grinned.

As they walked towards the Hospital Wing (Harry guiding the way) he explained to her what he'd been up to this past year; the hunt for the Horcruxes, where they'd gone and what they'd done. He managed to skate around Ron's leave by saying there had "been a rough patch between them when things had been going slowly"; he thought Ron should be the one to tell anyone about it.

Ginny was disgusted at what Voldemort had done, sickened by what the diary had really been and horrified that Dumbledore had made it seem like Harry was going to die. Harry explained, "He didn't know for certain, Ginny. He didn't want to give false hope. I can't blame him now... He made a lot of mistakes, but it worked out all right. In the end." Harry didn't know when he'd come to this conclusion; all he knew was that, after everything, he couldn't blame his old Headmaster. At least, not right now. "He was only trying to protect me."

Ginny sighed. "If you say so." she paused. "Harry, that stuff about Snape..."

"Is true," Harry said with a slight wince; he was still getting used to that. "I guess I'll have a hard time with people about honouring him." he sighed. They hadn't really talked about that with the teachers yesterday, he realised.

He did tell Ginny about Remus' visit and what he'd later heard him say on Potterwatch and at Shell Cottage. He had to tell someone, to talk about it with them properly. After the initial reaction directly after the incident itself, the trio had avoided mentioning it. It had been too painful. The closest they'd come to discussing it was that moment in March, listening to Potterwatch. And now, with what had happened…

Ginny nodded. "Remus told me about that. Bill and Dad know too, but no-one else." At Harry's questioning look, she elaborated, "Tonks came round to the Burrow while he was gone, very briefly. She managed to avoid Mum…at least, I think she did…but we were talking, and she said she 'wanted to be useful while still being safe' and that Remus was 'busy doing other stuff' but I thought there was something odd about that, asked, then got the truth. I think she needed to tell someone because she'd sorta hidden the real reason from her mum, too. Or at least she was trying to. Something about making sure Tonks herself was the only one to possibly get mad at him. She even defended him from me when I got annoyed. She knew he'd come back to her in the end."

Ginny smiled. "I kinda understood that." she gave Harry a pointed look and he understood, too. Ginny continued, "Remus came back only four days after he left, late at night. I had spoken to Tonks earlier in the day."

Four days….that meant Remus had only stayed away a few hours longer after Harry had berated him. Ginny saw Harry's smile. "Later, he turned up at Bill's in mid-September, having wanted to go elsewhere for full moon. Dad was visiting at the time and heard the whole story. Including your part. Remus, I think, felt he needed to tell someone, to ask proper advice. But we're the only ones who know." she paused. "I'm Teddy's official godmother. Remus and Tonks said because I was so supportive. I communicated with them regularly."

Harry smiled; that sounded like her. Then Ginny sighed. "I just wish I could just be a support, though." she whispered. Harry looked up; they had arrived at the Hospital Wing. He smiled at Ginny, pushing the door open. "You will," he said. She looked puzzled, and a little hurt.

"I said I had something to show you, didn't I?" Harry pulled her towards the private room and paused outside the door. "Brace yourself," he whispered to her, and knocked. "You guys awake?" he asked, sticking his head in. Remus and Tonks grinned at him. He pushed the door open fully, and Ginny - who had been looking utterly confused - let out a shriek of delight and disbelief.

"Oh my. How-? What-? Oh wow." she babbled, then swept forward and clasped hands with Tonks, then Remus gently. "I'm so glad you're alive." she whispered.
Tonks nodded. "Me too." she said.

"But how...?" Ginny asked again.
Harry explained, "Remember what I told you about my walk to the Forest?"

Ginny nodded. "Is it Love? Was Dumbledore right about that?"

They nodded and Ginny grinned. "That's perfect then. Teddy..."

At that moment, Teddy made an odd growly sound. They looked at him. His hair was blackish-brown, and spiky. He growled again, staring at his parents.

Andromeda came out of the corner with a stuffed toy wolf. "Here you go," she said. Teddy grabbed it with both hands and squeezed, his hair returning to a soft mousy brown.

"It's his favourite toy, apparently."Remus remarked. "Rather ironic really."

They laughed together. Then Remus continued, "So, Harry, care to reintroduce us?"

Ginny blinked. Harry hastily explained Remus' injuries and made reintroductions.

Then Tonks glanced at Harry, and said, "We couldn't hear everything, yesterday, but - that stuff about Snape...?" It hadn't been properly dealt with yesterday.

"Is true." Harry replied, "I saw his memories - that's how I knew to go to the Forest."

Remus winced then sighed. "I've been reading some of my journals. I think Lily only saw him as a friend - perhaps a surrogate sibling in the magical world after her falling-out with her sister."

Harry said, "I guessed."

Then the doors of the private room swung open. They all looked around to see Molly and Arthur walk in. Molly gasped with an odd look on her face as she saw Remus and Tonks. Then she started crying. Arthur said faintly, "Ron and Hermione just told us. You are damn lucky."

Remus nodded. "According to Madam Pomfrey I'm more though." he coughed.

Tonks explained, "We were hit with slashing, 'blood-draining' hexes and the like. I got a heartfelt internal damage curse and Remus a severe blood-clotting one." she paused. "Hermione probably told you Remus would need reintroductions?"

"Yes," Arthur muttered, frowning. Remus made a face and nodded.
Then Harry realised something. "Hermione, how many people know about this now?"

Hermione smiled. "Not many." she reassured, "Just those sitting close to us. Those reintroductions..."

There was a knock at the door, interrupting her. "Mum and Dad...? Ron? Ginny? Nev said you'd be here..." Harry went to open it. Neville and Luna walked in, he calling back at Charlie, "They're here – but for the last time, it's Neville!"

Luna laughed and beamed at Remus and Tonks.

Neville turned and grinned. "Ah, so I heard correctly then. Erm, good to have you here..." he trailed away as the Weasley boys came in. "Blimey," whispered George. Bill and Percy made choking noises of surprise. Charlie gaped for a few seconds, then grinned maniacally. "How the ruddy hell?" he asked.

Harry laughed. "So that's where you got that saying from, Ron." Charlie frowned at him and started to speak, but Remus held up a hand to forestall him and beckoned them to come closer. "Quiet." he whispered.

They were surprised; then Remus tapped his ear and Harry heard voices.

"Hestia, do I have to?" Kingsley said sounding annoyed. "I feel fine, honestly."

Hestia's voice came sharply. "Of course you do. I cannot believe you didn't come yesterday!"

Kingsley muttered something about 'being too busy'. Arthur, Molly and Tonks exchanged glances. Typical Kingsley. Remus smiled.

Hestia retorted, "Being named Minister for Magic should make you come here earlier, not later." (Tonks nodded, thinking Kingsley was a good man for that job) Kingsley said, "It's only temporary for now. Stop acting like it's permanent."

They heard Hestia sigh irritably. Then Madam Pomfrey checked them over, giving them both an all-clear.

Kingsley said, "See? I told you. Nothing to..." he trailed away seeing the large bunch of people in the private room. He frowned in puzzlement, and Molly shifted out of the way so Remus could be seen. Harry saw their eyes lock. Kingsley gasped and strode forward. Remus smiled. "Hi."

Kingsley didn't smile. He just stared. Tonks said, "Hey Shacklebolt. Say something! It's not that bad is it?"

Hestia came into view beside Kingsley. "Tonks?" she whispered.

"Yup."

Kingsley said, slowly, "How did the Potterwatch team come up with Chief Death Eater as the codename for Voldemort?"

Harry smiled. Typical Kingsley. Tonks said, "You told us about the Taboo and I got annoyed because – as I said that day – I had only been able to use the name without fear for just over a year, silly me and I had just started trying to get Mum to say it and he had to ruin it all!"

Kingsley smiled and looked at Remus, who frowned and glanced at Andromeda. She cleared her throat and said, "I believe Remus apologised to you, saying Nymphadora had been a bit moody lately-"

Tonks exclaimed, "So that's what you said! Honestly!"
Remus flushed.

Andromeda continued, "You said that we really should think of a new name-"

Tonks butted in. "I hadn't been listening, but I – well – started ranting about how he thought he could take everything from us... Thought he was so special, Chief of the Death Eaters!"

"Then Remus realised what a good codename it could be." Andromeda finished, adding, "I promise it's them, Kingsley. But-"

Kingsley grinned. "Good grief, it is you two! You've got some explaining to do." he interrupted, striding forward to clasp their hands. Hestia rushed round to do the same as Kingsley asked, "Remus, do you have memory problems?" They stared, surprised at him being able to work it out so quickly. He continued, "It's the only way I can understand you needing Andromeda to answer for you…"

"Part of our battle-wounds." Remus said, glancing around at all the 'new' faces. He looked slightly overwhelmed.

Explanations and reintroductions were quickly made. Remus remembered Kingsley as "a very tall third year….what on earth happened to all your hair?"
Kingsley stammered and blushed.

"Now that's sorted, uh..." George said. He paused for a long moment.
Tonks said tentatively, breaking the sudden heavy silence, "Now we've sorted the names and explanations out… I have an idea." she looked at the Trio. "Seeing as how our story is in the last part of yours, can you tell all of it? After all, yesterday's conversation was more skewed towards Remus and general or shared things."

The Trio glanced at each other. Then Harry (sighing mentally, but supposing he owed them all the truth) said, "All right. But it needs to stay in this room." They agreed, and Harry continued, "And Minerva needs to stop hiding behind the doorframe first." Minerva came forward, blushing and muttering something about "just needed to talk to Poppy". Harry glanced over at Remus and Tonks and smiled. "Sure," he said, stretching out the word, then began the tale. Minerva had already heard the tale, but that might actually be helpful if the others got too overwhelmed by the information.

He used as little detail as possible, as it was still very fresh. He explained why they had gone away, what they had gone to do and how it related to Dumbledore's death. "Ewww." Tonks muttered, "Horcruxes..."

"Seven?" Molly said faintly.

Arthur, eyes narrowing, asked, "His hand was cursed by one?"

Neville raised his eyebrows. "The snake was one, wasn't it?"

Harry nodded, then after stating some of the Horcruxes, told what had happened to them from the wedding to Ron's leaving. He told basically everything – bar Remus' visit.

Where he could have told that part, he paused for a second, glanced at Remus then skipped the exchange; he, somehow, felt Remus should tell them that, if it was ever going to be told. Besides, Remus hadn't been gone long, really. And (from what Ginny had said earlier) Tonks wouldn't like it at all, let alone Remus.

Arthur was amazed to realise who he had actually been helping and telling off that day in the Ministry. Harry smiled at him. "It was probably a good thing it was me, though, Mr. Weasley. I doubt the real Runcorn would have been as unresponsive."

"Harry, it's about time you started using our given names." Arthur remarked. Molly agreed.

Harry blushed but nodded.

"What did he say?" Molly, back onto the story, asked warily.
Arthur sighed. "I gave him a piece of my mind over Dirk Creswell."
Molly sighed audibly in annoyance. "That could've been very dangerous!"

"But it was actually rather useful for me, when I needed to bluff my way through something..." Harry continued.

The Trio were glad to hear the Cattermoles escaped. "Went to America, to family there." Arthur confirmed.

When Harry reached the argument, he said, "We had to make sure it was safe, so we wore the locket. Unfortunately, that had the added side-effect of making our fears and worries...more prevalent."

"For some more than others," Ron said, taking over. He explained how the Horcrux affected him very badly. "I wasn't really prepared for what we got ourselves into. The Horcrux made me worse... And after a conversation we overheard between another group of fugitives – Ted, Dirk and Dean, actually – I snapped."

They stared at him, and he hollowly explained what he'd done. The group was shocked. Ginny gave Harry a cursory look before marching up and slapping Ron on the head. Then the other Weasleys seemed similarly keen to wallop Ron, except for Bill, so Harry put up a Shield Charm and gestured for Ron to explain what he'd done to come back. Ron explained about the Deluminator. "How long did it take?" Molly asked dangerously.

Ron sighed. "A few days after Christmas was when I came back. So... A month maybe?" at Molly's look, he said, "But I wasn't on my own out in the wild the whole time. I knew there'd be no point after running into, and narrowly escaping, Snatchers."

"But where-?" Ginny asked, then frowned. "Is that the real reason you spent Christmas away from the Burrow Bill and Fleur?"

They exchanged a glance and nodded. Then Ron continued on about the silver doe, the sword and his destroying of the locket. He skated over that part, saying it had screamed.

Hermione said, "We didn't have much to work on while Ron was away. We did go to Godric's Hollow, but that ended rather badly, as Voldemort -" Molly, Charlie and Ron flinched automatically - "had planted Nagini there."

They all winced, and Hermione went on to explain about Harry's wand and how he'd been forced to use a Snatcher's one once Ron came back. Then Harry, seeing her falter, took over again, explaining how he had slipped up and got them caught, and where they'd been taken. Many curses were thrown around towards Bellatrix (Harry saw Tonks cover Teddy's ears). "I am so glad I killed that bitch!" Molly muttered.
Tonks grinned. "Oh so it was you! I thought so."

She paused then said, "Before I forget, now we've sorted that out, Molly, would you mind if I Disarmed you?"

As the others stared, she explained, "Bellatrix was making do with 'borrowed' wands from her victims and her last victim she stole a wand from was me."

Molly gasped, "Oh. Of course you can Disarm me."

Tonks did so. Then Hermione said, "What did she do with the wand she used to duel you?" Tonks scowled. "Shoved it into my hand. I was told by her the owner of this one was, uh, squashed."

Hermione sighed. "Could I use it then? At the Malfoys Ron's and my wands had to be left behind and I've been forced to use her wand ever since." they all winced and Tonks replied,
"Take this one then."

Hermione took the other wand and handed it to Harry with a glance. He took it. Everyone was watching him, almost begging him to do snap it or something. He looked at Tonks and Molly - even Hermione - but they gestured for him to decide. After a moment of hesitation he snapped it. "This way no-one will be able to use it again."

Afterwards, Kingsley took it. "I'll see it gets back to its rightful owner."

They continued the explanation and got to the Gringotts break-in. "You rescued a real dragon?" Charlie gasped. "Wicked!"

Molly groaned.

Then came the tricky part; the battle. It was still very fresh for Harry and the others, but he persevered. He slotted in the explanation of Remus and Tonks' survival in the walk to the Forest. However, Harry quite didn't mention the way Dumbledore had told him – he feared Molly might blow a gasket if he did. He mentioned the Hallows lightly (such as when he told of how he'd used the stone and how the Elder Wand mended his holly wand), but did not go into detail. He mentioned that he was sure of what he'd said about Snape, including the truth about George's ear. George sighed, "Well, if that doesn't prove it, not much else does... He's still a git though."

Most people laughed. Harry sighed. "And happy to be one, I think." Most people laughed, but Harry, after seeing the memories, was serious.

When he was done, Harry looked around. Everyone was looking at him almost in awe. Harry sighed. Great. There was a long pause.

Then Ron said, "Soooo..."

Everyone laughed. Harry looked at Kingsley. "What's happening now?"

They all looked at him. He said, "Well... I was considering that today be a day of...reflection. At two hours before sunset, all will gather in the Great Hall for a service in which every known person who died in either war will be honoured; a gold plaque is being prepared for this and names will be added one by one – or two by two if they should not be separated. A family member or friend of the named will also have an opportunity to speak about them."

The group exchanged glances. That seemed fitting. "At sunset precisely, a mass funeral - attended only by those who were relatives or very close friends with one or more of the dead - will take place. The cemetery will be in Hogsmede, on the hill."

He looked around. "As much as I'd like to stay and chat, I should probably get downstairs and tell the rest these things. I'll come back later."

The other Weasleys said see you later as well and left. After nodding briskly to the rest, Minerva stepped away too. There was a moment of silence, then Remus asked, "Harry, how many died?"

Harry replied, "Including Snape, fifty-three people. I'm not sure if any other beings did. Hmmm..." he paused and glanced towards the door. "I ought to talk to Minerva and Kingsley about that. And Snape. They know it's true now, but..."

Tonks smiled. "That's perfectly understandable. Go. Maybe you'll catch them before the Great Hall if you're lucky."

Harry smiled apologetically. "I'll come back later."

He quickly walked out of the Hospital Wing and then took out his wand, muttering a useful direction spell to locate the two he wanted. It spun towards McGonagall's office. He walked towards it. The gargoyle was still lopsided, so Harry just slipped past. As he got closer to the top of the staircase, he heard voices. Minerva appeared to be having an argument with the portraits – or maybe just one in particular...?

He knocked. Minerva answered, "Come in." in clipped tones. Harry stepped in and smiled, seeing Kingsley was there. "Hello Minerva, Kingsley." then without preamble he launched into what he needed to say. "When I told you about what I'd done, I mentioned Snape. He was a great help to me... True, we never really got along, but he still tried to protect me." he glanced at her to see how she was taking it; she was glaring at Albus' portrait. "So I believe his name should go on the Honour Roll, and his portrait should be reinstalled here."

Minerva huffed angrily. "That's all well and good," she said, "but what…?"

Then her voice trailed away suddenly and she swayed alarmingly. Kingsley and Harry steadied her, then pressed her into a chair. Her head jerked up to meet their eyes. "That fool!" she gasped. "Harry, yesterday when you spoke to Pomona, Filius, Horace and I, I felt like I was forgetting something. Now I remember it…it must have just taken a while for the memory charm to wear off. All through the year…well, the four of us I think each in our own minds did not quite believe all was as it seemed. Seven times during the year, over the course of it, I would go confront Severus in his office, with information – showing I knew he was on our side. Information that was partially supplied by the others of course." She sighed. "Every single one of those seven times, he would lecture me after I had finished, confirming my thoughts. Then I would ask to be obliviated."

Harry and Kingsley gasped. Minerva nodded. "The last time it happened was one week ago! And I chased him out…" she shook her head.
Harry patted her arm awkwardly. "We all misjudged him, Prof-Minerva. The best we can do now is ensure his legacy lives on, even if he can't. As well as giving him a decent burial."

Minerva winced. "We can't even do that," she whispered.
Harry froze. "Why? What happened?"
"Yesterday – after you'd gone to bed I think – an escaping Death Eater set fire to the Shrieking Shack, burning it from the inside out. It appears they used Severus' wand to do it, too, given the traces we found. It must have been designed to burn his body quickly, for we managed to put it out within minutes…yet the body was gone. We found a hood and cloak nearby, and signs of Apparation that could not be traced. I'm sorry, Harry."

Harry swore, and felt like punching something. Even the gesture of the grave would be empty!

Minerva said, "There is one thing we can do."

She turned from them to a spot on the wall near Professor Dumbledore but slightly hidden and pointed her wand at it, tapping the spot firmly. As they watched, the wall seemed to shudder, and a portrait of Snape began to appear. Faint at first, it got stronger and sharper; and then Severus Snape was sleeping quietly in his frame, a small frown on his face. However, something was wrong with the portrait, very wrong. It was a wizard's portrait and yet it didn't move or breathe.

They stared at it. Minerva spluttered, "But – but – that's not possible! He sat for a wizarding portrait – done by someone from the Ministry, it's traditional to have it organised within the first few days of office – so how is it that he's not alive in it?"
Harry and Kingsley swapped glances. "I haven't a clue…" Harry muttered.

Dejectedly, Harry turned from the wall with the other two. Harry collected Snape's memories from the pensieve, then took his leave with Kingsley. Outside the office, Harry decided to go visit the house-elves.

He took the familiar route to the kitchens, noting the damage along the way. Chunks were missing from the staircase and the fruit bowl painting was slightly lopsided, but otherwise seemed fine. He tickled the pear and the painting swung forward. House-elves near it looked up at him as he climbed in, and stopped working. They stared at him as he walked in and as he went further into the kitchen, more and more elves stopped work to look at him with expressions bordering on reverence.

Harry sighed inwardly. He came to a stop in the middle of the kitchen and looked slowly around him. "Umm... Hi." he started, (Merlin it was distracting having so many looking at him like that) "I guess I'd just like to say thanks."

They gasped, not expecting it. "All of you did really well yesterday." The elves shuffled their feet, not used to praise. "I know this might be a bit raw," Harry began, "but could you tell me what happened - from your point of view?"

Telling the others had helped him close the year, he'd realised, so Harry thought it might help the elves too. The elves muttered nervously amongst themselves.

Then one voice spoke out. "Mister Harry." the elf stepped forward and he saw it was Winky, with Kreacher next to her. "Winky tells you sir. The elves is all minding our business when Winky feels the fake coin in my pocket warm, sir. Dobby gives me it in April." Harry blinked and wondered where Dobby had got a DA Galleon from. Winky continued, "Winky gathers up the group. Then the elves hears the – the voice."

She and many other elves shuddered. "He says to give yous up sir. We is not wanting that. We waits and waits. It be too dangerous to go out, but we helps Hogwarts protect and attack with our magic and makes potions. When the voice gives a break we sends potions out to help. Then we hears the voice – says you – you be gone, sir."

An even larger shudder rippled through the elves. "Kreacher" - she smiled at her friend – "say we needs to fight." she gave Harry an odd look. "He lose too many Masters to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Winky thinks. He get angry. We charge."

Kreacher added, "Kreacher be confused. We told you be dead, but Kreacher not feel it proper, like an elf should. No breaking of bondage. The others not feel it either. That even happen with my last master, but not you. Then he speak and Kreacher tired of being forgot. So Kreacher does get angry. Yous see the rest?"

Harry nodded. "Thanks for telling me this, Winky and Kreacher."
She started. "Yous be recognising me, Mister Harry?" she stammered.
Harry nodded. He paused, then said quietly, "Did any of you die?"

The elves stilled. There was a pause, then Harry heard a wail from the back of the room. Winky's eyes swam with sudden tears. "Five elves sir." she whispered. Harry felt winded.
"Five elves in that short time?" he whispered.
Winky shook her head. "Earlier….getting potions and things. And two by the Carrows this year."

Harry frowned. Then he looked at Winky again. "What were their names?" he asked, waving his wand. Parchment and quill appeared, poised in the air. As Winky spoke, it wrote. "Maddy. Scoot. Diego. Han. Fago. They dies in battle. Asha and Tufty – by the Carrows."

Harry sighed. "Damn." he muttered. He took the parchment and enchanted quill from the air, and added a few words. He looked at the elves. "Where are they?"

Winky beckoned. He followed her through a small door (he had to crouch low) to another room; the elves' living quarters. There, five tiny bodies lay on the floor, each wrapped in a pillowcase-blanket. A clumsily written name-tag was tacked to each one. Harry looked at each one, then sighed, backing out again.

Then he realised Winky was still watching him. On a whim, he crouched to her level. "What is it?" he asked gently.
Winky frowned. "Where is Dobby?" she asked. Harry froze.

He steeled himself, then said softly, "He - he's not here, Winky. He's...gone."

Winky and several other elves gasped. Harry's voice cracked as he explained, "He died rescuing me, just over a month ago." Winky wailed. They must have been close. Harry told them what Dobby had done – how he had returned to the place he hated, despite his fear, and how he had protected them from the Malfoys.

Winky started crying. "Brave stupid Dobby." she muttered. Harry wondered just how close they'd been, but he pushed it away. Then Winky said, "Sir, Dobby bound hisself to you three year ago. To protect." Harry gasped. Winky nodded. She seemed about to say something else, but held back. Harry sighed and, reaching out, he placed his hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for telling me." He whispered shakily. He told the elves of what Kingsley had decided about today and the service that evening. Then he said, "Well... I'd better go. See you later." He stood up, nodded at them and left the kitchen, heading towards the Great Hall.

He walked quickly, then paused outside the door. He hoped everyone wasn't too excited, still...

Wishful thinking.

The moment he walked in, as they noticed him, there was silence. Then an outburst of noise. Damn it. Everyone cheered him as he walked towards the Weasleys. He let it go on for a bit before raising his hands for quiet.

He looked around at them, and said, "Thanks for the welcome. I'm not too good at making speeches, but I will say this: all of you have done a world of good over this year. Knowing I had support helped keep me going. Particularly yesterday." he paused. "As for what I was doing; in the best interests of everyone, I can't tell you. Suffice to say I was weakening Voldemort -" (usual flinches and gasps) "- in preparation for the final stand. Continuing something for Professor Dumbledore."

The crowds gasped and whispered to each other. Harry smiled slightly. "I know the past year or so has been tough. I believe today is supposed to be a day of reflection. Let us use it to reflect on the year we've had – and the path that is now open for us to the future."

He turned and promptly sat down next to Ron. Ron muttered, "Uh, who said you're not good at speeches? That was a good one."

Harry blushed. "I was just trying to get away from any too-direct questions, and stating what I think." He muttered.

He looked at the other Weasleys. They were sitting nearby, talking to each other; Molly and Arthur were whispering, the three oldest appeared to be 'overviewing' their different perspectives of the Battle, and George...well... He wasn't talking to anyone. He was just staring into space, frowning. Every so often he would mutter something to himself.

Harry sighed and was about to go over to him when his friends appeared. Angelina, Lee, Oliver, Alicia and Katie sat down around him. Katie said softly, "I can hardly believe it's over. After everything..."

Lee said, "Do you reckon the swamp's undamaged? I couldn't get to it."

Angelina shrugged. "I dunno. I hope it is." she looked at George. "Who's idea was that? Why a swamp? I always wanted to ask..."

George's lips twitched. "It was F-Fred's idea. A mist's been done before... And it was more suited to the plan."

"It certainly succeeded as a diversion." Harry remarked.

Alicia said, "Do you remember that time in second year you turned Mrs. Norris into a rainbow-tabby cat?"

George frowned. "That – that wasn't us!" he sounded almost indignant. The girls exchanged glances. "Oh really," they said sarcastically. "So then it wasn't you two who accidentally turned Professor McGonagall rainbow a couple of weeks later?"

George gave a cracked smile. "She couldn't get the colours out of her hair for weeks... And her robes were permanently stained. We used really strong charmed dye – nicked it from Flitwick – and a Muggle paint-gun. I wonder if she still has them?" he looked around.
Lee's lips quirked. "I doubt we'd ever know. She swore she'd never wear them again."

Angelina grinned a little. "And then one of you -"

George interrupted, "Fred. It was Fred."
Angelina nodded and continued, "- and then Fred said, 'one day you will, Professor. I'll get you to. One day you will'."

"Earned himself an extra two detentions." Alicia smiled.

"Which we split even – only fair, really." George said.
Oliver sighed. "I acted like I hated it... But you two really livened up the Quidditch team. I loved how you two seemed to memorise my usual start-of-the-season speech."

Harry said, "And I never got a chance, but thanks for the toilet seat in first year. I never got to see it cos Madam Pomfrey confiscated it, but it was very... you."

George said, "You never got it? Aww, but we sanitised and painted it...enchanted it to sing the Gryffindor part of that year's song. You needed a cheerful throne."

Harry laughed. Ginny turned to him. "And...you know that Valentine? I wrote it for fun... The twins found it, and Fred sent it."

Harry leaned closer to her. "I should've known that was how they could sing the lyrics accurately! If it hadn't been performed in such a public place, I would've enjoyed it. As it was, it was very good lyrics."

Ginny giggled. They saw the Weasley brothers exchange glances.

Over the next hour, the Weasleys and twins' friends reminisced about Fred, focusing on the fun times, as he would've wanted. Then, Harry got up and made his way around the Hall to every grieving family. The families of those he had known were harder. Colin Creevey's family – Dennis and his parents – were very subdued. When Harry, being Harry, tried to apologise, his mother Anne waved it away. "He knew what he was doing, Harry. The boys made us - Craig and I - go into hiding when they left. I'm the granddaughter of a Squib and knew naught about magic...and Craig's a Muggle. He was fighting for that... And he was a month off seventeen..." her lips trembled and she looked away.

Harry became aware of three young people sitting nearby talking, and glanced over. It was Dennis Creevey and two girls of about the same age. "It wasn't your fault, Becky. Colin knew it was possible..." said one girl.

"But, Tasha, if I hadn't of refused to go, he wouldn't have needed to protect me... He might have seen Travers' curse..." said the other.

Dennis sighed. "He would've found someone else to protect. He said, this year, we were 'soldiers to be used'. He also told me before making me go that, to him, he was as good as overage. He knew – that is – what would be – a likely possibility. He wanted to make a mark against those Death Eaters..."

Becky nodded. "He was a true Gryffindor."

Harry smiled. "I'm sure he'd be glad you three are here, even though he couldn't be." The three looked at him. He continued, "It's that spirit that undermined Voldemort. He never realised just how strong a united force could be against him."

There was a heavy sound as Hagrid sat down next to Harry. "I wish you'd not say the name, Harry." he said, a little louder than necessary. Heads turned towards them. Harry smiled. "But I always have, Hagrid. And, he's gone now anyway. I know it's difficult to let go of the fear – especially since he Tabooed his own name, but eventually... Anyway, if you can't call him Voldemort -" (shudder from crowd) "call him Riddle, or Tom."

Hagrid frowned at Harry. "His 'riginal name?" Harry nodded. "It'd be the best 'revenge' in a way, because he hated it. You must have seen his reaction when I did."

Hagrid chuckled. "Yeh. I saw. Riled him up badly." he paused. "Riddle. Tom Riddle." he smiled at Harry. "Yeh. I could do tha'."

Harry smiled back. "There's not much point being afraid of the dead." he finished on a rather ironic note, considering Riddle himself had been afraid of death.

Dennis said, "It's a good idea for everyone, I reckon Harry."

As Harry stood up again, he looked across the Hall and caught Ron's gaze. After a moment, Ron sighed and nodded.

Harry found he was in high demand again because of that little spiel, so when he realised it was nearly two o'clock and he was hungry again, he decided to eat lunch out of the Hall. Ron, Hermione and Ginny were eating with the Weasleys, and Harry let them be. Backing into a corner for a moment, he pulled on the Invisibility Cloak and walked out of the Hall.

He walked up the first flight of stairs before taking it off and continuing on his way. He was going to the Hospital Wing, to have lunch with Remus and Tonks.

A few things happening in this chapter. A fair bit of scene-setting. Again, I must credit the memory-modification of Minerva to someone else. And if any of you are confused about Snape, please read my Power of Love story (it also contains detail of how Remus and Tonks survived, so go on), especially chapter four.